In my community mental health is seen as taboo. When I was in 2nd grade I was diagnosed with ADHD. My parents told my that I couldn't tell anyone, not even my siblings. I would've been shunned from my community and they would've sen my mom as giving birth to "defective" children. It hurt to talk with my aunts and uncles and people who practically helped raise me, while knowing that if I revealed to them my mental disability they would turn on me in less than a minute. It's not completely their fault though, Most people in my community have often been overlooked in the healthcare system and have either been misdiagnosed or gotten addicted to drugs. But because of this stigmatization they have, kids in our community don't get diagnosed for any mental health issues and they either drop out of school or turn towards drugs to numb the feeling. I have been teaching and mentor kids in my community that it's okay to not be okay. We don't have to shove all of our feelings aside like our parents did. I want them to know that they have options to ask for help. I might be seen as unorthodox or "too American". But I'd rather be seen as someone who is "whitewashed", someone who "knows nothing about their roots", than watching kids die on the street from taking opioids just so that they no longer have to feel anything anymore. I have taken the more unorthodox route to supporting others in with mental health. I have been a volunteer translator in my community to accompany people of all age groups who don't speak english in getting the help that they need. I help with group homes in making sure that they get the care that they need and talk with the nurses and care providers so that they are getting the help that they need. I've noticed that in group homes rather then any physical disabilities or ailments making their lives more difficult. It's not having their mental health needs addressed that makes it even worse. I am pursuing a law degree after I finish my undergrad at the University of Minnesota and I would like to hopefully become a mental health attorney so I can advocate for those in need who have been ignored by the healthcare system

Growing up in a household where multiple languages were spoken, and cultural traditions from Ethiopia were cherished, I found myself navigating the complexities of identity from a young age. My parents, born in Ethiopia, brought a rich tapestry of languages and customs, creating a vibrant and diverse environment at home. However, this cultural mosaic also presented challenges, particularly in finding my voice and sense of self amidst the cacophony of languages and cultures. As a child, I struggled to find my place in the world, grappling with a sense of confusion and disorientation that made it difficult for me to express myself. The world seemed vast and bewildering. I often felt like I was living in two worlds: the one at home, where Ethiopian traditions and languages flourished, and the one at school, where English was the dominant language and cultural norms were different. Amidst this uncertainty, books became my sanctuary, my refuge from the world's chaos. Through the pages of my favorite novels, I found solace and companionship, embarking on adventures with Jack and Annie in the Magic Treehouse series or unraveling mysteries with the Cahill siblings in "The 39 Clues." In the world of books, I could be anyone and go anywhere, escaping into realms of imagination and wonder that offered respite from the complexities of my own life. As I grew older, my reading habits evolved, and I began to explore books that delved into real-life experiences and issues. From learning about the remarkable story of Henrietta Lacks to exploring the complexities of race, identity, and social justice, books became more than just a form of escapism—they became a mirror reflecting the world around me and a window into the lives of others. Books have shaped my understanding of the world and my sense of self. Through the characters I've met and the stories I've encountered, I have gained perspective, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the human experience. They have taught me that the world is vast and multifaceted and that there is beauty and meaning to be found in every corner of it. In conclusion, books are more than just a source of entertainment or knowledge—they are integral to who I am. They have been my companions, mentors, and guides, shaping my worldview and helping me navigate the complexities of life. As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Barbara Cain Literary Scholarship, which honors the transformative power of literature and the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to sharing the joy of reading with others.

The adaptation that stole my heart and continues to resonate with me is "The Shawshank Redemption," based on Stephen King's novella. This timeless classic captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and left an indelible mark on film and literature. What sets the adaptation of 'The Shawshank Redemption' apart for me is its unique ability to capture the essence of King's novella while adding its own layer of depth and nuance. The film's portrayal of hope, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit is not just a mirror of the novella but a new interpretation that draws viewers into the world of Shawshank State Penitentiary with its rich characters and poignant storytelling. The cast's performance, especially Morgan Freeman as Ellis 'Red' Redding and Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, was a key factor in the film's success. Their portrayals breathed life into these complex characters, adding depth, vulnerability, and humanity that resonated with audiences. Although Morgan Freeman's casting as Red was a departure from Stephen King's original description of the character as a red-haired Irishman, Freeman's portrayal is now seen as iconic and integral to the film's success. Freeman's narration, in particular, serves as a guiding voice throughout the film, lending a sense of introspection and wisdom to the story. Director Frank Darabont's vision for the film is nothing short of brilliant, as he expertly captures King's narrative's raw emotion and stark beauty. From the haunting cinematography to the evocative score by Thomas Newman, every element of the film comes together to create a truly immersive experience. What I find most remarkable about "The Shawshank Redemption" adaptation is its ability to enhance and elevate the source material, infusing new life and perspective into King's novella. While remaining faithful to the core themes and plot of the book, the film expands upon them, offering more profound insights into the human condition and the power of redemption. The decision to film "The Shawshank Redemption" in Mansfield, Ohio, rather than in Maine, where the story is set, may seem like a departure from King's vision. However, the filmmakers' choice of location added an unexpected authenticity and atmosphere to the film. By transforming the historic Ohio State Reformatory into the fictional Shawshank State Penitentiary, the filmmakers created a tangible sense of place that echoed King's evocative descriptions of the prison in the novella. Furthermore, the meticulous planning and execution of crucial scenes, such as Andy's daring escape through the sewage pipe, were essential to maintaining King's narrative's tension and emotional resonance. Despite the challenges of filming in a makeshift set on a farm, the filmmakers spared no expense to ensure the scene's authenticity and impact. From the painstaking construction of the sewage tunnel to the use of heated rainwater to simulate the torrential downpour, every detail was carefully orchestrated to evoke the same sense of desperation and determination that permeates King's writing. As a fan of both literature and film, the adaptation of "The Shawshank Redemption" has changed how I see both mediums. It has shown me the transformative potential of storytelling, reminding me of the profound impact a well-crafted narrative can have on audiences across different platforms. In conclusion, "The Shawshank Redemption" adaptation holds a special place in my heart for its timeless storytelling, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes. It exemplifies the magic of movies and books coming together to create something truly extraordinary.

