Hacia Delante! Scholarship

was born and raised in Senegal, where access to quality education and opportunities is limited for many, especially young girls. I was raised by a single mother, after my father abandoned us when I was still very young. I am his only daughter, and yet, he chose to walk away. While that rejection hurt deeply, it also lit a fire within me. I refused to let that pain become a chain. Instead, I transformed it into a source of strength. Through every difficulty—financial struggles, emotional wounds, and lack of support—I held on to one truth: I must move forward, and when I do, I will open the door for others. I chose to study forensic biology, not just because I love science, but because I see it as a powerful tool for justice. In my community and across Africa, too many women and children suffer in silence from abuse, violence, and injustice. Often, their voices are ignored because there is no evidence, no support, and no system willing to fight for them. I want to change that. With a degree in forensic biology, I plan to build capacity in criminal investigation and forensic science in Senegal, especially for cases involving domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human rights violations. Education will give me the skills and credibility I need to make real change. I want to return home and create training programs for young scientists, advocate for more government investment in forensic labs, and work with the legal system to ensure evidence-based justice. But my vision goes beyond science. Once I complete my undergraduate studies, I hope to continue with a master’s degree in international human rights law. Combining science and law will allow me to not only analyze evidence but also advocate for policy change, represent victims, and participate in international efforts to protect the rights of the oppressed. My ultimate goal is to work with global institutions like the United Nations or the International Criminal Court, representing voiceless communities and defending those who are most vulnerable. But even beyond institutions and systems, hacia delante also means grassroots change. I want to create community programs that educate girls about their rights, offer mental health support for survivors of abuse, and teach families how to build homes based on love and respect—not fear and silence. I want to show that a girl from a low-income background, abandoned by her father, can rise and lead—and help others rise with her. Every scholarship, every lesson, and every opportunity I receive is not just for me. It’s for my future children, my neighbors, and every girl who watches me and says, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.” That is what hacia delante means to me—walking forward with purpose, carrying the hopes of many, and leaving the door wide open behind me. In the end, education is not just about personal success. It’s about impact. It’s about healing. It’s about justice. And through science, law, and service, I am committed to helping my community move hacia delante—stronger, wiser, and freer.