I lost my grandmother two years ago. It was my mother's birthday, and we knew that my mother's mom was in the hospital for a while. My grandma had diabetes, and she was constantly in and out of the hospital since she would fall ill so quickly. We did not think of anything serious when she went to the hospital on the week of my mother's birthday, but when we found out that my grandma was on the ventilator, we knew it was serious. I remember staying home from school to surprise my mother for her special birthday, but I did not expect that her birthday would forever be celebrated differently. When my grandmother has passed away, I was the first out of the house to know. I did not want to believe it, I was in true denial. I only got to see my grandmother twice in my life. She was all the way in another country, and here I was, in Texas. The last time I did get to see her was ten years ago, but my mother would always have her on video call and my brother and I would always talk to her. My grandmother is one of the most sweetest people I have ever met, after my mother. I live with my father's side, and it is honestly quite a nightmare, living with people who barely care about you. The only sincere people I know other than my mother was my grandma and grandpa, but now they're both no longer in this world to watch us grow, and most specially, their own children. I felt like a piece of me was gone. My grandma would always call each day, calling me her beautiful sweet girl and since I also have an autoimmune disability, she would always check in to see if I had eaten healthy or drank any water. She would always give the best advice, and I would always would look up to her as my role model. She would protect me from everything even though she was all the way on the other side of the world. And now that she's gone, I am left with a family of my dad's side that makes me feel the complete opposite from what my grandmother provided me with. It took me two months to finally stop grieving and to pick myself up. I knew my grandmother wouldn't want any of her loved ones to cry over her, but she would want us to listen to her advice and move forward. I found my motivation to keep going because I remembered a piece of advice she had given me. She said "Abeer, whatever you do, do not let anyone take away the most powerful thing from you, and that is your education.". I realized that she was right, because there had been many times where my dad's parents tried to take me out of school and work at home. With education, I could achieve anything and even move out and live a happier life like I wanted. I was not a bright student after the deaths of my sister-in-law, my grandpa, and my grandmother. I was only seven when my sister in law passed away, and that did affect me majorly. So now, I do my best to go to school each day, since my health condition also prevents me from doing normal activities. I try my best to focus and get good marks, and now I will be graduation high school with my associates degree. I aspire to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, and provide help to the children who deal with health conditions like I did. Losing someone so importantly in your life is a major impact, but that should not ever mean you should ruin your own life from it. You continue to strive and make many successes. Not only will you be proud of yourself, but you will make your loss loved ones even prouder.

I have been living with rheumatoid arthritis ever since I was only two years old. I have been in hospitals once a month from the start of this journey, and I have seen and learned many things. I call the hospital my second home, thanks to all the nurses and doctors that have treated me. Their kindness and support wanted me to become a pediatric nurse as well. I want to give back to the hospital and community but giving the children in the hospital the same support I have received in the years I have been spending in hospitals. I want to help the children who also deal with a life-changing illness by providing them with comfort and kindness, so they can feel like they are at home as well. Not only do I want to provide help for their physical health as a nurse, but I also want to provide support for their mental health since I am also a person who has been through a long journey with a disability. In becoming a pediatric nurse, I aim to pay forward the kindness I've received, offering comfort and support to children facing life-changing illnesses.

Ever since I was two years old, I have spent one day every month of my life inside the hospital. I am not just an ordinary person, I am a woman who lives with a life-lasting condition called rheumatoid arthritis. I have spent most of my time in the hospital, getting treatments that did play a major role in my life. But as someone who spent time in a lot of clinics and hospitals, I started to call the hospital my second home. All the nurses and doctors felt like family to me. They treated me like a star. I hold so much respect for the healthcare workers because they do everything to make you feel like you're at home, which they succeeded in. As someone who would always make sure others are okay and happy, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in a position where I could continue to do what I am best at. I feel accomplished to know that I have provided some kind of care and assistance to someone, as it brings me the best feeling imaginable. I knew ever since I was just a young teenager, I wanted to work in the hospital, but I had no clue which position I wanted to work in. Did I want to be a doctor? Medical assistant? Nurse? Phlebotomy? There were just too many things to choose from! But now as a senior in high school, I realized that I wanted to become a pediatric nurse. I know the feeling of having a nurse caring so much for you as if you were their child, and I know the feeling when you have a nurse who truly makes you feel welcomed and you are at home. I wanted to return that to children in the hospitals that do not feel good. I want to give them the same warmness and kindness that I have been receiving from my nurses ever since I was just a little toddler. I plan on making a positive impact as a woman in the healthcare field by giving back. I want the young patients to know that they are heard and cared for and that they are not alone in what they are going through, so that would impact them physically and emotionally. Not only that, but I want to empower and motivate women, especially those who have strict cultures like mine. My culture normalizes women to go into engineering, law, or being a doctor or dentist. We see nurses as something that wouldn't be recognized, but I see nurses as superheroes. They will go out and do whatever the patients need to bring them comfort. They do much more than a doctor does, so I know as a matter of fact that nurses are what carry the hospital together. As a woman living with rheumatoid arthritis, hospitals have been my second home since childhood. The healthcare workers, my second family. Their compassion inspired my career choice, I want to be a pediatric nurse. I've experienced the impact of a nurse who makes you feel at home, and I aspire to provide that warmth to young patients facing health challenges. My goal extends beyond physical care. I want these children to feel heard, understood, and not alone. Coming from a culture that traditionally steers women toward specific professions, I see an opportunity to challenge norms. Nurses, in my eyes, are superheroes, as they bring comfort and stability to hospitals, doing much more than meets the eye.