As a first-generation African American Muslim woman, navigating the complexities of society has been a journey fraught with challenges and triumphs. Growing up, I learned early on that my identity intersected with multiple marginalized communities, each adding layers of complexity to my experiences. From facing discrimination and prejudice to confronting stereotypes and misconceptions, I have often found myself at the intersection of systemic inequalities and societal expectations. One of the most pervasive challenges I have encountered is the struggle to be seen and heard in spaces where my identity is not the norm. In college, I am frequently the only person of color in my classes, and half the time, I find myself facing assumptions and stereotypes that undermine my intelligence and abilities. There is a pervasive cognitive dissonance between the way I interpret the world around me and the way it is often perceived by others. Simple questions like why certain cultural practices or traditions are valued over others, or why certain societal norms are accepted without question, often leave me feeling isolated and misunderstood. As a Muslim woman, I have also grappled with the intersection of religion, culture, and identity. In a society where Islamophobia runs rampant and misconceptions about Islam abound, I have had to navigate the complexities of faith while challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. From facing discrimination in job interviews to encountering hostility and prejudice in public spaces, I have often found myself having to defend my beliefs and assert my humanity in the face of ignorance and bigotry. Moreover, as a woman of color, I have confronted systemic barriers and inequalities that have shaped my experiences in profound ways. From disparities in access to education and employment to the pervasive impact of racism and discrimination, I have witnessed firsthand the ways in which structural inequities perpetuate cycles of poverty and marginalization. Yet, despite these challenges, I remain resilient and determined to challenge the status quo and create a more just and equitable society for all. My journey as a first-generation African American Muslim woman has fueled my passion for advocacy and social justice. As I pursue my career goal of becoming a lawyer, I am driven by a deep commitment to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities and challenging systemic inequalities. I believe that the law has the power to be a force for positive change, and I am committed to using my education and skills to make a meaningful impact in the world. In conclusion, my experiences as a first-generation African American Muslim woman have shaped me into the resilient and determined individual I am today. Despite the challenges I have faced, I remain steadfast in my commitment to pursuing my dreams and making a difference in the world. With your support, I am confident that I can continue to defy expectations, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

My journey with ADHD began in second grade when I was diagnosed. Growing up in a culture where mental disabilities are often stigmatized, I faced not only the challenges of managing ADHD but also the weight of societal expectations and norms. However, it wasn't just a diagnosis; it came with a heavy burden of secrecy and shame. I was told not to disclose my condition to anyone—not to my teachers, not even to my own family members. The prevailing belief was that acknowledging my ADHD would only serve to debilitate me and that something like a 504 plan would label me as "different" and hinder my progress. For years, I internalized this message, believing that my ADHD was something to hide, something to be ashamed of. Instead of being taught how to navigate life with ADHD, I was simply handed medication as a solution—a one-size-fits-all approach that failed to address the complexities of my condition. The medication I was prescribed was often too potent for my adolescent body to handle, leaving me feeling like a mere shell of myself, stripped of my vitality and zest for life. Rather than empowering me to thrive, it only further alienated me from my true identity and potential. If I could go back and speak to my eight-year-old self, I would tell them something different. I would tell them that it's OK to be different and that asking for help is OK. I would tell them that their ADHD does not define them, but rather, it is a part of what makes them unique and special. I would assure them that seeking support and accommodations does not make them weak but makes them strong and resilient. I have come to recognize the importance of breaking the cycle of silence and stigma surrounding mental health. I refuse to let the shame and stigma of my culture define me or dictate my path forward. As I reflect on my journey and the challenges I've faced, I realize that I want to be the person I needed when I was younger—a beacon of hope and understanding for those navigating similar struggles. I want to break the silence and stigma surrounding ADHD and other learning differences and create a culture of acceptance and support where individuals feel empowered to embrace their differences and seek the help they need to thrive. My experiences with ADHD have fueled my passion for advocacy and justice. As I pursue my goal of becoming a lawyer, I am driven by a deep desire to champion marginalized communities' rights and fight for a more equitable and inclusive society. The legal profession offers a powerful platform for effecting change, and I am committed to using my voice and skills to advocate for those who have been silenced and marginalized. The Dwight "The Professor" Baldwin Scholarship holds such significance for me. It represents an opportunity to not only receive financial support for my education but also honor Dwight Baldwin's legacy by advocating for students with disabilities and working to create a more inclusive and equitable society. With the support of this scholarship, I am committed to pursuing my dreams and making a positive impact in the world. I am determined to be the person I needed when I was younger—to offer the helping hand I was never given and to support and encourage others facing similar challenges.

