As a devout Muslim high school student, my aspirations to pursue a career in the medical field, specifically as an OB/GYN, are deeply intertwined with my faith and the teachings of Islam. Central to my belief system is the principle of compassion and service to others, values that resonate profoundly with the profession I aspire to enter. In Islam, the importance of helping others, especially those in need, is emphasized time and again. The teachings of our faith underscore the significance of alleviating suffering and promoting well-being, particularly for marginalized communities. There is a well-known Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that states, "Whoever saves one life, it is as if they have saved the entire humanity" (Quran 5:32). This profound teaching underscores the sanctity of human life and the immense reward in helping others. With this guiding principle in mind, I am committed to using my career as an OB/GYN to create a better world for women all across the globe. One of the pressing issues that I am passionate about addressing is the lack of access to sanitary products and essential healthcare information for women, particularly in underserved communities. My vision extends beyond simply providing medical care; it encompasses a holistic approach to women's health that includes education, empowerment, and advocacy. I am determined to work towards ensuring that women everywhere have access to the resources and support they need to manage their reproductive health effectively and with dignity. In pursuing my dreams of becoming an OB/GYN, I am driven by a profound sense of responsibility to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, guided by the teachings of Islam. Whether through providing medical care, advocating for policy change, or conducting outreach and education initiatives, I am committed to serving as a beacon of hope and healing for women in need. Furthermore, I am dedicated to sharing the principles of compassion, empathy, and service inherent in Islam with my colleagues and peers in the medical field. By embodying these values in my interactions with patients and colleagues alike, I hope to inspire others to join me in the pursuit of creating a more just and equitable world for all. In essence, my career aspirations as an OB/GYN are deeply rooted in my faith and the teachings of Islam. Through my work, I aim to fulfill the prophetic mandate of saving lives and making a positive impact in the world, one patient at a time.

As I stand at the threshold of my final year in high school, I find myself at a crossroads, eagerly anticipating the journey that lies ahead—a journey into the captivating realm of medicine, with a fervent focus on obstetrics and gynecology. It's a path I've been dreaming about for years, one that feels like the perfect culmination of my passion for helping others and my fascination with the intricacies of human health. The allure of obstetrics and gynecology is multifaceted, drawing me in with its blend of scientific rigor and deeply personal patient care. From the miracle of childbirth to the complexities of reproductive health, this field offers a wealth of opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and individuals from all walks of life. For me, the journey towards becoming an OB/GYN began long before high school. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong, compassionate women who inspired me with their resilience and their commitment to serving others. Their stories instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to use my own talents and abilities to make a positive impact in the world. As I transition into higher education and beyond, I am animated by the prospect of acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional care to my future patients. The prospect of forging genuine connections with individuals, guiding them through the joys and challenges of their reproductive journeys, fills me with a sense of purpose that's hard to put into words. But my aspirations extend far beyond the confines of the clinic. I am acutely aware of the disparities that exist within our healthcare system, particularly when it comes to access to reproductive care. As a future OB/GYN, I am committed to leveraging my education and expertise to dismantle these barriers and ensure that all individuals have access to the care and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. This commitment to equity and access will extend beyond my clinical practice and into the community at large. I am eager to engage in outreach initiatives aimed at educating individuals about reproductive health, providing resources and support to underserved communities, and advocating for policies that promote health equity for all. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of staying abreast of the latest developments in medical research and healthcare policy. As a perpetual student of my craft, I am committed to lifelong learning, continuously seeking out opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills in order to provide the best possible care to my patients. In essence, my journey towards becoming an OB/GYN is about more than just pursuing a career—it's about answering a calling to serve others and make a tangible difference in the world. It's a journey that will be filled with challenges and triumphs, but one that I am eager to embark upon with passion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of those around me.

