I honestly don't really know how to answer the first question "why do you want to pursue a higher education". I am a regular high school student who just wants it to be over, the stress, the anxiety, and most of all the pressure. I sit on my computer doing khan academy to practice for my SATS and sometimes I just want to throw my computer and say "why am I doing this?", and every time I have no answer. The only reason I can think of right now is to make my parents happy, but we all know after you accomplish one thing they waiting for you with another goal for you to complete. But I have one thing that keeps me going, my passion for advocacy. Ever since I got into high school I feel like there has been a zipper on my mouth, that anytime I want to say what I am thinking it just zips itself up. I am in a bunch of clubs like debate which lets me speak but then you look around at your colleges and you worry that they will judge you for what you think. I know you ask a different question and this most likely does not answer it but that's the truth it's short, but I really don't see it any other way.

The significant influence in my life has been my religion, it has shaped me in every way a person is shaped. As it may sound generic and ordinary but, to me, it is the most extraordinary thing. To me, religion isn't something that I believe in it's who I am. Islam on the outside may seem very conservative but, if you step out of the shadows of all the misconceptions, you'll see what I see, which is, intent. You see Islam isn't about rules it's about guidance and purpose. When I make a mistake that, is not allowed in my religion, the one question I ask myself "was that my intention?" believe it or not, this question has saved my life before. As a normal 16-year-old teenager, most influencers are the same for us parents, siblings, athletes, or even Kylie Jenner is very successful, but religion is something everyone is influenced by because all your beliefs come from there. As I have said, I'm 16 years old in high school, and I'm sure many people know that when you get into high school, you get exposed to many new things, good and bad. Now, as you're young, peer pressure is involved in every decision you make in those four years, and potentially those choices define your future and who you turn out to be. As one can see, Islam has played a key role in my life and has changed my life so far. College is my next big step in life, filled with many more decisions and doors to open. With my true intentions and Islam, success is not something I worry about, it's who I'll be through the process and who I'll become at the end of the journey. Islam is an influence that I look up to and how I set my goals. Thank you, Haya Rizvi