I come from a close-knit family of eight, rooted in a story of resilience and hope. In 1998 my parents made the courageous decision to leave Iraq and immigrate to Oregon. They were driven by a desire to provide for us with opportunities they never had, particularly in education. Growing up in a low income household, we faced many challenges. Financial struggles were a constant reality, and the burden of supporting a large family often weighed heavily on my parents. The cost of living, along with the expenses associated with raising six children, meant that money was always tight. These financial difficulties became even more prominent as my siblings and I grew older and began to pursue higher education. Paying for my college education has been incredibly difficult, but my parents do their best to support us, but the strain on our family’s finances is recognizable. Regardless of this, we remain united in our determination to succeed, knowing that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a better future for ourselves. The obstacles my family and I have faced are not limited to financial struggles. Back in Iraq, healthcare is inaccessible. Making it impossible for many to get basic healthcare. The deaths of family members and childhood friends due to inadequate medical care have left a deep scar. Seeing my own family members and Iraqi civilians die at the hands of a basic necessity every human deserves, has inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. I want to make a difference in this field, to contribute to a system that helps people live healthier, longer lives. Experiencing these obstacles have deeply shaped my perspective on Iraq. Many people when they think of Iraq, they think of war-torn buildings, people in poverty, unstable economy and corrupt government. I view Iraq as my home; a place of resilience and brave people striving for better lives. My family’s journey to Oregon reflects the strength and determination that I associate with Iraq, rather than the stereotypes often portrayed. In pursuing my education, I am not only striving for personal success but also honoring the sacrifices my parents made. My goal is to use my education to make a difference in the world, particularly in healthcare, where I can work to ensure that others do not have to endure the same hardships my family faced. My journey is one of resilience, hope, and a commitment to creating a better future, for myself, my family and the communities I serve.

My name is Beneen Salim, short for Aomalbeneen. I’m an aspiring pediatrician from Iraq, deeply committed to improving the healthcare system in my home country. From a young age, I witnessed the profound impact that inadequate healthcare can have on families and communities. These experiences ignited a passion in me to pursue a career in medicine, with a focus on pediatric care. My dream is not just a career goal but a mission to transform lives and bring hope to those who need it most. My journey towards becoming a pediatrician has been shaped by both personal experiences and my diverse interests. I have always been fascinated by the natural world and the creative arts. A hobby of mine consists of pottery and painting. These activities have allowed me to express myself creatively, outside of academics. Additionally, I enjoy exploring the outdoors as it has taught me a sense of appreciation for the interconnectedness of life. The solitude and beauty of nature gives me a sense of calm and clarity, which I find essential for maintaining balance and perspective in my life. These hobbies have also contributed to my personal growth and development. Painting and pottery require patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. These qualities are equally important in the medical field. These activities have strengthened my problem-solving skills and taught me the value of persistence and precision. These traits are crucial for a pediatrician, who must navigate complex medical challenges while maintaining empathy and understanding for young patients and their families. My commitment to pediatric medicine is deeply rooted in my experiences with challenging healthcare in Iraq. I saw firsthand the devastating impact of inadequate healthcare, particularly on children. These experiences didn’t just shape me, they evoked an unwavering passion within me to become a pediatrician. I am motivated by the prospect of addressing healthcare issues and advocating for better resources and practices to ensure that every child has access to high-quality care. Looking ahead to my future, I plan to work as a doctor in the United States, where I can hone my skills and gain valuable experience. However, my ultimate goal extends beyond my practice here. I am committed to giving back to my roots by funding and establishing a hospital in Iraq. This facility will employ certified medical staff dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to the local population. I hope to create an environment where children can receive the best care possible and where families can find support and hope. Becoming a pediatrician is more than a career aspiration; it is a heartfelt commitment to addressing the healthcare disparities that I have witnessed throughout my life. By working in the United States, I will gain the expertise needed to make a profound impact, while my ultimate goal is to establish a hospital in Iraq that provides much-needed medical care to children.

