Growing up between two worlds of New Jersey and Bangladesh, I saw the big difference in what people can have based on where they live. When I visited Bangladesh, where my parents were born, I saw children without warm clothes in winter. I saw families who could not join Eid celebrations because they had no money. I saw communities stuck in poverty even though the people worked hard and never gave up. This was not just about money. It was about hope. In America, I could go to school, see a doctor, and dream big dreams. In Bangladesh, I met people who were just as smart and deserving but could not reach their goals because of their situation. This thought stayed with me for years until I asked myself: "What am I doing about it?" This question led me to start Crescent Wings NJ, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization when I was sixteen. It started as a simple clothing drive but grew into something bigger. It became a link between communities far apart but joined by caring. We first focused on basic needs: warm clothes for Bangladesh winters when cold weather can surprise people who are not ready. We then added Eid clothes, knowing that feeling good and taking part in celebrations matters just as much as staying warm. Starting Crescent Wings taught me that real change needs more than just wanting to help. It needs hard work, good planning, and the power to make others care too. I had to learn about complex legal rules for nonprofits. I had to figure out how to ship things across the world. I had to find people who would help for free. These tasks tested me in ways school never did. Each problem taught me something new and made me a better leader. What makes me happiest about our work is not the big numbers or the growing donations. It is the stories of real people. An old woman got her first new winter shawl in ten years. A young boy could go to Eid prayers without feeling ashamed because he had clean, nice clothes. A teenage girl wrote to us saying that the school books we sent with the clothes made her want to keep studying. These stories changed what I want to do with my life. I now know my goal is bigger than just my own success. I want to build systems that fight unfairness at its source. This goal guides what I study as I learn about world development, running nonprofits, and creating businesses that help society. I plan to grow Crescent Wings by adding small loan programs and education projects to our work. I want to help people stand on their own instead of always needing aid. To honor how Bangladesh has changed my life, I want to live by the main idea of the Sewing Seeds scholarship. I believe that even small actions can grow into big changes. Just like Lena B. Davis planted seeds of hope with simple, kind acts each day, I want to keep creating chances, respect, and hope in communities that most people forget. The space between New Jersey and Bangladesh once showed me how unfair life can be. Now it shows me what is possible. It shows me that caring can cross any distance. It shows me that the seeds we plant today can grow into a fairer world tomorrow.

From a young age, I have always been fascinated by the magic of flight and the idea of soaring through the skies. My family and I traveled often, and I was always in awe of the planes we boarded and the intricate mechanics behind them. I remember being fascinated by how these massive machines were able to defy gravity and soar through the air with such ease and grace. As I got older, my curiosity about the maintenance and upkeep of these machines only grew stronger. I was curious about the process that ensured these planes were in top condition for flight and how they were able to stay aloft for hours on end. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career in aircraft maintenance, and I am excited to share my story of why I am passionate about this field. One of the most compelling reasons I am drawn to aircraft maintenance is the lack of women's representation in the field. According to recent studies, women make up only about 5% of the aviation maintenance workforce, and I am determined to challenge this disparity. I believe that women have just as much potential and capability in this field as men do, and I am eager to demonstrate this through my work and achievements. I want to inspire other women to consider careers in aviation maintenance and to show that this field is not just for men. Moreover, I understand the stigma surrounding women in male-dominated fields like aviation, but I am not discouraged by this. Instead, I am motivated to prove that women have what it takes to succeed in this field and to break down these barriers. I am determined to work hard and strive for excellence, and I believe that my efforts will pave the way for other women to follow in my footsteps. In addition to the lack of representation for women, I am also drawn to the challenge and complexity of aircraft maintenance. This is not just a job, but a true art form that requires a great deal of skill, precision, and attention to detail. The idea of being able to take apart a machine and put it back together with my own hands, ensuring that it is in top condition, is incredibly appealing to me. My passion for aviation, combined with my desire to challenge the lack of representation for women in the field, has driven me to pursue an education in aircraft maintenance. I am excited to use my skills and education to make a positive impact in the industry and to demonstrate that women have a place in this field. I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I will be able to achieve my goals and make a lasting contribution to the aviation community. Whether I am performing routine inspections or troubleshooting complex mechanical issues, I know that I will be doing what I love and making a difference in the process.

Growing up, I was always exposed to the inequalities present in our society and it had a profound impact on me. I remember visiting Bangladesh and seeing the poverty and lack of resources that so many individuals and families faced. This sparked a desire in me to want to make a positive impact and bring about change in the world. From a young age, I was determined to be an active participant in creating a more equal and just society. My passion for helping others led me to start volunteering and getting involved in various organizations. I was fortunate to have opportunities to learn and grow as a leader through these experiences. One of the most significant organizations I have been a part of is Crescent Wings USA, where I serve as the Executive Director and Founder. Through this organization, I have the opportunity to work with other young people to promote charitable activities that target disadvantaged and underrepresented social groups. We have created joint international projects for high school students to experience new service opportunities, and through our efforts, we have raised $1,721 towards a spring clothing drive for Bangladesh and $200+ for Ukraine medical and survival supplies. Another important role I hold is as the New Jersey Division State Vice President for Connect Students Around the World. In this position, I am responsible for planning and organizing for which volunteers can efficiently teach kids in Bangladesh elementary level English, numbers, and grammar, to help them grow into their future knowing proficiency level English. As the Director of Outreach and Communications for the Computer Literacy Program, I have had the opportunity to promote charity events to international donors directed toward funding computers for underprivileged educational facilities in Bangladesh. In this role, I have been able to work with other outreach teams in countries such as London, Bangladesh, and Australia to promote social events affiliated with CLP and support event coordination for fundraising. Despite the challenges I have faced in my journey, I am not deterred. I believe that I have what it takes to overcome obstacles because of my strong determination and unwavering commitment to my beliefs and values. I have developed strong leadership skills through my experiences in various organizations and I am not afraid to take on challenges. My ability to work well with others and my strong communication skills enable me to effectively advocate for and support marginalized communities. In the future, I plan on giving back to those less fortunate than myself by continuing to be an active member of organizations that promote equality and advocate for marginalized communities. Additionally, I hope to use my skills and knowledge to create programs and initiatives that support and empower individuals from marginalized communities. I also plan on volunteering my time and resources to support organizations that work towards alleviating poverty and improving the lives of those in need.