I’m a 17-year-old Iraqi-American currently living in Iraq. I have a passion for reading and playing volleyball. I’m a first-generation college student from a low-income family, so financial aid is essential for me to pursue my goals. Growing up in a place with limited resources and a lack of awareness around mental health has shaped what I want to do. I hope to be part of the group that breaks those barriers in underserved communities. That drive, combined with my interest in the field, has led me to pursue psychology at top programs in the U.S.