Monumental Milton

Some say Milton Syed embodies the “American Dream”—that with enough determination and diligence, anyone can achieve greatness. After growing up in the Bronx and with the help of a gifted education program by the nonprofit organization Prep for Prep, Syed came to Exeter and flourished, eventually leading clubs such as The Exonian Business Board, Exeter Investment Association, the Diversity Council and The Muslim Student Organization. In addition, he was recently chosen as an early member of the Cum Laude Society and was accepted to Harvard College this fall.Before Exeter, Syed’s opportunities for success were limited. He first encountered Exeter and other boarding schools when he began the Prep for Prep program, which guides socioeconomically disadvantaged students in New York City and the tri-state area to prepare for leadership in their communities. The program also helps students apply to independent schools for a superior high school education.“Prep for Prep is the most important thing that has happened in my life so far,” Syed said. “Many Prep students say ‘Prep for life,’ and I think that statement captures the true essence of the program.”Syed continued, outlining the impact that the program has had on his life. “For me, it represents the realization of the American dream; that with hard work and motivation, you can do anything you want. Without Prep [for Prep], I would have not gotten to know about Exeter, make the great connections I have, or get into Harvard. Prep continuously supports me in getting the resources I need to succeed and I can never be more grateful,” he said.Senior Joe Shepley, a close dormmate of Syed, admires the diligent and humble attributes of Syed and his journey to get to where he is today.“Around the dorm, he's known as Young Gatsby because he came from the Bronx where there is incredibly low opportunity,” Shepley said. “With hard work, he climbed the ranks of academia, and got in early to Harvard. With his motivation, intellect and business skills, he's on the path to give his children a life of which he could never have dreamt.”Although his journey to Exeter is impressive, Syed’s role in leadership throughout campus may be even more so.“Milton has been a great help to the community and is extremely involved on campus, from The Martin Luther King Jr. Committee and The Muslim Student Organization, to The [Exonian] Business Board, because he cares about others,” senior Ryan Harden said.One of the many clubs that Syed leads is Exeter Investment Association (EIA), which holds discussions on stocks and allows students to dip their toes in the basics of investing.David Kiger, a fellow co-head of EIA, commented on Syed’s characteristics and role in the club. “Milton is one of the most motivated and passionate people I've come across at Exeter. He has fully devoted himself to pursuing his interests at Exeter through all the clubs and activities he's involved in,” Kiger said. “I've gotten to work alongside him in EIA, and it has been a pleasure. I can, without a doubt, say that he acts as the face of the club—inviting speakers, organizing our massive inter-prep school competition, as well as weekly meetings as he strives to share the knowledge of investing with others in the Exeter community.”Laura Buell, one of the advisers of EIA, added, “Milton was always pleasant and courteous, and he always responded in a timely manner as well.”Indeed, Syed’s time at Exeter may be nearing its end, but he will continue to work ardently at Harvard, utilizing the same concentration and persistence that benefited him so much at Exeter.“Next year at Harvard, I wish to study engineering with a minor in economics. I've always known I wanted to do somethings hands-on that required a lot of math. I also had an interest in economics ever since middle school, particularly regarding how emerging third world economies work,” Syed said. “I decided to couple the passion of engineering with economics, because I feel it's a practical way to help people around the world and in America. I'm a firm believer in the free market and entrepreneurship, and I think we can reduce a lot of poverty and increase productivity by encouraging people to take control of their own lives and start their own businesses.”Most Exonians are aware of Syed’s academic and extracurricular strengths, but another special facet of Syed’s life is his religion. “Something interesting about Milton is that he is a devout Muslim,” Shepley said. “One of the things that makes me and Milton so close is our consciousness about our morality, morals and God, which few people at Exeter, in my experience, think about.”Syed is intelligent, studious and religious, but most importantly, he is a fun person to be around and a great friend.“Perhaps more noteworthy than all of his achievements, is the iconic smile that always seems to light up his face,” Kiger said. “His sense of humor and ability to make others laugh in almost any situation are also what make him special. He has already reached many of his life goals while at Exeter, and I wish him all the best on his continued pursuit of success in the future.”Harden believed that Syed would continue his successes throughout his life after Exeter, and that Syed was a role model for those around him. “Milton is going places and brings out the best in others. I've known him my entire time at Exeter and he really changed my work ethic for the better,” Harden said. “He is extremely helpful for homework and is an excellent sound board for ideas. He is fun to hang out with and is amazing at any Mario game. If you haven't had the chance to meet Milton, then definitely try before graduation.”