All my life, I have always struggled with motivation to keep going with rheumatoid arthritis. I was only two years old when I was first diagnosed with the condition when my mother saw that my hands were shut as fists and they would not open at all. I spent my early childhood on many medications that were so strong, that it would make me feel more ill due to the major side effects. But eventually, when I turned five years old, my hands were back open, but I still had arthritis everywhere on my body. I started kindergarten, and I remember the first ever feeling of guilt and shame I had when I could not sit on the floor and crisscross like the other classmates in my class. Everyone in elementary and middle school would talk about me, referring to me as the girl who always stood since I was not able to sit on the floor comfortably without any help or assistance. I was not able to participate in any of the activities a child would always want to be in, such as gymnastics and cheerleading, or even playing sports. Now, as a senior in high school, I look back to all the things I have experienced while living with rheumatoid arthritis. Not only have I improved physically with my condition, but I also have improved my mindset. Sure, I still cannot sit on the ground without help or assistance, but I have been practicing to do so. And I have improved majorly. Everyone's comments about my condition have made me inspired to keep pushing, to prove that I am no longer the weak and shy girl I always was before. Sure, there are many days when I am feeling so bad due to my arthritis giving me the worst pain imaginable, but I will take my half-wasted day in bed and get up to stretch and massage the joints so I can get back on my feet again. I used to be so insecure about my condition, that I always hid my hands since my fingers were slightly crooked and stuck in a bent position. I would keep myself hidden in my room since I felt ashamed of being disabled. Now, I am proud to show who I am. I am not afraid to show people that I have an illness that limits me from many things I always wanted to do. It brings me so much confidence to keep going and to see all the things I missed out on. Just because I cannot join a volleyball team does not mean I can never play it. I have been practicing volleyball every summer for the past four years with my friends. I think that just because you are dealing with an autoimmune disease does not ever mean you cannot do the things you always wanted to do. Anyone's comment to you should not matter to you. If it makes you happy, then you continue to do it. Whatever keeps you happy, I know it will improve your mindset and even your health. And your health always comes first.