I stand at the intersection of diverse identities, each fueling my passion to create transformative change. My journey is not just mine alone—it represents the resilience, strength, and aspirations of communities often marginalized and overlooked. In my pursuit of excellence in public relations, I am currently pursuing a degree in Journalism at the Hubbard School of Mass Communication. This educational journey has not only equipped me with a strong foundation in communication theory and practice but has also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling in shaping public perceptions and narratives. I've had the privilege of engaging in hands-on learning experiences that have further enriched my understanding of public relations and communication. One such opportunity involves creating videos of events happening in my community, including exhibitions at museums and cultural gatherings. Through these projects, I've developed practical skills in multimedia storytelling, allowing me to capture the essence of these events and convey their significance to broader audiences. My involvement in producing videos for community events has been instrumental in honing my ability to communicate effectively across diverse platforms and audiences. By combining visual storytelling with compelling narratives, I've learned to engage viewers in meaningful conversations and inspire action around important issues affecting our community. Moreover, my coursework in journalism has provided me with a critical lens through which to analyze and evaluate public discourse. I've learned to recognize the importance of diverse voices in shaping narratives and to advocate for inclusive communication practices that amplify underrepresented perspectives. Through my extensive experience in public relations, garnered through active participation in numerous volunteer projects, I've developed a profound understanding of the transformative power of communication. One such avenue where I've had the privilege to apply my skills is through regular engagement with the Ethiopian Embassy on behalf of esteemed charity organizations such as the International Oromo Health Professionals Association (IHOPA) and the University of Haramaya. My involvement in these initiatives has provided me with invaluable insights into the importance of diverse voices in shaping public narratives. Acting as a liaison between these organizations and the wider public, I've had the opportunity to witness firsthand the profound impact that diverse perspectives can have on shaping public discourse. Whether it's advocating for healthcare initiatives in marginalized communities or fostering educational partnerships to bridge gaps in access, I've seen how the inclusion of diverse voices can catalyze positive change and garner broader support for critical causes. Furthermore, my interactions with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds have underscored the pressing need for authentic representation and inclusive communication strategies. Through active listening and meaningful dialogue, I've learned to center the voices of those directly affected by issues, ensuring that their perspectives are accurately reflected in our communications. By doing so, we not only build trust and credibility within our communities but also foster a sense of ownership and empowerment among those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized or silenced. Through these experiences, I've come to appreciate the pivotal role that public relations plays in driving social impact and advancing equity and justice. By amplifying underrepresented voices, challenging dominant narratives, and fostering dialogue across diverse communities, we have the power to shape a more inclusive and empathetic public discourse—one that reflects the true diversity of human experiences and aspirations. In essence, my journey in public relations has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative potential of diverse voices. As I continue to advocate for meaningful change and bridge gaps between communities, I am committed to leveraging my skills and experiences to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of public discourse.

As a first-generation college student, an African American woman, and a proud Muslim, I stand at the intersection of diverse identities, each fueling my passion to create transformative change. My journey is not just mine alone—it represents the resilience, strength, and aspirations of communities often marginalized and overlooked. In my pursuit of social impact, I am actively engaged in initiatives that resonate with my values and beliefs. Through Project Cure, I am part of a global movement to ensure clean water reaches every corner of the world. This isn't just about quenching thirst—it's about restoring dignity, health, and hope to communities long denied access to this fundamental resource. But my impact doesn't stop there. Together with my family, we're building more than just a hospital in the Kombolcha Region of Ethiopia; we're erecting a beacon of healing and opportunity. Our vision is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of circumstance, deserves access to quality healthcare. This project is not just a dream—it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to serving humanity. On the home front, I champion women's health and empowerment with fervor and determination. By fundraising to provide hygiene and sanitary products to women at the University of Haramaya, I am breaking down barriers and shattering taboos. I refuse to let any woman be held back by something as natural as her biology. Instead, I strive to uplift and empower, ensuring that every woman has the resources she needs to thrive. My involvement in these initiatives isn't just about making a difference—it's about being a catalyst for change. It's about recognizing the power within me and within my communities to rewrite the narrative, to challenge the status quo, and to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. As I journey through my academic pursuits, I am majoring in Journalism and Political Science, fields that I see as potent tools for advocacy and change. Through journalism, I aim to amplify voices that are often silenced, shedding light on the stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph that too often go unnoticed. Political science, on the other hand, equips me with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex systems of power and governance, empowering me to advocate for policies that promote justice and equality. Looking toward the future, I harbor aspirations of attending law school, specializing in international law. My dream is to become a legal advocate for those who have been marginalized, oppressed, and disenfranchised, particularly in Africa. By leveraging the power of the law, I hope to hold accountable those who perpetrate injustice and to champion the rights of the most vulnerable. My ultimate goal is to use my education and expertise to shine a spotlight on the injustices being perpetrated in Africa and around the world. Through rigorous investigative journalism, strategic advocacy, and legal expertise, I aim to challenge systems of oppression, dismantle barriers to justice, and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for all. With the support of the CATALYSTS Scholarship, I am one step closer to realizing my vision of becoming a champion for change. This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of my education but also serves as a validation of my potential to make a meaningful impact in the world. With gratitude in my heart and determination in my spirit, I am ready to embark on this journey of empowerment, advocacy, and transformation. Together, let us work towards a world where justice knows no borders and where every voice is heard and respected.

