The pursuit of knowledge, especially within the STEM fields, has always been a passion of mine—a passion fueled by curiosity and the desire to solve complex problems. However, as a woman in STEM, I am acutely aware of the challenges and disparities that exist in this domain. This scholarship’s mission to foster a community of women empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and ready to contribute to the STEM field resonates deeply with me, as it aligns perfectly with my own aspirations and experiences. Throughout my academic journey, I have often found myself one of the few women in the room, whether it was in a computer science lecture or a research lab. While this has sometimes been daunting, it has also been a powerful motivator. I have come to understand that my presence in these spaces is not just about personal achievement; it is about paving the way for other women to enter and excel in STEM. Knowledge is a powerful tool, but when shared within a community, it becomes even more transformative. This scholarship’s focus on creating a network of empowered women in STEM is essential because it fosters an environment where we can support, uplift, and learn from one another. Curiosity has always been my guiding star, leading me to explore new ideas, question existing norms, and push the boundaries of what is possible. It is this same curiosity that drives innovation and progress in STEM. By nurturing curiosity, this scholarship encourages women to delve deeper into their fields of interest, to ask the tough questions, and to seek out the answers. In a world where the challenges we face—such as climate change, health crises, and technological advancements—are increasingly complex, the contributions of curious and determined women in STEM are more crucial than ever. Moreover, the emphasis on contributing to the STEM field is a reminder that knowledge and curiosity are not ends in themselves but are meant to be shared and applied. My experiences in internships, research projects, and leadership roles have taught me the importance of using my skills and knowledge to make a tangible impact. Whether it is developing an AI chatbot to assist with privacy concerns, mentoring younger students, or collaborating on innovative projects, I am committed to making meaningful contributions that advance the field and benefit society as a whole. This scholarship represents more than just financial support; it embodies a commitment to building a vibrant community of women in STEM who are empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and ready to make a difference. As a scholarship recipient, I would not only benefit from the opportunities it provides but also contribute to its mission by actively participating in and enriching this community. Together, we can break down barriers, inspire future generations, and ensure that the voices and talents of women are fully represented in STEM. This scholarship would enable me to continue my journey in STEM with even greater determination, knowing that I am part of a supportive and dynamic network of women who share my passion for knowledge, curiosity, and contribution.

Oracle of the Lamb: "Woe and abomination for the youth, small in age! They will take him away to the land of Syria before his father and mother. Woe and abomination for the [women] who will give birth to the youths small in age! They will be taken away to the land of Syria before them. Woe to Egypt! [It will weep because] of the curses that are numerous within it. Weep, Heliopolis, while the west and east are under attack . . . ! Weep, Bubastis! Weep, Nilopolis! They shall make the streets of Sebennytos into grape orchards, with the pool of The Temple of Hatmehyt { Mendes } become bushes, palms and cucumbers. Weep, O great trees of Upoke ! Weep, Memphis, the city of Apis ! Weep, Thebes, the city of Amon ! Weep, Letopolis, the city of Shu, which has experienced fear and suffering !" The Oracle of the Lamb: A Forewarning of Egypt’s Spiritual Ruinn The "Oracle of the Lamb" is a prophecy that carries with it an ominous forewarning of Egypt’s impending doom, both physically and spiritually. Each line of this prophecy is laden with layers of meaning that, when unpacked, reveal the depth of the nation’s decline. The prophecy begins with the harrowing words, "Woe and abomination for the youth, small in age! They will take him away to the land of Syria before his father and mother." This line immediately draws attention to the most vulnerable members of society—the youth. The deliberate mention of their small age underscores their innocence and the cruel injustice of their fate. The prophecy doesn't merely speak of a physical abduction; it symbolically points to the abduction of a nation’s future, culture, and identity. By specifying that these children will be taken to "the land of Syria," the text suggests not just geographical displacement but also a cultural and spiritual alienation. Syria, representing a foreign and possibly hostile culture, becomes the place where these children will be raised, far from their roots, their traditions, and their heritage. This forced separation from their parents, "before his father and mother," emphasizes the profound disruption of the natural order. Parents are meant to protect and guide their children, passing down wisdom, culture, and values. The imagery of children being taken