My name is Abeer Hashmi Humayun, a high school senior with a heartfelt aspiration to become a nurse in the future. I've chosen nursing as my path because it embodies my innate desire to provide compassionate care and support to those in need. Nursing is not merely a profession but a calling, and it aligns perfectly with my core values of empathy, service, and making a positive impact on the lives of others. I've chosen Texas Woman's University for its renowned nursing program, ensuring I receive the best education to excel in the healthcare field and make a meaningful impact. While many may see me as a quiet Muslim girl, my friends and family know me as someone who radiates positivity and brings smiles to others' faces. However, beneath this sunny disposition, my life has been a tapestry of challenges, including coping with a disability. As I share my journey in this scholarship application, I want to convey how these experiences have shaped me and my unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world of healthcare through nursing. My friends have witnessed me navigating through numerous challenges, yet I remain the one who brings cheer and laughter into the room. However, this outward positivity often conceals a critical obstacle I face. I have a tendency to suppress my own emotions, which I recognize as an unhealthy coping mechanism. It's essential to open up to others during difficult times. Additionally, I sometimes find myself grappling with maintaining a strong focus on my faith. While I have worn the hijab for six years and diligently pray five times a day, I acknowledge the need to further deepen my spiritual connection. My dedication to my studies often overshadows other aspects of my life, which I aim to rectify. On a brighter note, my strengths lie in my unwavering support for others, where I offer kindness and respect even in the face of disrespect. I excel in problem-solving, possess a creative mindset, and am an effective communicator, offering valuable advice when needed. I have also learned the importance of self-reliance, taking on challenges independently, and growing through those experiences. Since childhood, Disney's 'Tangled' has been my favorite movie, not just for its enchanting storyline but for the profound lesson it imparts. Just as Rapunzel defies her captor to embark on a journey of self-discovery, I, too, have overcome obstacles to pursue my aspirations. As a young Muslim woman, I've learned the importance of embracing my true self, breaking free from constraints, and finding happiness and love through determination. 'Tangled' has reminded me that our past doesn't define our future, a belief I apply to my journey toward a nursing career and my deepening connection with Islam. My greatest achievement as a Muslim has been the profound impact I've had on my friend's spiritual journey. It brings me immense joy to know that I played a role in inspiring her to start wearing the hijab and get closer to Islam. Our friendship has become a platform for meaningful conversations about religion, as she constantly seeks my guidance and knowledge. It's a testament to the power of our shared faith, as it has the ability to bridge understanding and foster a deep connection between people from different backgrounds. Witnessing her curiosity and genuine interest in Islam has not only enriched our friendship but has also reaffirmed my own faith and commitment to the path I have chosen. This achievement is a reminder of the positive influence we can have on the lives of those around us when we embrace our beliefs with sincerity and authenticity.

Out of every Disney character, there is in the world, my favorite will always remain Rapunzel. She has been my favorite ever since I was a little girl and she inspires me yet to this day. I remember when I started to first like her as a girl, she would inspire me to let my hair grow just as long as hers. Rapunzel has helped me grow up throughout my years as she is not afraid to stand up for herself which is like me. I am never afraid to stand up for what is right of mine, and I always had that naive character like her when I was younger. Rapunzel inspires me to push harder and step out into what I love. Sure, she did have her prince charming, Flynn Rider to help her realize that she can take the courage and that adventure is a part of growing up, but I'll give him the credit as well since he showed me that Rapunzel's outcome turned out to be the best. Just like Rapunzel, she had a figure that held her back from doing what she loved most and I happen to have the same things going on just like her. I have many dreams and adventures I would really love to go on but I'm always held back from this person in my life who lives with me. Because of this princess, I had my life changed by for fighting what I love most. Rapunzel has been a part of my entire life, she just only gave me dreams and morals each time I grew up. From wanting to grow my hair as a little five-year-old to now pushing hard and fighting for what I love as a sixteen-year-old, Rapunzel has been my favorite always as she helped me through the perfect times of my life. Maybe in the future, she will help me believe in strong love just like she has a huge love for Flynn Rider.

I was two years old when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Growing up with bent joints, I thought my life was over. I had my joints all over my body restricted from opening fully as a normal person could. My friends were in gymnastics and sports that I was surely unable to do since I wasn't made to do them. I would watch them quietly in sadness as they performed their hobby I wished to do, but I then realized I can do the things I always wanted to always do from my childhood. I had been on more than five treatments to recover from my arthritis. My hands may look normal but my fingers are still slightly bent and crooked. I still cannot sit on the floor and do many things, but I knew if I wanted to be stronger and do what I love, I had to push myself from my struggle. I started to do flexibility stretches and exercises to slowly get over the discomfort to confidence. I never took to find myself to be more active and outgoing from being so consistent and to actually see that my joints were giving in to what I've always wanted to do. But when I started high school, my health decreased a huge amount. I gained weight and my joints progressed back to their terrible shape. I lost motivation for everything, especially with the pandemic lockdown and I got back to the same position where I first was, but worse. I did not have the motivation to go to school, go outside, to be social, all I did was isolate myself in my room all day. I started to ache all over and not feel good due to my condition worsening, but I saw a photo of me back in middle school in the orchestra, and I realized I let myself to a huge struggle. If I could manage to make it to the first chair in concert orchestra as a woman who has bent fingers and uses one finger on the viola strings, from pushing myself to do what I was passionate about, then why not be the same as my younger self? My biggest dream and goal is to get into one of my dream schools, but since I haven't been so motivated, I realized I needed to put more strength towards my education and fitness to actually get to my destination. This dream is one of my biggest ones to exist, so I motivated myself to get up each day and attend classes each day and participate to make my grades higher. I also got to start and lose weight and which is something I would never expect to do these days from the ninth grade, but I am much better. I made sure to use my struggle as a huge strength by pushing myself out of my comfort and realizing that goals and dreams are indeed possible, only if you make an attempt and try. To those who struggle with an autoimmune disease, it can be so hard to do things, but if you try and push yourself to do what you always wanted to do, you will indeed make it with the right motivation. I have all high grades in my class and I got to get much healthier when I never took myself to become because of my illness. But if I can do it and get to my goals, so can you.

