I started learning some English in Pakistan, but I really began to learn it well about three years ago when I moved to the United States. In the beginning, it was hard, but I had to learn fast to help my mom and do well in my new school. Now, I use English every day to talk to people, help my family with important things, and finish my schoolwork. Learning English was the first big step in starting our new life here. 2 (a) The biggest obstacle I faced was growing up without support from my father in Pakistan. He did not take care of us, he rarely visited, and he never gave us the money we needed to live. My mom and I had to face every problem alone. It was very stressful to try to focus on school when I was worried about our money and our safety. Feeling abandoned by my father made it hard to feel like I had a future. 2 (b) I overcame this by being brave and coming to the United States with my mom to start over. I decided that even though my father did not support us, I could support myself by getting an education. Instead of being sad about the past, I used it as a reason to work harder. I took control of my life by focusing on my classes and making sure that I do my best every day so my family can have a better future. 3 My mother is my role model. She is the strongest person I have ever known. Even when things were very bad in Pakistan and we were all alone, she never gave up on us. She did everything she could to bring us to America so I could go to school and be successful. I study hard every day for her. I want to show her that all her sacrifices and hard work were worth it. 4 (a) I plan to continue my education by going to college to study psychology. I want to learn the skills I need to get a good job and be successful in my Life career. I am going to stay focused, keep my grades high, and take every chance I get to learn new things. I know that finishing college is the key to the life I want for myself and my mother. 4 (b) After I finish my education, I hope to get a professional job so I can finally take care of my mother. I want to be the one who provides for our family since we didn't have that support before. I also want to help other people who move to this country and feel scared or alone. I want to show them that if you work hard and stay in school, you can change your life. 5 I give back to my community by helping other new immigrants who are struggling. Because my family had to do everything alone when we first arrived, I know how scary it can be. I help neighbors by translating for them or explaining how things work in this country. I try to be a friend to people who are new so they don't feel alone like we did when we first moved from Pakistan.

Taylor Swift’s twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, is a very special record because it looks back at her long career. It talks about the highs and lows of being in the spotlight and how she never gave up, even when things were hard. For me, the most moving performance of her career was when she performed the title track, "The Life of a Showgirl," during a special live event in late 2025. In this performance, she stood alone on stage and sang about a girl named Kitty who worked hard to become a star. This performance moved me deeply because it reminded me of my own journey moving from Pakistan to America. When my family and I arrived in the United States, I felt like I was on a stage where I didn't know any of my lines. Everything was new and scary. I had to learn a new language, try to make friends, and understand a different way of life. Just like the "showgirl" in Taylor’s song, I felt like I was being watched by everyone but didn't quite belong yet. Watching Taylor perform this song made me realize that even someone as famous as her feels tired or out of place sometimes. It taught me that being "brave" doesn't mean you aren't scared; it means you keep going even when your heart is racing. I found this performance moving because it shows the value of resilience. Taylor has been performing for almost twenty years, and she has faced many critics who told her to go away. Instead of listening to them, she worked harder and took control of her own story. This is exactly what my mother did for us. In Pakistan, life was very difficult for my family because my parents were separated and we had no help. My mother didn't wait for someone to save us; she became the hero of our story and brought us here for a second chance. When Taylor sings about the "price of stardom" and the hard work behind the scenes, I think of the long hours my mom works to give us a good life. This performance also influenced how I see my own future. Taylor’s message about "career longevity" and staying true to yourself has encouraged me to focus on my education. I want to build a career where I am as strong and independent as she is. I want to be someone who can look back one day and be proud of how far I have come, from a small town in Pakistan to a successful life in America. In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s performance of "The Life of a Showgirl" is my favorite because it is a story about survival and success. It shows that no matter where you start or how many people doubt you, you can still shine. Her music gave me comfort during my first few months in America, and her story gives me the courage to keep working toward my dreams every single day.