away before their parents can intervene suggests a breakdown of the familial structure, a tearing apart of the very fabric that holds society together. This line serves as a powerful metaphor for the severing of cultural and spiritual continuity—a society that cannot pass on its heritage is one that is doomed to wither and die. The prophecy continues with a broader condemnation: "Woe to Egypt! [It will weep because] of the curses that are numerous within it." The use of the word "Woe" here is significant. It is not just a simple expression of sorrow, but a profound declaration of judgment. The woe is not imposed from without but emerges from within, from "the curses that are numerous within it." This line reveals that Egypt's downfall is not solely the result of external forces but is deeply rooted in internal decay. The "curses" can be understood as the moral and spiritual failings of the nation—corruption, injustice, the abandonment of sacred duties—that have accumulated over time. These curses are numerous, indicating that the nation’s decline is not due to a single failing but a widespread and systemic collapse of its ethical and spiritual foundations. The text then turns its focus to specific cities within Egypt, each associated with its own lament: "Weep, Heliopolis, while the west and east are under attack . . . ! Weep, Bubastis! Weep, Nilopolis! Weep, O great trees of Upoke! Weep, Memphis, the city of Apis! Weep, Thebes, the city of Amon! Weep, Letopolis, the city of Shu, which has experienced fear and suffering!" Each of these cities was a center of religious, cultural, or political power in ancient Egypt, and their inclusion in the prophecy is no coincidence. Heliopolis, the city of the sun god Ra, was one of the most important religious centers in Egypt. Its weeping "while the west and east are under attack" signifies the collapse of the divine order. The sun, representing life, order, and divine favor, is powerless to prevent the destruction that comes from all directions. This symbolizes the totality of the impending catastrophe—no part of the nation is spared. Bubastis, associated with the goddess Bastet, was a city known for its festivals and joyous celebrations. Its weeping indicates a loss of joy and festivity, a nation where celebrations have turned into mourning. Nilopolis and Memphis, both crucial to Egypt's political and economic life, represent the backbone of the nation. Their weeping reflects the collapse of political power and economic stability. Memphis, particularly, as the city of Apis, the sacred bull, represents a deep connection to the divine and the idea of kingship. Its downfall symbolizes the disintegration of both religious authority and royal power. The mention of "Weep, O great trees of Upoke" introduces a natural element into the lament. Trees, often symbols of life, growth, and stability, are personified here, their weeping suggesting that the very land itself mourns the loss of what once was. The reference to "the city of Shu" in Letopolis, which "has experienced fear and suffering," is particularly poignant. Shu, the god of air and life, embodies the breath of life that sustains all living things. The city’s suffering indicates a loss of this vital force, a nation that can no longer sustain itself spiritually or physically. The prophecy’s imagery of desolation continues with the line, "They shall make the streets of Sebennytos into grape orchards, with the pool of The Temple of Hatmehyt become bushes, palms and cucumbers." This transformation of urban streets into grape orchards and sacred pools into wild vegetation is a powerful metaphor for the reversal of civilization. Grapes, palms, and cucumbers are not just agricultural products but symbols of wild growth and untamed nature. The streets, once bustling with human activity and order, are now overrun by nature, reflecting the abandonment of urban life and the collapse of human order. The pool of the Temple of Hatmehyt, once a place of sacred purity and life-giving water, has become a neglected, overgrown space. This represents the loss of sacredness, the profanation of what was once holy, and the encroachment of chaos into spaces that were once ordered and divine. Finally, the repeated command to "Weep" throughout the prophecy serves as both a lament and a call to reflection. The act of weeping is not just an expression of sorrow but a recognition of loss—a loss that is both inevitable and self-inflicted. Each city, each tree, each sacred space that weeps is a witness to the destruction that follows when a nation turns away from its moral and spiritual foundations. The prophecy does not offer solutions or hope but instead serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such a fall. In conclusion, the "Oracle of the Lamb" is a profound meditation on the decline of a great civilization. Each line of the prophecy is rich with symbolic meaning, illustrating the spiritual and moral decay that leads to physical destruction. The youth taken away to Syria, the weeping cities and trees, the transformation of sacred spaces into wild growth—all these images combine to create a powerful narrative of a nation’s downfall. This is not just a story of ancient Egypt but a timeless warning to all societies: when the spiritual and moral compass is lost, the fall is inevitable, and the lamentations of the past become the echoes of the future.