My name is Hayat Abdullahi and I am a student at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. When I was six years old my family and I visited my grandmother's son; my uncle; in prison. They arrested my uncle by mistake. The police thought that it was him but he couldn't speak english that well and he was scared so he pled guilty and was deported back. The case was a whole mess, there was no real evidence but he already pled guilty. I want to be a voice for the people in my community so I chose to go to school and study Pre-Law political science and journalism. My dream is to finally have my uncle have his day in court. The journey to get there has been very difficult, however. For my entire life, I have gone to white-dominant schools in suburban Minnesota. My mom did not want my sister and me to start wearing a hijab until we started going to college. I was very confused and trying to figure out who I was and what I should be doing. When I was in middle school and high school everyone would ask why I never wore a hijab. From my Aunts and Uncles to even some of my classmates who knew I was Muslim. I never prayed since I felt like I didn't deserve to be a Muslim if I couldn't even cover myself. Every time I left my house I felt guilty, that I was partaking in things and only focusing on dunya and not my deen. I tried to escape the outside world by reading books. My favorite book was "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," by Maya Angelou. It talks about major milestones in her childhood how she felt trapped by society and other traumatic instances in her life. I read this book looking for answers as to how she escaped from her cage because I felt trapped within myself and my dreams. I didn't know how to express myself while sticking to my moral and religious values. Fast forward to the summer of June 2023. I remember my family telling me that five Somali girls had died in a car crash. They were my age and went to the same school as I did. One of them wanted to become a nurse. We were talking about this and I remember my sister saying something to me that I will never forget: "If you were to die right now, would you look back and be happy about the life you lived?". I said no. I said no because I have not yet followed and listened to the words of Allah(SWT). I have not yet even asked for His forgiveness for everything that I have done. Two days after my sister asked me that I started to wear a hijab. I was so scared about what it would be like, I asked my mom how would my friends or coworkers react to me wearing a hijab. I wasn't wearing a hijab the last time they saw me and now I am, would they think I'm a fraud? My mother told me that it doesn't matter what they think. This is about you and your relationship with your religion. And she was right. It didn't matter what anyone else thought as long as my conscience was clean and I came into wearing the hijab with the right intentions. So when you ask me what my greatest achievement as a Muslim is, it would be the day when I started to wear a hijab.

Now, I’ve read a lot of books in my day, but my absolute favorite would have to be a book my sister introduced to me called - “The Lightning Thief.” I wasn’t good at making friends when I was younger. I was told I talked too much or that I was too loud. I guess that made me a little scared to talk to people so I started to read books. It turns out reading books can also give kids a reason to bully you because from then on I was called “the girl who always reads books” by most of my classmates. When I was in second grade I was diagnosed with having very severe ADHD. My teachers were always worried about me since I never paid attention in class and always seemed to run around even when they were trying to teach. One day my teacher called my parents in and told them that I should get tested for it. After I was diagnosed I had to take some medication for dealing with my ADHD. Something to make me “calm down”. Because of that, instead of running around outside, I was stuck running my thoughts around in my head. I never told anyone else I had ADHD. I didn’t even tell my siblings about it until after I finished middle school because my mom told me they wouldn’t understand, but my siblings knew that I was a little bit different then everybody else. They always asked why I went to so many doctor appointments when I was doing daily checkups and monitoring or why I always had to go to the nurse’s office at school when I had to take a booster dose of my medicine. My older sister and I have always been close since we were only 14 months apart from each other so to keep a secret like this hurt me. I guess she sensed that I was dealing with something that I couldn’t really talk about so she gave me a book that would later help me with coping with my ADHD. My favorite book series the Percy Jackson series written by Rick Riordan. My sister recommended me to read this book when I was in 3rd grade because I loved reading so much. My most favorite book in the series was “The Lightning Thief”. The reason why is because I felt just like the main character Percy. In the book Percy has ADHD and dyslexia. In the book kids who were half-human and half-greek god also had dyslexia or ADHD and went to a place called Camp Halfblood. I felt I was just like Percy, hiding a secret from the whole world, a part of myself that no one understood and would just label people like us as “misfits”, “weird”, or “abnormal”. It gave me a reason to believe that the reason why I had ADHD was not because I was deficient, but because I was more extraordinary then everyone else. I finished the whole Percy Jackson series that same year and re-read the whole thing until I got into 5th grade. I would get so hyped up whenever I found someone else who read the series as well. I was so excited that I would even spend my whole entire lunch period competing with kids to see who could name the most characters. If people decided to bully me for reading, so what? I learned to find other kids who were just like me. Because we aren’t weirdos or misfits and abnormals. We are a part of our own Camp Halfblood.

