Service has always been an important part of my life, and many of the values I carry today were shaped during my time growing up and in school. I graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in Huntington, where service and faith were strongly emphasized. During high school, I was involved in Friar Faithful and the Special Needs Ministry. Through these programs, I had the opportunity to volunteer and spend time with individuals with disabilities in my community. Those experiences were meaningful to me because they showed me how small acts of kindness, patience, and inclusion can make someone feel valued and supported. It taught me that service is not always about doing something large or visible, but about showing up for others. Now as a student at St. John’s University studying legal studies with a minor in criminal justice, service continues to guide my goals. I am involved in student government as a senator and serve on the SGI Senate Accessibility Committee. I am also involved with the Accessibility Committee Club. Through these roles, I work with other students to advocate for accessibility and inclusion on campus. Many students face barriers that others may not immediately see, whether those barriers are physical, academic, or financial. Being involved in accessibility initiatives has shown me how important it is to listen to students’ experiences and push for improvements that help everyone feel supported and able to succeed. My interest in law comes from a desire to continue serving others in a meaningful way. The legal system has a huge impact on people’s lives, and not everyone has equal access to legal guidance or resources. As someone pursuing a career in law, I hope to use my education to advocate for individuals who may feel unheard or overwhelmed by complex systems. Whether it is helping someone understand their rights, navigate legal processes, or access opportunities they might not otherwise have, I believe that law can be a powerful tool for service. One issue that has stood out to me during college is how financial barriers can limit students’ opportunities. Many internships, especially in public service and legal fields, are unpaid. I have spoken with classmates who want to gain experience but cannot afford to take unpaid positions because they need to work to support themselves or their families. Seeing this motivated me to start researching the possibility of creating a public interest fund at my university that could help support students who want to pursue these opportunities but cannot afford to do so otherwise. To me, service also means recognizing problems and trying to find solutions that help others. Mrs. Marion Makins’ legacy of faith, education, and community service reflects values that I deeply respect. Like her, I hope to use my education not only for personal success but also to uplift others. Through my studies, leadership roles, and future career in law, I want to continue building a life centered on service and making a positive impact in my community.

Growing up Palestinian has shaped the way I see the world and the responsibility I feel toward my education and future. My heritage is rooted in resilience. Palestinians carry stories of displacement, perseverance, and rebuilding despite difficult circumstances. Hearing those stories growing up made me understand how valuable opportunity is. It also made me realize that education is one of the most powerful tools a person can have. Because of my background, I have always felt a strong responsibility to make the most of the opportunities available to me. Being Palestinian has taught me the importance of determination, community, and standing up for others. Those values continue to guide the decisions I make in my life and in my education. I am currently pursuing a degree in Legal Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice at St. John’s University, and my goal is to pursue a career in law. I want to become an attorney because I believe the law has the power to protect people and create meaningful change. At the same time, I know that many people struggle to understand the legal system or do not have access to the help they need. I want to be someone who can help bridge that gap and advocate for individuals who feel unheard. My goal is simple: I want to help people. Whether someone is facing a legal challenge, struggling to navigate complex systems, or simply needs someone to stand beside them, I want to make a difference. That belief is one of the reasons I chose to study law. During my time in college, I have also tried to use my voice to support other students. One idea I have been working on is creating a public-interest fund that would help students participate in internships that they otherwise could not afford. Many students want to gain experience in public service or the legal field but are forced to turn down opportunities because they need to work instead. I believe every student deserves an equal chance to pursue their goals, and I want to help create more access to those opportunities. Receiving the Fakhri Ali Abukhater Memorial Scholarship would mean a great deal to me. It would support my education, but it would also remind me that the values of curiosity, determination, and perseverance continue through students like me. Like Fakhri, I hope to turn opportunity into something meaningful not only for myself, but for the people around me. As a Palestinian student pursuing a career in law, I hope to honor my heritage by working hard, staying committed to my goals, and using my future career to help others. This scholarship would help me continue that journey.