Anxiety has been a constant companion of mine, much like a subway car rumbling through the tunnels of a bustling city. It’s always moving, always there, a constant hum in the background that I’ve learned to live with. Some days, it races ahead, full speed, my thoughts spinning so fast that it feels like I’m hurtling toward the next station without any control. Other days, it stops abruptly, catching its breath as I arrive at a moment of clarity, only to start all over again as I continue my journey. Living with anxiety has been like navigating this never-ending subway ride. It’s taught me to anticipate the sudden stops, the unexpected delays, and the moments when the doors refuse to open, trapping me in a car filled with overwhelming thoughts and emotions. But it’s also taught me resilience. Like that subway car, I keep moving forward, no matter how loud the noise or how tight the space gets. Pursuing a college degree has always felt like reaching for the surface, emerging from the depths of those tunnels to see the light of day. It’s not just about the education, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s about proving to myself that I can navigate this journey, that I can handle the twists and turns, the sudden stops, and the moments when it feels like the world is pressing in on me. It’s about reaching the station and stepping out onto the platform, knowing that I’ve made it through another leg of the journey. For me, a college degree isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to my perseverance. It’s a sign that I’ve been able to overcome the challenges that anxiety has thrown my way, that I’ve been able to stay on the train even when it felt like I might derail. Every lecture I attend, every exam I pass, every paper I write is another step closer to proving to myself that I am more than my anxiety, that I can achieve my goals despite it. But it’s not just about me. Pursuing this degree is also about the future I want to create, not just for myself but for those who come after me. I want to show others who struggle with anxiety that it’s possible to keep moving forward, even when the path seems uncertain. I want to be a beacon for those who feel like they’re stuck in their own subway car, unsure of when or if they’ll ever reach the next station. In the end, this journey is about more than just a degree. It’s about resilience, about pushing through the noise and the fear, about finding the strength to keep going even when it feels like the world is closing in. It’s about reaching that final station, stepping out into the sunlight, and realizing that the journey was worth it, that every stop and start, every moment of doubt and fear, has led me to this point. Pursuing a college degree is my way of taking control of the ride, of proving to myself and the world that I can navigate the tunnels of anxiety and emerge stronger on the other side.

I vividly remember the first time I walked into a Pan African Students' Association (PASA) meeting at the University of Rochester. I was a freshman, unsure of where I fit in this new environment, and craving a connection to my African roots. That initial experience was transformative—it was where I found my community, a place that felt like home. Fast forward to my role as Secretary of PASA, and I knew I wanted to give back to this organization that had given me so much. My goal was to ensure that every student who walked through our doors felt the same sense of belonging and empowerment that I did. As Secretary, I focused on building and strengthening our community by organizing events that celebrated our rich African heritage while addressing the unique challenges we face as students. Whether it was cultural showcases that brought our diverse traditions to life or panel discussions on issues impacting African students globally, these events were designed to connect, educate, and empower. I wanted each event to be more than just a gathering; I wanted it to be an experience that left our members feeling proud of their heritage and supported by their peers. Understanding that communication is key to a thriving community, I took it upon myself to revamp PASA’s newsletter. The previous format was outdated and often went unnoticed, leaving many of our members unaware of valuable opportunities. I redesigned the newsletter to be more visually appealing and user-friendly, ensuring it provided clear and concise information on scholarships, internships, and events relevant to our members. This change significantly increased engagement, allowing our community to stay informed and take full advantage of the opportunities available to them. Collaboration played a crucial role in my efforts to expand our community’s impact. I sought out partnerships with other student organizations and local community groups, recognizing that our strength lay in our ability to work together. One of our most successful collaborations was with the African Students Association from nearby colleges, where we hosted joint events that not only broadened our network but also enriched our members' experiences by exposing them to diverse perspectives and opportunities. Additionally, our collaboration with local organizations allowed us to engage with the broader Rochester community, giving our members a chance to contribute to meaningful initiatives beyond the campus. Reflecting on my journey with PASA, I am proud of the impact I’ve had, but I am even more excited about the future. My experiences have deepened my commitment to community building and advocacy, and I plan to carry these lessons forward into every aspect of my life. Whether it’s through policy work, social justice initiatives, or educational outreach, I am dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where underrepresented voices are heard, and communities are empowered to thrive. The skills and insights I’ve gained as PASA’s Secretary will be the foundation of my efforts to make a lasting difference in the world, ensuring that wherever I go, I contribute to building stronger, more connected communities.