One of my favorite poems that I’ve recited at many varsity speech tournaments and many public speaking events was, “The Rose That Grew from the Concrete”, by Tupac Shakur. In the poem, the “rose” is seen as a symbol of beauty, elegance, and an embodiment of greatness. The concrete, however, is seen as a symbol of hopelessness, barren of any fruitful soil. Throughout my life, I’ve seen myself as that rose that grew in the concrete. I had to learn how to do everything myself; I had to sign myself up for soccer tryouts, I had to find lawyers and judges who were willing to mentor me, I had to sign myself up for advanced classes that I thought would impress colleges enough so that they wouldn’t even need to look at the color of my skin. It wasn’t easy but I’ve always defied the expectations of the norm. When I was younger, I even learned to run before I even learned to crawl. My drive to reach greatness is something that has always kept me going. However, in no way was this journey easy. Where most of my peers lived in their perfect bubble of suburbia, I had to grow from the concrete. I had to grow away from all the expectations of a Muslim African American teenage girl. Throughout my journey to find the sunlight I fell and stumbled on many cracks along the way. When I was in second grade I was diagnosed with severe ADHD. When I was in seventh grade, I ended up in a wheelchair due to a soccer incident. In junior year, I told no one how hard my ADHD affected me until it was too late. Even then, it was hard for me to receive much sympathy when I have been taking advanced classes since I was in sixth grade. But I never gave up. Just like the rose in the poem I never lost sight of my true goal that I’ve been aiming for my whole life; to be a US Supreme Court Justice. I knew that for just as many blows I’d taken, I had achieved even more for things like winning Debate State qualifiers. Becoming Vice President of my Youth in Government club, getting an internship at Medica in Informational Technology, and competing on a successful soccer team for over ten years. What makes me the rose in the poem is not only because of how far I’ve come but also in how I try to improve the success of others along the way. Currently, my family and I have participated in many rallies supporting the Oromo community as they try to free themselves from the dictatorship in their government as of now. Sadly, that had come at the price of my uncle being shot at by the government and losing his life. Because of this, my family and I have also decided that we are going to build one of the first hospitals in the Kombolcha region of Ethiopia, the country both of my parents grew up in. By claiming my identity as being the rose that grew from the concrete, I see myself as hopefully, one day, becoming a symbol for people from all walks of life to know that they too can succeed.

My dream goal is to one day be like my idol, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a strong, intelligent woman from an immigrant household, just like me. I wish to get a degree in Law, become a federal prosecutor and become a Supreme Court Justice.

To me, legacy means the only trust that is given to you unconditionally. It is a responsibility given from the past and has been decided as your future representation from the moment that you were born. I don't know about other people, but to me, if I have been given any sort of trust and responsibility, I do my absolute best to make sure that it remains secure. I not only need to fulfill the expectations given to me - I also need to exceed them. When I think about my father who ran away from his home country at the young age of six by himself, It pushes me to do my absolute best. I think about how he spent most of his teenage years in a refugee camp, how can I just waste my teenage years doing nothing before I go to college or get a job? That's why I try to get involved in as many projects and activities as I can like researching under my professors and participating in clubs like speech & debate. When saying that however, it is important to remember - Just because I need to bring pride in myself and my past ancestors, doesn't mean that I need to do it in only the exact way that I was taught. My upbringing has influenced my choices and how I look at life overall. It makes me consider the paths I need to take and the morals I need to bring along that path. As a first-generation middle child of three siblings in a immigrant and refugee household, it can be very hard to acclimatize my life at home to the life I have outside of that like in school or activities. I didn't learn how to speak until I was three years old. I couldn't read until I was in first grade and I was diagnosed with having a learning disability of severe ADHD when I was in second grade. The reason for that is that I had a very hard time adapting to essentially two different lifestyles. I didn't speak because I was too confused to know the difference between English, Arabic, and Oromo. I couldn't read books because words like "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish", didn't look like "Tokko Caaluna, Lama Caaluna, Diimmaa Caaluna, Baluu Caaluna". Because of these things, I had to learn at a very young age that sometimes, what I grew up learning in my home and community, is not always the best for what I need to learn in this country. It helped me adjust a lot more to my American side, but it sadly made me realize how much of an outsider I am. I am one who walks the path of two and cannot make a home in either one. But that is okay - Something that we all need to learn in life is to be satisfied with ourselves since we cannot spend our whole life seeking the satisfaction of others. What I did grow even more fascinated with, however, was how to combine both of my two separate worlds into one. I loved researching the history and finding the commonalities between back home in Ethiopia and how it connected back with important global history. It fills me with pride to know that coffee was first discovered and popularized in Ethiopia or how my parent's country was one of only two African countries to have never been colonized. It represents who I am, a fighter, maverick, and someone who finds another way successfully.