I am Behishta Ghaznawi, a student at Reynolds High School and I am from Afghanistan and would like to be an OB-GYN in the future to make a positive impact in my community. I spent half of my life in Afghanistan where I spend most of my time learning Arabic, Farsi/Dari and Pashto. After moving to the US I fell in love with books and tried to learn English through reading books and school. Ever since, I have read many books but one that I always re-read and love is called Allah Loves by Omar Suleiman. I always make sure to read that book at least once a year and remind myself of the attributes most beloved to Allah in order to implement them into my daily life. I have selected the major Pre-Medicine at the Portland State University due to the fact that I want to become a physician. One of the reasons I want to be a physician in the future is because in the Quran (5:32), it says "And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people." Another reason is because I come from a war torn country where women and children suffer daily due to the lack of medical physicians and even medical facilities. While growing up, I always wanted to help those in need in any way I could and after learning the fact that treating others is a form of Ibadah (prayer), I wanted to be a physician so I could be successful in the world and the next. One of my strengths is that I am multi-lingual and can communicate in Farsi/Dari, Pashto, English, Turkish and a bit of Arabic. Most of the time when volunteering in community centers, I am able to help others of different ethnicities and assist them accordingly who aren't able to speak the language. One of my weakness that I am working on is perfectionism. when given a task, I try to do it in the best way I can possibly can and sometimes that leads to me turning things in last minute or stressing. While perfectionism can be good at times, it can also be very hard and can even get overwhelming. As a Muslim, one of my greatest achievements is learning more about my religion/deen. Even though I was born in a Muslim family, I grew up in the west with not that many Muslims around. As I grew up, my love for my religion increased day by day and I started to do my own research. With every day passing, I am trying to learn more about the life/seerah of our prophet, Quran and hadiths in order to become the best Muslimah I can. I am very happy and thankful for being given the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I am a high achieving student and will be a life long learner. Due to my goal of wanting to be a Physician, I have a long road ahead of me and would appreciate any type of financial help I can receive. While getting matched with this scholarship, I was happy to apply due to the fact that your values align with my own and one of my favorite quote is "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim."

My journey to the United States from Afghanistan was a tumultuous one, filled with uncertainty and challenges. I arrived in this foreign land feeling alone, struggling to communicate in a language I barely understood. However, through perseverance and determination, I not only learned to speak English but also developed a deep passion for reading. This journey not only transformed my language skills but also transformed me as a person, making me more empathetic and courageous. When I first set foot in the United States, I felt like a stranger in a strange land. The unfamiliar language and culture made me feel isolated, and I often found myself missing the warmth and familiarity of my home in Afghanistan. Struggling to adapt to daily life in the US, I daydreamed about going back one day to my old routine back home that I knew by heart; waking up early in the morning to pray with my family, everyone drinking warm fresh milk with bread and jam, cleaning together with my family as my friends gathered down the street to walk to school together and share snacks while laughing and racing towards school. I missed my friends who would tease me and would laugh while we all ran around playing tag. The language barrier was particularly daunting, as I struggled to express even the simplest of thoughts. I felt like an outsider, and it was a lonely and disheartening experience. To bridge this huge gap, I started reading voraciously. I picked up English textbooks, novels, and newspapers, determined to conquer this new language that held the key to my integration into this society. Reading became my refuge, a way to escape my isolation and immerse myself in a world of words. I began with children's books and gradually progressed to more complex literature as my language skills improved. Through reading, I discovered not only the beauty of the English language but also the power of storytelling, poetry and writing. I became enthralled by the tales of characters from various backgrounds and walks of life. I traveled to different places and experienced different cultures through the pages of books. It was through reading that I started to see beyond my little world, expanding my horizons and developing empathy for people whose experiences were vastly different from mine. As my English proficiency improved, I slowly but surely began to make friends. Reading has not only sharpened my language skills but had also given me the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. I could now engage in conversations, share my thoughts and listen to the experiences of my peers. Through these newfound friendships, I learned about the diversity and richness of American society. Moreover, reading had a profound impact on my personal growth. I became more aware of social issues and injustices, and I found myself compelled to stand up for others and myself whenever the opportunity arose. The stories I had read had instilled in me a sense of justice and the belief that change was possible. I became an advocate for equality and inclusion, using my voice to speak out against discrimination and prejudice. In conclusion, my journey from Afghanistan to the United States was a challenging one, marked by feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, through my determination to learn English and my love for reading, I transformed myself from a lonely newcomer into a confident individual who values the power of words and the importance of empathy. My journey has shown me that with determination and an open heart, one can overcome obstacles and grow into more compassionate person.