My experience with mental health started when I was very young and living in Pakistan. Because my parents were separated and my father was not there to help us, our home was often filled with stress and worry. I watched my mother struggle every day to provide for us, and sometimes we had to beg for help. This was very hard on my mind. I felt a lot of fear and sadness because I didn't know what our future would look like. However, these hard times also taught me that mental health is not just about being "happy"; it is about being strong enough to keep going when life is difficult. Moving from Pakistan to America was another big challenge for my mental health. When we arrived, everything was brand new. I felt overwhelmed because I did not know the language perfectly, and I felt like an outsider in school. There were many days when I felt anxious and alone. I was worried that I would never fit in or be successful. But during those times, I remembered how my mother never gave up. Her resilience helped me realize that it is okay to feel stressed or sad, as long as you find a way to talk about it and keep moving forward. This experience shaped my understanding of the world by showing me that everyone is fighting a hidden battle, even if they look okay on the outside. These experiences have shaped my goals for the future. I want to succeed in my education so that I can provide a stable life for my family. I want to make sure that my mother never has to worry again, which will help both of our mental health. I also have a goal to be a person who listens to others. In many cultures, like the one I grew up in, people do not like to talk about mental health or feeling sad. I want to help change that. I want to show people that talking about your feelings is a sign of strength, not weakness. My relationships have also changed because of what I went through. I value people who are kind and supportive. I try to be a safe person for my friends to talk to when they are feeling down. Because I know what it feels like to be scared and alone, I always try to reach out to others who seem like they are struggling. My relationship with my mother is even stronger now because we survived those hard years together. We are each other’s support system. In conclusion, my journey from Pakistan to America has taught me that mental health is a very important part of life. It has made me a more caring and resilient person. I want to use my life to prove that even if you start in a place of sadness and struggle, you can find peace and success if you take care of your mind and help others do the same.

My brand new Love Island challenge is called "Passport to Love." This game is all about how well the couples can work together when they are in a new and confusing place. I came up with this idea because when my family and I moved from Pakistan to America, we had to rely on each other for everything. In this challenge, the Islanders will have to "travel" through different parts of the villa to reach their final destination: a romantic date. The challenge starts with each couple being "locked" in a small area that looks like a busy airport. To get their "passports," they have to find hidden items in a giant suitcase full of messy clothes. This part of the game is funny because they have to throw clothes everywhere while trying to find their names on small tags. It tests how they handle stress when they are in a rush. Once they find their passports, they move to the next stage, which is the "Language of Love" obstacle course. In the second stage, one person in the couple is blindfolded. The other person has to give them directions to walk through a maze of giant suitcases and airplane seats. But there is a twist: they can’t use normal words like "left" or "right." They have to use special nicknames or "Love Island" slang to guide their partner. This part of the challenge shows if the couple really understands each other and if they can communicate well when things are difficult. If they bump into an obstacle, they have to start the maze over. The final stage is called "The Destination." The couples arrive at a giant map of the world on the floor. They have to work together to build a puzzle of a famous romantic city, like Paris or New York. The catch is that the puzzle pieces are heavy and slippery. They have to lift them together and fit them perfectly into the map. The first couple to finish their puzzle and "stamp" their passport at the finish line wins. The prize for winning "Passport to Love" is a private sunset dinner at the Hideaway. I think this challenge would be amazing for the show because it has a mix of everything: it is funny, it is physical, and it shows which couples are actually a good team. It reminds me of my own journey moving across the world. You learn the most about a person when you are trying to find your way in a new place. This challenge would prove which Love Island couples are ready for a real-life journey together.

I first became a fan of Sabrina Carpenter during a time of big changes in my life. When my family and I moved from Pakistan to America, everything felt very scary and loud. I was trying to learn a new language, fit into a new school, and understand a completely different culture. During those quiet moments when I felt alone or overwhelmed, I started listening to Sabrina’s music. Her songs became more than just catchy tunes to me; they became a way for me to feel brave in a place where I felt very small. I am a huge fan of Sabrina Carpenter because of her confidence and her honesty. In her songs, she talks about everything from heartbreak and feeling unsure to being bold and having fun. As a young woman starting over in a new country, I really needed to hear that it is okay to be yourself, even if you are still figuring out who that person is. Sabrina has a way of making her fans feel like she is their friend. She doesn't act like she is perfect, and that makes me feel like I don't have to be perfect either. Her music helped me realize that it is okay to have a "second chance" at life and that I should be proud of my story. Her career has impacted me by teaching me the importance of hard work and never giving up. Sabrina has been working since she was very young, and she had to wait a long time to become the superstar she is today. This reminds me of my own mother’s struggle. Just like Sabrina kept practicing and performing until she reached her dreams, my mother kept working until she brought us to a safer place. Watching Sabrina’s success makes me believe that if I keep working hard in my classes and keep trying my best, I can also reach my goals in America. She shows me that even if you start small, you can end up doing something big. Sabrina’s music also helped me connect with people in my new home. When I first arrived, I didn't know how to talk to other students. But when I heard someone else playing her music, it gave us something to talk about. It was the first time I felt like I had a "meaningful connection" with someone my own age in this country. Her songs gave me a sense of belonging when I felt like an outsider. In conclusion, Sabrina Carpenter is my favorite artist because her music gave me a voice when I was too shy to speak. She has impacted my life by giving me confidence and showing me that resilience is the key to success. Because of her, I am not afraid to be the "new girl" with a big dream. I am ready to work hard for my education and build a bright future, just like she did.