I believe that it is not purposeful misconstruing of facts and ideas that will lead to human peril, but the lack of knowledge we had that allowed such falsities to occur. The reason I believe it is important to better understand our world and its nature of it is simply because this is something we as humans need in order to adapt and survive in this world. A topic that I was very fascinated with during high school was something I learned in my English class called "cognitive dissonance". It is a state of discomfort that results from two or more different nodes of thinking action. I was equally fascinated by both the term, as I had never previously known what exactly to call this feeling before, and the end result that this psychological state caused on human beings. As someone who was diagnosed with a learning disability at a very young age, my emotions and the way I perceived emotions from others have always been very upfront. My brain could never really understand hidden meanings or underlying messages in sentences, nor would I ever care to learn about them. When I'm sad, I'm sad. When I'm happy, I'm happy. As I grew older I had to change this way of thinking since my words could be misinterpreted and I needed to adapt and grow my self-awareness. One day I was very tired from doing that. thinking over every single word that I said and making sure that I fully understood what others were trying to convey to me was too tiring. So I just stopped. When someone felt offended or if they didn't realize I was talking about something else, they would always blame me. So on that day, I asked them the question, "What led you to think that I meant it in that way." It was a very long conversation but eventually, we got to the topic of how the person felt that everyone that they usually talk to thinks and responds in that same manner. I finally understood at that moment that our miscommunication wasn't due to either of our abilities to carry on a conversation. It was our lack of perception ability to think more broadly that caused this confusion. Once I got to that point I then asked myself: "Why?" "Why didn't I see it that way!" This is what I liked to call my "Aha" moment. It was the moment when I realized that my lack of knowledge and information led to this dangerous path of assuming things without looking at the facts. How am I or anybody else supposed to know that our way of think is wrong or misinterpreted when we don't venture out and discover new things? After that day, I made it a point to look up any new or different idea that I had come across so this never happened again. I realize that it's impossible to know absolutely everything and that there will be people who don't even bother to try and learn about the things that I am talking about. But that's why it is important for people like me to make it a point to educate and teach others about these things. My dream is to major in both political science and international business. I seek to evaluate the history of different types of countries and look for why events that started led to each outcome. Even though I wasn't as good at understanding science as I was in literature and history, a topic in biological science that I liked to try to get a good grasp at learning was Darwin's theory of evolution. When talking about it in terms of biological evolution we look at it as "descent with modification". This mainly draws upon the idea that over time species change, resulting in a new species forming and therefore - sharing a common ancestor. A process that is determined by natural selection. What was important to me was to discover the events that shaped that development. Now, the nature of where the process of biological evolution is what I believed to be determined by a natural disaster or at least some form of major disaster. So when looking at the different types of disasters that have reached each country in the past it can show why human features a different across the spectrum, but ultimately very common for each region. What I could never really figure out until I was taught about the topic of cognitive dissonance was - how our thoughts and ideas about different topics formed today. I finally found out it is because as we adapt to each circumstance a form of evolution occurs in our minds as well. It stems from our innate ability to want to survive. It's a form of continuous evolution for us as human beings, that's why we were given the ability to think and develop our own thoughts. Just because we don't see a very obvious physical reaction doesn't mean it's not there at all. The more I continued in my studies and self-homework for learning about different countries did I realize that our evolution towards becoming better human beings has stagnated. What I believe to be the cause of this is that we have not taken it upon ourselves to better understand the nature of our universe. In the late nineteenth century in Europe and also different parts of the world imperialism had started to become something that very frequently happened. Explorers and conquistadors would go off and try to "discover" new lands for their country to conquer. Going to the far corners of the world and finding out that one of these things, was not like the other. It caused a state of discomfort for others. A feeling of cognitive dissonance. It sparked the question, "How can people live so differently than us?". When explorers saw the different customs, traditions, religions, and physically dis-similarities, it created a curiosity and fear that was unknown to them. The natives were the ones who became the aggressors for being different. That was when Darwin's original theory of evolution became distorted into something called, "Social Darwinism". When there is a fear of the unknown, the most common response is avoidance. To completely ignore all that you can't recognize and Social Darwinism was exactly the gateway to avoiding other different cultures and ideas. It made it so that apparently, natural selection wasn't decided based on major occurrences or events that happened. It was decided through genes. Things like looks and appearances all decided if you were the strong or the weak. It completely ignored the idea that instead of evolving because of adapting to certain events - your ability to survive has already been guaranteed depending on which area you were born in. Of course, the people who created or become in charge of this new idea of social Darwinism will put the best as being whatever image they see themselves as. This concept has continued to justify imperialism, racism, eugenics, and social inequality in various instances in our lives. It's an idea that continues to persist and grow today. Now, it's not just your skin color, gender, or family background, it's whatever educational background you have or whatever job you have. It has drawn a line in our society, making it so anything that is outside the scope of whatever community or demographic we are a part of is the only way to live and see things. It doesn't allow for the consideration that other environments might be better than our own. We've now come to an age where technology, transportation, and other innovative things have made it easy to learn about new things. Not only is it important for us to continue to learn about these things, but in order to fulfill our purpose as human beings, continuing to learn about change is a path we need to achieve in order to continue living.