When it comes to losing a loved one, things never become the same again. I lost my sister on Christmas Eve when I was only seven years old, and I lost my grandmother last year. These two loving figures mattered so much, as they gave me the love no one else could. They motivated me and showed me how to accomplish many things, but things weren't been the same since. I fell into depression and anxiety from a young age and I was completely stopped from doing the things I loved. My grandma lived in Pakistan and I only visited her twice, yet we had a huge bond as if she lived with me here, and my sister lived in New Jersey, but she was always visiting. For many years, I fell into an deep and dark space. I felt lonely. Only two years ago, I started high school, and I realized what I had gotten myself into. I let myself come to this terrible person. What would they think of me if my sister and grandma were still here? I had failed them. They always wanted me to continue being happy and to keep doing what I loved. Did I do that? No. I was the complete opposite of what my loved ones expected me to be. I slowly suddenly realized that my surroundings were becoming more terrible to the point where I needed to fight to achieve success. I started to focus on myself, I started a business to save money for my college funds, and I was more outgoing and different than before. It was like I was a changed woman. My dream is to attend my dream university that is outside Texas, but with the current surroundings I live in, my family is making me apply to a school here in Dallas. I started to lose hope that I won't be able to achieve my dream and that I'll fall into the same dark depression but I felt as if my sister and grandma were beside me. I could imagine them telling me that they wanted me to push harder. If I could fix my terrible state and become an improved woman, then why can I not finish and accomplish my dreams? I already came this far but yet I do not have a job or a highly successful jewelry business to get the desired amount to head to California. My grandma and sister never got to finish what they wanted especially college, so it motivated me harder to get scholarships and work harder and smarter in school to get accepted to one of my dream schools. Losing a family member is hard, it crushes you. But when you realize that these loved ones want to see you happy, and they especially fight for your happiness, then continue doing that for yourself. I realized that no one could have helped me two years ago and I had to work and fight for myself to where I am standing today. And maybe, just hopefully, I will be standing in my dream school in one year.

As-salam. My major will be pre-med studies in biology. Biology has been my favorite subject since the ninth grade, and I am passionate about learning how cell and animal lives start. Biology shows us the importance of how lives start, how genes are linked, and how diseases are made. My mother always tells me to have the best career and education that would make me successful. My father also wanted me to become a doctor, which is what I want to pursue. Of course, I chose the path to becoming a doctor, but I wanted to be a doctor that many Muslim women struggle to find most of the time. The field I am pursuing is the OB/GYN field because when you are living in the United States, there are many male doctors in the same field or certain doctors we Muslim women do not feel comfortable with when it comes to reproductive health and modesty. I want to be able to help provide the best care for all women, especially our Muslim women who inspire me to pursue medicine. It is very important to me to achieve a higher education because most of my family never really finished college or got a degree. My father was the only one to graduate from a college here in the United States, and my brother is also finishing his studies in Computer Science. I am the only daughter of my family and it makes me proud to think that I would be the first female to graduate with a medical degree and to be a doctor. Many people do not get the opportunity for higher education like my mother, so I am doing everything I can to make her proud and myself to go to university. I do also have a physical condition of Rheumatoid Arthritis so that also gets a hold of me and I tend to get ill a lot, but I do try to push myself to study and do what I can for higher education. I aspire to get accepted to a medical program after achieving my degree. I do want to become a doctor so that I can help women with their health and comfort. I have been volunteering a lot in the last year. When the covid-19 cases lowered, many opportunities opened up so I volunteered at my school to help clean messes outside, set up for events, and most importantly I am a part of my mosque's volunteer team. In Ramadan, every day we would make up to 600 boxes of dinner boxes for those in need. We cleaned up the masjid at each event we have, we served food at Eid events, and we meet each month to host youth nights. Being a Muslim means a lot to me. I am blessed each day to call myself a Muslim and have the beauty to wear the hijab. I am lucky enough to read five prayers even though I am disabled and not allowed to sit on the prayer mat as everyone usually does. I get to sit on my chair to pray and talk to Allah, thanking him for what I have each day. Islam is very beautiful, as we are the most kindhearted people. Many people do not realize it, but being a Muslim is a beautiful blessing.