The most important person in my life is my mother. My relationship with her has made me the person I am today. She is not just my mom; she is my hero and my best teacher. Our bond became very strong because of the hard times we went through together in Pakistan before we moved to America. In Pakistan, our life was not easy at all. My parents were separated, and my father was almost never home. He did not provide money or food for us. This meant my mother had to do everything on her own. I remember seeing her struggle every single day. There were times when she had to ask other people for help or even beg just so we could have what we needed to live. It was very hard to watch her go through that, but she never gave up. She always put her children first and made sure we felt loved. This relationship taught me that real love means being there for someone when things are at their worst. It taught me that a person’s actions are more important than their words. This connection with my mother changed how I see myself. I learned that I have to be strong and independent. I saw that my mother did not wait for someone to save her; she saved us by bringing us to America for a new start. Because of her, I have a "never give up" attitude. When we first moved here, everything was scary. I did not know the language well, and the schools were very different. But whenever I felt like quitting, I thought about my mom. I told myself that if she could survive those hard years in Pakistan, I could survive a new school. She gave me the strength to work hard in my education so I can have a better life. My relationship with my mom also changed how I build connections with other people. Because my father was not there for us, I learned that trust is very important. This makes me very careful about who I choose to be my friends. I look for people who are honest and who do what they say they will do. I do not care about having a lot of friends; I care about having good friends who will stand by me. It also made me a very kind person. I know what it feels like to have nothing and to feel like no one is taking care of you. Because of that, I try to be the person who helps others. When I see a person struggling, I want to be the one who reaches out to them. I want to be a good friend and a helpful person in my community. In the end, my mother is the reason I want to succeed. She showed me that even if you start with nothing, you can build a better life if you stay strong and help each other. I want to be a person that people can depend on, just like my mom was for me.

I want to make a change in my life because I have seen how difficult things can be when you do not have a stable foundation. Growing up in Pakistan, my life was very hard. My parents were separated, and my father rarely helped us. My mother had to raise us all on her own, and there were many times when we had to beg just to survive because no one was taking care of us. I want to change my life so that I can be independent and never have to rely on anyone else for my basic needs. Moving to America was our first step toward this change, and now I want to use education to finish the journey. To bring myself closer to this goal, I have worked very hard to adapt to my new life in the United States. Since moving here, I have focused on my studies and learning how the system works in a brand-new country. It has not been easy to learn a new language and culture while also trying to keep up with school, but I have not given up. I have spent many hours researching colleges and looking for ways to fund my education because I know that a degree is the only way to build a better future for myself and my mother. This scholarship will help me by taking away the financial stress of paying for school. Because my mother worked so hard to get us here, I do not want to be a financial burden on her. This money will allow me to focus entirely on my classes and my career goals rather than worrying about how to pay for books or tuition. It is the "second chance" I need to prove that I can be successful despite the hard start I had in life. In the future, I plan to pay it forward by helping other immigrant students who are in the same position I was in. I want to be a mentor for people who feel lost or overwhelmed when they first arrive in this country. I will share my story to show them that it is possible to leave a bad situation behind and start over. By succeeding in my career, I hope to eventually provide financial help or guidance to students who are struggling to pay for their own education. I want to be the helping hand that my family once needed.