When I was about six years old, I figured out that what I wanted to be was not the one that my parents had set for me. I visited my uncle was in jail and I don't think I'll ever be able to forget that day. I asked my father why my uncle was there when he didn't do anything wrong. The answer I got was: "He was at the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong skin color." That statement has kept me going for my entire life now. It's the reason why I wake up every morning at 5:00 am every single day to get ready and look my best. It's the reason why I never use slang, always articulate my words, and make sure I sit/stand up straight no matter how many times people tell me I need to loosen up. And it is the reason why I became one of the first people in my family to go to college and become a lawyer. The path I chose to pursue in my education is to go into Pre-law and double major in political science and International Business with a minor in Business Law. This is a road that is solemnly taken by a woman of color who is a part of the Islamic and Oromo community and is very difficult. An ability that I have always had when I was young was to be both optimistic and realistic at the same time. I was able to maintain my attitude based on what was most likely to happen and I could plan out how to match that with the outcome of what I also most wanted to have. A lot of people followed me and saw me as a leader because of that. I didn't always have the answers they needed and they didn't always listen to what I said; however, they didn't feel bad about coming to me when they needed help since I wouldn't be judging them with a personal bias or anything because I could always understand where they were coming from. I've lived most of my life being written off as nothing, that I wouldn't dare to make another person feel that way as well. Because of this and through my own efforts, I was recognized in my community as not being an outsider, but as a leader and a champion for change in my community. I will never forget the words that my father told me on the day that I told him that I wanted to be a lawyer. He told me “Doing something different is good, but also remember that the path you take will be a lonely one so makes sure that you surround yourself with people who know what to do, and when you find them – Make sure to eighty percent listen and twenty percent talk.” Some people don’t understand how important these words can mean to someone like me, but these are words that I cherish to this day. I have never entered a room thinking that I am the smartest or most intelligent. What I do think, about is how I can surpass the person who is. Listening and gathering information is a crucial part of achieving any success. Often times problems that lie in getting more opportunities to further education or professional goals are the result of the lack of time to provide for other things in your life. It was something I didn't know until I got to college. The lack of network and connections I have in the profession I'm going into made me realize exactly why people don't see many persons of color in the highest-grossing job areas. It's like I was running behind in a race that I didn't even know was going on. Living on my own and working to support my family meant looking at things like transportation costs, healthcare, auto insurance, and life insurance, and working to support the American dream that my parents sacrificed so much to achieve. I've accepted these responsibilities as a fact. And it's fine. I can actually stand to benefit from these things once I mastered the concept in the long run. However, right now as a college student, I don't want to spend all of my time just sustaining a reasonable standard of living. I want to be able to thrive and use this time in college to gain better opportunities. Instead of doing that I want to focus my time and resources on gaining new connections with other people and mentors that can help guide me on my path to finding greatness. I want to make my children in the future financially secure in a way that I could never have starting with a ROTH IRA, savings, money for college, and setting aside assets for them to use as they please. That was the American dream my parents were promised, and that is the American dream I will get back for them. Going back to the poem I talked about earlier, it ends with the person taking the road less traveled instead of the one that had evidence of being the most frequently trodden path. I think that doing things out of the ordinary is actually much easier than trying to be like everyone else. It lessens the weight and burden of being a leader since you’re only judged by the standards you set for yourself instead of going by what others set for you. What keeps me going at the end of the day, is not only my family but the idea of generational wealth I'll be creating for them. I'll be working towards the goal where in the future my children won't have to worry about anything, or their children, or their children's children. My path is something that is definitely still challenging to a certain extent, but nothing that is worth something should ever be easy.

