NEDA
I can't tell you the number of times I've listened to bands that are virtually unknown play their heart out in front of a crowd of a few dozen. There's something about discovering a talent so innocent and unscathed that makes you feel as though you are watching magic happen.

The same can be said when I watch Nima Beik on the soccer field. A young player with so much drive and ambition who plays like the whole world is watching him is a delight to see on any pitch. Having watched Nima from a young age, it has been a remarkable journey watching him progress into a young man with an extraordinary gift. Nima's best position is easily the left striker, but he would happily play left midfield if necessary.

As left striker, I've watched Nima create opportunities for his teammates, score spectacular goals and dazzle his opponents with his fancy footwork. An avid soccer fan, Nima watches his idols on the field religiously hoping to emulate their moves, a task he is keen on improving. As an unselfish player, Nima truly comprehends the concept of teamwork. His movement of the ball around the field shows his understanding of the fluidity of soccer and the beauty of the game.

Athletics is not the only thing Nima excels at, he is also an excellent student ranked at the top 15% of his class. He will be graduating from Sunrise Mountain High School on May 21st 2009. At school, Nima is also a member of his high school soccer team. Some of his achievements have included captain of the High school's team, MVP as well as becoming a member of the all-region team. Nima has also made the honor roll each year for high school.

ERIC BERGE
Nima Beik, a former student and soccer player of mine, deserves recognition and recommendation for his effort and attitude. It is my sincere pleasure to recommend him for admission to Cornell, and I am sure that, should he be accepted, he will succeed. Nima has played on the varsity soccer team here for four years. During this time, I have come to know him well, and I hope I can count him as one of my friends. Nima was elected captain his junior year-a testament to his work ethic and attitude, and he has continued in that capacity over the summer by organizing open-field practices and summer indoor games for his players. When Nima asks his teammates to pitch in, they do. Nima earns this type of respect from his co-players because he leads by example: his work effort in games and at practices sets the tone for the rest of the team. It is hard for anyone to rest on their laurels with Nima around because he is constantly pushing himself to excel. Not only does his effort surprise, but his attitude allows other players to feel comfortable to disagree with rules he has established, and when they have, he listens and then communicates their complaints to the coaching staff in a way that allows all sides to win. Nima's positive effort and proactive attitude will help him to stand out at Cornell. Nima has the intellectual faculties to succeed at Cornell, as he has in high school, but as we all know, intelligence isn't enough. Nima is successful because he has coupled his intelligence with his effort. Nima, of course, is one of the smartest students I have met, but he doesn't suffer from laziness or apathy as some do. He applies his intelligence to his studies on a daily basis. He understands that a well-rounded individual is in need of an excellent education, and he has worked towards this end by taking advanced classes and excelling in them. >From my perspective, Nima's best quality is the way he cares. He cares for others which enables him to constantly offer positive advice and reinforcement. This sense of caring is why he is constantly described as having a good attitude. What's more, it is his caring nature that helps him to be so successful in classes. He cares about the world and his future in it; this is his effort is outstanding, always, and why I am so pleased to recommend him for admission to Cornell.