My life has been defined by the incredible strength of my mother. Growing up in Pakistan, my family situation was very difficult because my parents were separated. Even when my father was around, he was rarely home and did not provide the support we needed. I watched my mother struggle every single day to take care of us. It was heartbreaking to see her have to beg for the basic things we needed to survive. Eventually, we realized that no one was going to take care of us there, so we made the brave decision to move to America to start over. This experience of being raised by a single mother who sacrificed everything has shaped my entire view of the world and my future goals. Living through those hard times in Pakistan impacted me by teaching me the value of independence. I learned that you cannot always wait for someone else to step up and help; sometimes, you have to be the one to change your own life. My mother is my biggest hero because she never gave up on us, even when she was exhausted and alone. Her resilience is the foundation of my own character. Because of her, I am a person who works hard and doesn't complain when things get tough. I want to succeed in my education not just for myself, but to ensure that my mother never has to struggle or beg for anything ever again. In the future, I want to use my talents to do good and help people who feel as invisible as we once did. Even though I haven't decided on my exact career yet, I know that I want to be in a position where I can provide a safety net for others. I want to use my voice to speak up for women and children who are in situations like the one we left behind. I envision a future where I am a leader in my community—someone who creates programs or offers support to families who are struggling to find their footing. My goal is to be the person that people can turn to when they feel like they have no one else. Helping people is my main goal because I know exactly how much a little bit of help can mean. When we arrived in America with nothing, every small act of kindness from a stranger felt like a miracle. I want to pay that back by being a source of "good" in the world. I want to use my experiences to show others that your past does not have to define your future. My legacy will be one of turning pain into power. I want to build a life where I can provide for my family and also reach back to help others who are starting from zero. My mother’s hard work gave me a second chance at life in a new country, and I plan to use that chance to do as much good as I possibly can.

Moving from Pakistan to the United States was the most significant event of my life. I remember the day my family and I arrived; everything felt completely new and a little bit overwhelming. The language sounded different, the streets looked different, and even the daily routines were unfamiliar. However, despite all these changes, one thing stayed exactly the same: my parents’ deep belief that education is the most important tool a person can have. In Pakistan, I saw how hard people had to struggle when they didn't have the chance to go to a good school. Coming to America made me realize that education is not just about getting a degree; it is the ultimate key to building a life of stability and success. Education is deeply important to me because it is the bridge between the life I left behind and the future I am working to create. As a first-generation student, I am the first person in my family to figure out how the college system works in this country. This can be very difficult at times, especially when I have to translate things for my parents or figure out financial aid on my own. However, I see this challenge as a great honor. To me, education means gaining the knowledge I need to support my family and the skills I need to be successful in my future career. It is the best way I can show my parents that their sacrifices were worth it. They left their home, their friends, and everything they knew just so I could have a better chance at life. Every time I study late or pass a difficult test, I am honoring their hard work. When I think about the legacy I want to leave, I think about my family and other students who are just like me. I want to be remembered as someone who didn't just take the opportunities I was given, but someone who used those opportunities to help others. I want to be a role model for other immigrant students and first-generation Americans. I want to show them that it is possible to succeed, even if you start with very little or feel like you don't fit in at first. My legacy will be defined by resilience, which means never giving up even when things get hard. I want to make the path easier for my younger siblings and my cousins, so they know that our background is something to be proud of. In the end, I want to leave a legacy where my family’s name is known for education and kindness. By finishing my degree, I am changing the story of my family for all the generations that will come after me. I want to prove that no matter where you were born or what your first language was, you can make a real difference in the world if you have a good education and a strong heart. I hope my journey inspires others to keep dreaming big.

Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien was a woman of great bravery and determination. She was a brilliant engineer who moved to the United States all by herself in 2015. She did not have a big support system to help her when she first arrived. Even though she faced many hard challenges, she never gave up on her education or her big goals. I can relate to Maggie because I also moved to the United States to follow my dreams. Like her, I know what it feels like to start a new life in a completely different country where you have to build everything from the beginning. One way I am very much like Maggie is in my strong determination to succeed. When Maggie moved here, she had to be her own biggest supporter. As a first-generation student from Pakistan, I have faced many of the same challenges. I had to learn how to navigate a new school system and a new culture without any family members nearby to guide me. There were many times when things felt very difficult and lonely, but I always remembered that I moved here for a very important reason. Like Maggie, I am determined to become an expert in what I study. I spend many extra hours in the library and I am never afraid to ask my teachers questions because I want to be the best student I can be. I also relate to Maggie’s boldness. She was never afraid to speak her mind or take on new challenges. She loved to climb mountains and go skiing, which shows she was physically and mentally strong. I try to live my life with that same kind of courage. Even when I am nervous about a hard exam or a new project, I push myself to try my hardest. I believe that being bold means not being afraid to learn new things, even if they seem very difficult at first. Maggie’s life shows that moving to a new country is a big challenge, but it is also a big opportunity to grow. I want to use my time in college to prove that I can be a leader and a hard worker, just like she was. This scholarship would be a very big help to me because it would pay for my books and school supplies. It would let me focus on my classes instead of worrying about money. I want to honor Maggie’s memory by working hard every day and never giving up.