1.My name is Beneen Salim. I was born and raised in Oregon, but my roots lie in Iraq. I am planning to be a pediatric doctor with a focus on public health, driven by my family’s support and the challenging healthcare issues in Iraq, particularly affecting women and children. Growing up, I witnessed my family's dedication and sacrifices, which instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back to my community. The lack of adequate healthcare in Iraq, especially for vulnerable demographics, has further fueled my determination. I am mainly motivated by the stories of children and mothers suffering from insufficient medical resources and support. If I could do anything with my life, I imagine dedicating my career to improving healthcare access and quality for women and children in underserved regions. My vision includes providing direct medical care as a pediatrician and advocating for systemic change in public health policies. I hope to empower communities to take charge of their health by focusing on preventative care and health education. This dual approach, combining clinical practice with public health initiatives, would allow me to make a significant and lasting impact. In addition to my professional aspirations, I am motivated to inspire young women, especially those from similar backgrounds, to pursue a career in STEM and medicine. I believe that representation matters, and seeing someone who looks like them in these roles can encourage them to strive for their goals. By sharing my experiences, I hope to create an empowering environment that fosters confidence and resilience in these young women. 2. My excitement for STEM began in childhood, fueled by a natural curiosity and passion for understanding how things work. From dismantling toys to exploring the natural world, STEM has always been a source of inspiration and fascination for me. As a Muslim woman of color, I am profoundly aware of the underrepresentation of people like me in STEM careers. This realization has only strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in this field, aiming to break stereotypes and inspire young girls with a similar dream to mine. I feel that I could make a positive impact on the world through a career in information technology because technology is a powerful tool for solving complex problems and improving lives. I can contribute to creating innovative healthcare solutions and improving access to medical information for both professionals and patients through information technology. Information technology plays a crucial role in public health initiatives, such as tracking disease outbreaks and managing vaccination campaigns. Designing and maintaining systems that collect and analyze health data can lead to more effective public health strategies and better outcomes for communities. Moreover, information technology enables the implementation of telemedicine, significantly improving healthcare access in remote and underserved areas. Developing secure and user-friendly telehealth applications can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients who lack easy access to medical facilities. This is particularly relevant for regions like Iraq, where many challenges often hinder medical services. By leveraging technology, I aim to enhance the efficiency and reach of healthcare services, contributing to a more equitable and effective healthcare system globally. 3. One of the most significant challenges I’ve had to overcome is experiencing racism early on due to my hijab and the stereotypes that existed towards Muslims. Before people even met me, they often judged me based on a piece of fabric, overlooking who I truly am. The prejudice was particularly difficult to overcome during my youth years, affecting my confidence and sense of belonging. However, rather than letting it diminish my spirit, I used these experiences as motivation to excel and prove my worth beyond preconceived notions. To overcome this challenge, I focused on building a solid sense of self and surrounding myself with supportive people who recognized and valued me for my character and abilities. I also sought platforms to voice my experiences and advocate for greater understanding and acceptance. By excelling academically and engaging in community service, I demonstrated that one’s worth is defined by their actions and contributions, not by superficial judgments. I have also found strength in my cultural and religious identity, using it as a source of pride rather than a barrier. I became involved in diversity and inclusion clubs at school and in my community, working to create spaces where others find strength in their identity. These experiences have shaped my resilience and fueled my commitment to creating a more inclusive community. I am determined to be a role model and a source of encouragement, showing that perseverance and self-belief can overcome even the most ingrained biases. As I move forward in my career, I am dedicated to breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of underrepresented individuals in STEM and healthcare.

My name is Beneen Salim, and from a young age, I have been driven by a passionate desire to heal and nurture the youngest among us. Growing up in war-torn Iraq, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of inadequate healthcare, particularly on children and women. These experiences didn’t just shape me, they evoked an unwavering passion within me to become a pediatrician. My dream is not just a career goal but a mission to transform lives and bring hope to those who need it most. Back in Iraq, the healthcare system has led to devasting impacts on the community. Continuous conflict and a fragile economy have led to a dire situation where essential medical services are scarce. This crisis disproportionately affects the most vulnerable demographic- children and women. The rising number of deaths each year due to insufficient healthcare is a heart-wrenching statistic that I am determined to change. Children, who are the future of any nation, suffer the most. The lack of access to pediatric care means that preventable diseases often become fatal. My career path excited me because it is not about treating illnesses; it’s about giving children the chance to grow up healthy and achieve their potential. The thought of being a pediatrician fills me with a sense of purpose. I envision myself providing medical care comfort and hope to both children and their families. The ability to alleviate pain and contribute to a child’s well-being is incredibly fulfilling and drives me every day. In the future, I plan to work as a doctor in the United States, where I can hone my skills and gain valuable experience. However, my ultimate goal extends beyond my practice here. I am committed to giving back to my roots by funding and establishing a hospital in Iraq. This facility will employ certified medical staff dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to the local population. I aim to create a safe haven where children and women can receive the care they need. Supporting women’s empowerment is also a crucial aspect of my vision. In many parts of Iraq, women face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. By ensuring that a hospital offers specialized services for women, I hope to contribute to their empowerment. Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and by providing it, we can help women lead healthier lives and support their families and communities more effectively. To prepare for this journey, I plan to attend a 4-year university and actively seek opportunities that immerse me in pediatric care through volunteer work and internships. Currently, I am involved in advocacy efforts, working with organizations dedicated to healthcare improvements and women’s rights both locally and internationally. These experiences are shaping me into a well-rounded individual, equipping me with the knowledge, empathy, and leadership skills necessary to drive meaningful change in healthcare and champion the rights of women and children. Becoming a pediatrician is more than a career aspiration; it is a heartfelt commitment to addressing the healthcare disparities that I have witnessed throughout my life. By working in the United States, I will gain the expertise needed to make a profound impact, and my ultimate goal is to establish a hospital in Iraq that provides much-needed medical care to children and women. This journey is about creating a legacy of compassion, health, and empowerment, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the care they deserve by fostering a healthier future for communities near and far.