(This article, reprinted with permission, featuring Aviv Melmed, class of 2002, appeared in The Columbus Dispatch on February 1, 2007)  2/10/07

AVIV MELMED, 23

The graduate of Bexley High School and Ohio State University won $125,000 on Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Fresh Meat, which aired during the summer on MTV. She teaches part time at Tifereth Israel, a Hebrew school.

In a society where beauty is bought and calories are compulsively counted, it comes as no surprise that today’s Generation Y-ers have listed fame as a top priority.

Talent, passion, drive and hard work — qualities that used to be the foundation of success and fame — have been unevenly exchanged for beauty, promiscuity and psychological disorders.

Years ago, one could have defined fame by names such as Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali and Bette Davis. Today, fame is personified by the Paris Hiltons and Flavor Flavs of the world.

To become a public figure, to be recognized by the public and to receive those monetary benefits that derive from public exposure are no longer accomplishments.

Reality television, YouTube, American Idol, MySpace and shows such as Who Wants To Be a Millionaire have created a venue for small-town folks such as I to obtain 15 minutes of fame and a small slice of the American dream.

As for my role amid this roller coaster, I am nothing more than a mere individual struggling to survive in today’s hard-knock society.

Fame and public recognition were never in my grand scheme, although it seems that fate was disappointed with my simplistic strategy. I actually tried out for the show only because my younger brother asked me to drive him so he could audition.

I seized the opportunity, although skepticism lurked throughout my body.

At the end of my ride, I began to confront the irony of it all and soon realized a great deal about life, fame and happiness.

Life is your collection of choices, but opportunities will never appear to those not willing to set insecurities aside and take chances.

Fame is a concept, often misconstrued. It is a roller coaster of envy and ridicule; it should be taken for what it is and nothing more — a ride.

Happiness doesn’t derive from fame. It can be found in even the least appealing of experiences and comes in realizing that you are a better person today than you were yesterday.

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