A movie that has had a very big impact on my life is called The Pursuit of Happyness. It is a true story about a man named Chris Gardner. He faces many very hard challenges while trying to give his young son a better life. Even when he loses his home and has no money, he never stops working toward his dreams. This movie is very special to me because it reminds me of my own journey and the hard work it takes to succeed as a first-generation student in a new country. Moving from Pakistan to the United States was a very big and difficult change for me. Like the man in the movie, my family and I had to be very brave to start a new life in a place where everything was different. When we first arrived, everything felt like a struggle. I had to learn a new language, find new friends, and learn how a different school system works. Watching the character in the movie study late at night while he was tired and hungry reminded me of my own life. I often spend many extra hours studying my school books and practicing my English so I can do well in my classes and keep up with my peers. The movie taught me that where you are right now is not where you have to stay. If you work hard and stay focused, you can change your future for the better. One of the best parts of the movie is when the father tells his son to never let anyone say he cannot do something. I think about this message every single day. Because I am an immigrant and a first-generation student, some people might think I cannot reach high goals or that college will be too hard for me. This movie gave me the confidence to believe in my own potential. It taught me that it does not matter where you come from or what language you speak at home. What matters is how much you are willing to try. I want to go to college so I can turn my hard work into a good career. I want to make sure my family’s sacrifices were worth it. This scholarship would be a big help because it would pay for my books and supplies. This would let me focus on my classes instead of worrying about the cost of my education. I am ready to do the work to get there.

Mental health and suicide prevention are very important topics for young people today. Many of us feel a lot of pressure to be successful. For students like me, who moved from Pakistan to the United States, there is even more pressure. We want to make our families proud and do well in a new country. Sometimes, this stress can make people feel very sad or lonely. If we do not talk about these feelings, they can become too heavy to carry. That is why suicide prevention is so important. It reminds us that there is always hope and that no one has to struggle alone. My own experience with mental health started when I moved to America. It was a very big change. I had to learn a new language and a new way of life. Many times, I felt like I did not fit in. In my culture, we do not usually talk about feelings like anxiety or sadness. I thought I had to be tough and keep all my feelings inside. This made me feel very isolated. I was worried that if I told anyone I was struggling, they would think I was weak. Over time, I learned that talking about my feelings actually made me stronger. This changed what I believe about life. I now know that it is okay to ask for help when things are hard. This has changed my relationships with my friends and family, too. I try to be a person who really listens. If I see a friend who looks sad, I ask them if they are okay. I want my friends to know they can talk to me without feeling ashamed. My experience has also changed my goals for my future career. I want to help people feel supported and seen. I want to work in a way that helps others who feel like outsiders find their place in the world. I want to show people from my community that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Going to college will help me reach these goals and become a leader. This scholarship would help me pay for my books so I can focus on my studies instead of worrying about money. I want to use my education to make the world a kinder place where people are not afraid to speak up and be more confident.

My journey toward a college education began long before I arrived in the United States. Growing up in Pakistan, I learned very early that education is a precious gift. It is not something that everyone gets to have. In my community, I saw many smart and talented people who had to stop going to school because they did not have enough money. Seeing this shaped my biggest dream. I knew that I wanted to go to college so I could build a better life for myself and my family. One of the biggest obstacles I have overcome is the challenge of starting over in a completely new country. Moving here was not easy. I had to learn a new language, understand a different culture, and get used to a new school system all at the same time. Because I am a first-generation student, I did not have anyone at home who could explain how things work here. I did not have a family member who could tell me how to apply for college or how to succeed in an American classroom. To overcome this, I had to be very brave. I learned to ask my teachers a lot of questions whenever I was confused. I spent many extra hours studying late at night to make sure I did not fall behind my classmates. This experience was difficult, but it taught me that I am a very hard worker. It showed me that I can handle big changes and still reach my goals. I want to attend college because I want to turn my hard work into a real career. I want to learn professional skills that will allow me to give back to my community. I want to help other people who are also trying to improve their lives. For me, a college degree is more than just a piece of paper. it is a door to a future where I can be stable, successful, and helpful to others. However, the cost of textbooks and school supplies is a big worry for me. It is hard to focus on my classes when I am stressed about how to pay for my materials. The Vernardo Book Scholarship would be a huge help to me. It would take away some of my financial stress and let me focus entirely on my grades. I am ready to work hard and show that anyone can reach their dreams if they stay focused.