Dreamer's Midpoint Scholarship

Being a non-U.S. citizen often feels like being a shadow, quietly existing on the periphery of the vibrant tapestry that is America. The poignant lyric "We are America's ghost writers" from the song "Immigrants: We Get the Job Done" in the Hamilton Mixtape resonates deeply with me, encapsulating the essence of our journey. We are citizens of nowhere, continually striving to carve our place in this land of opportunities. In my pursuit of higher education, I find myself entangled in the interplay of lights and shadows. Education, like a radiant light, represents hope and progress, illuminating the path to a brighter future. However, at times, it can cast shadows that seem to engulf me, as I grapple with the challenges unique to being a non-U.S. citizen. While others seem to effortlessly float along, I have often felt like I'm navigating through a vast sea, struggling to stay afloat. The inequalities in access to resources, financial aid, and opportunities cast these shadows, sometimes obscuring the path ahead. Yet, it is precisely within these shadows that my resilience and determination have been forged. I have learned to adapt, to find alternative ways to surmount the barriers before me. With each obstacle overcome, I emerge stronger, casting aside the weight of doubt and uncertainty. The shadows may sometimes be daunting, but they have also provided me with a distinct perspective. I have become acutely aware of the nuances and intricacies that shape the immigrant experience. This heightened awareness has ignited within me a desire to advocate for change, to shine a light on the plight of fellow non-U.S. citizens, and to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Through my unwavering pursuit of a civil engineering degree, I aspire to construct more than just physical bridges; I long to build a metaphorical bridge that not only enriches my community but also fosters a profound sense of connection among its diverse members. In the midst of these shadows, higher education becomes not just a distant light but a beacon of hope, a symbol of possibility and transformation. It is through education that I equip myself with the tools to craft my narrative and shape my destiny. I am determined to rise above the shadows, embrace the light of knowledge, and create a future that defies the limitations imposed by circumstances. As I continue on this path, I remember that shadows do not define us; they merely shape the contrast against which we shine our brightest. I am not a mere specter, but a force to be reckoned with—a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. I embrace the challenges, knowing they have not drowned me, but rather, have fueled my resilience and determination. I am a non-U.S. citizen with a story to tell, a narrative that defies expectations and celebrates the unique blend of cultures that resides within me. And as I cast aside the shadows, I rise, like the sun breaking through the horizon, illuminating a path of possibilities, and reminding myself that my journey, though unconventional, is one of significance and purpose.