Matt Zients

Welcome to my world! I love sports and consider myself to be a global citizen. I cherish opportunities to be involved in clubs and activities both at school and in my community. One day, I hope to be a social entrepreneur!

ConnectandCare.org works to change the culture of philanthropy using an innovative mobile app. We hope to create a more personal and sustainable relationship between NGOs and their donors. The project was started in the LearnServe Young Fellows program, a social action and entrepreneurship program.

I love photography. Through photography, I am encouraged to explore and go outside my comfort zone. Here is my photo website: http://www.matthewclive.net/

Since sophomore year, I have taken weekly Swahili lessons with a private teacher. Swahili is an interesting mix of Bantu languages, Arabic, German, and others. I have also traveled to Kenya and Tanzania where I have been able to practice my skills.

Lacrosse has been my favorite sport ever since I quit playing baseball. I love the fast-paced nature of the game. At my old school, I was on JV for two years. Now, I am going into my second year on varsity and was just elected captain.

Some of my most formative learning experiences have taken place while doing service projects. I have worked with various organizations including the African Leadership Academy, Global Leadership Adventures, Urban Alliance, and Special Olympics.

Summer of 2013: Three weeks as a research assistant at Venga, a restaurant industry software start-up. Summer of 2014: Four weeks as a photography intern at Live Magazine in Cape Town, South Africa.

After playing for three years in middle school, I took a hiatus from football. When I got the opportunity to join the team in the middle of the season during my junior year due to low numbers on the team, I jumped on it. I play center and middle linebacker.

Action for Women is a school club that I lead. The club is an open discussion forum for all high school students to explore and engage in dialogue about different issues surrounding gender. I have learned a ton from this club and really enjoy our weekly meetings.

Last year, a friend of mine had a cool idea. He wanted to bring Humans of New York to our school. Ever since, we have posted a new picture daily on our Facebook group. I am the photographer and relish these opportunities to learn more about my peers and teachers.

We Read DC is a totally student run organization that promotes literacy in DC area schools. I have helped coordinate book drives and book shares and always have fun visiting our partner school, E.L. Haynes. For the last two years, I have been a chapter director at my school.

SAI is a club at our school that seeks to create a platform through which students can explore social justice issues and take action to combat them. We worked to shift the focus of the organization and are excited by our results.

I recently started taking part in performing arts at Maret. It has been a really fulfilling experience and I cherish the rehearsals and performances. I have performed in a one act play. This year, I will be in another one act play and was just casted in Shrek! The Musical.

Best ACAC in the country. I was honored to share the stage with the legendary Keating Sherry!