Student | Community Advocate | Aspiring Legal Thinker
I am a sophomore at the United Nations International School in New York City with a strong interest in service, advocacy, and leadership. I am especially drawn to opportunities that allow me to support others and better understand how systems and decisions affect communities.
As a co-founder of the Youth for Nourishment Club at UNIS, I have taken on leadership responsibilities focused on supporting community-based service initiatives. I have also explored my interest in law through debate, coursework in criminal law at Columbia University, and internship experiences at a New York City law firm.
Outside the classroom, tennis has been an important part of my life, teaching me discipline, perseverance, and focus. Whether through athletics, service, or academic exploration, I strive to challenge myself, contribute meaningfully to my community, and continue learning from every experience.
A closer look at where my time and energy go — in and out of the classroom.
Volunteer work and community partnerships supporting people facing food insecurity — food drives, soup kitchen shifts, and fundraising.
View this pillar →Co-founding and running the Youth for Nourishment Club — coordinating volunteers, events, and partnerships.
View this pillar →Debate, legal coursework at Columbia, and an internship at a NYC law firm — exploring how law shapes everyday life.
View this pillar →Competitive tennis, and the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking it has taught me.
View this pillar →Enrichment programs and coursework beyond the UNIS classroom, connecting academic concepts to real-world issues.
View this pillar →Riaan brings the same discipline to organizing a food drive that he brings to a debate round — thorough, thoughtful, and always looking for how to do more.