Often times problems that lie in getting more opportunities to further education or professional goals are the result of lacking monetary funds to provide for other things in your life. Shifting from high school to college was that moment when I became enlightened by that fact. Transportation costs, healthcare, auto insurance, and food require working tirelessly to support the ideal American Capitalism. This is fine - it can even benefit you in the long run, but right now as a college student, I don't want to spend all of my time struggling to sustain a reasonable standard of living. I want to be able to thrive and use this time in college to gain better opportunities for myself. In order to do so, I make sure to use my money wisely. One of the ways I do that is by applying for programs such as MNsure, one of the federal programs in the state of Minnesota that helps cover basic health insurance. Out of all my three siblings, my parents loved to joke around and call me "the expensive child" since I always got injured and had to pay for medical fees since I was in a lot of sports. I was also diagnosed with ADHD ever since I was in second grade so while I knew it was just a joke - deep down inside I used to be scared that we wouldn't have enough money to pay the bills. My mom used to work as a pharmacy tech so she took care of most of the healthcare bills, but after my mom lost her job while I was in high school it was hard keeping up with the bills so eventually we had to stop paying for health insurance. I would save up my medication and only use it when I had an important test. This greatly affected my schoolwork and grades. When looking at tuition fees for college I noticed that a majority of the fees were for health insurance offered at my University. With the help of my sister, she found programs that could help cover the cost of health insurance so that we didn't need to pay for it when going into college. Another way I'm planning to address my future student loan debt is by both working, commuting from home, and doing a little bit of investment in the stock market. I worked part-time as an IT Security analyst through a program in my high school for minorities who came from low-income families called: Genesys Works. It opened up a lot of doors and opportunities for me so that I could get the necessary experience and training qualifications in the IT corporate world. This has helped me get a lot of jobs and intern opportunities since the tech industry has been rapidly growing for the past couple of years. Right now is the perfect time to get ahead in this profession. Of course, not all of this will help offset my loans since I am planning on double majoring in political science and international business, then going to law school. This road is solemnly taken by a woman of color who is a part of the Islamic community and is also a first-generation American and college student. That is why am also doing things commuting from home to avoid paying the high dorm fees and instead of putting all of my money in savings, I am instead putting some of it into stock for long-term benefits that will help not only myself - but also my kids as well in the future.

When I was born my parents originally decided to name me Nia since they liked the sound of it, but when I was born my uncle insisted that I instead be named, Hayat. The reason for that is because the name Hayat means "life" in Arabic and my uncle told me that I was born kicking and screaming and full of life. He also wanted to name me that since the name Hayu means "to gain knowledge", or "education", in the Oromo language native to my family. I believe that my name has given me a bold, vivid and very courageous personality. As if the moment I was named Hayat, I also had a lively personality breathed into me as well. In a lot of culture and religion, people say that someone's name can tell a lot about a person and I believe that is true. For names I think that there can be two paths it can go about for the symbolic meaning. You can either embody your name or have the name be an embodiment of you. In this case, I think I fall into the latter. My name has always left a mark on people that I've met and they never seem to forget me no matter how many years pass by. Whenever I payed any sports when I was young my team loved to shout my name like crazy not only because It sounded beautiful, but because of the significance my personality and attitude had on people when participating in games and practices with me. I was voted Captain or leader in many activities and events because people knew that I would make it the absolutely most fun. To them I was a name that brought new, exciting experiences and gave them very happy moments in their lives. But life is not always just fun and rainbows. Being realistic about outcomes in life is very necessary as well. An ability that I have always had when I was young was to be both optimistic and realistic at the same time. I was able to maintain my attitude based off of what was most likely to happen and because of this I could plan out how to match that with the outcome of what I also most wanted to have. A lot of people followed me and saw me as a leader because of that. This also led to all sorts of people like my teachers, peers, co-workers and even just random people confiding to me and coming to me when they needed to make a decision. I didn't always know the answer and they didn't always listen to what I said, however they didn't feel bad about coming to me when they needed help since I wouldn't be judging them with a personal bias or anything because I could always understand where they were coming from. Sometimes my family likes to think about what would have happened if my name had been Nia instead of Hayat and we all agree that I might've been a bit more soft spoken to match the soft-sounding name. If I were to be given the opportunity to go back in time and change my name into anything else besides Hayat I definitely wouldn't take that opportunity. Because my name has now become so much more then a way to identify me, my name has in it of itself, become my identity.

One of my favorite poems that I got to read during middle school was one by Robert Frost called, "The Road Not Taken". The beginning went something like this: "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth... " I liked this poem because I felt that it resonated with me and the choices I've made throughout my life. I've always been somewhat of a maverick not driven by rebellion but through my emotions. I could never understand why people would choose the safest option rather than doing what they loved even if it was at the cost of uncertainty. The community I grew up in was one that originated from the Eastern part of Africa, called Ethiopia but due to a very hard and troubled history, we refer only part of it as our own place called Oromia. It is a place where many of my people escaped in order to save themselves from war and the horrific genocide that was going on in the country. When some of them received shelter to come to America the consensus that they reached was to simply survive and this was of course only a natural biological response after what they had been through. The problem only started to happen when trying to force this attitude of compliance in only setting for average on the future generation born in the United States. The path I chose to pursue in my education is to go into Pre-law and double major in political science and international business with a minor in Business Law. This is a road that is solemnly taken by a woman of color who is a part of the Islamic community and is also a first-generation American and first-generation college student. Because of this, my original thought was that in college my biggest struggle would be finding connections, a mentor, or someone to guide me along this path. It turns out that I was right about that. Often times problems that lie in getting more opportunities to further education or professional goals are the result of the lack of time to provide for other things in your life. Shifting from high school to college life was that moment when I finally became enlightened by that fact. Things like transportation costs, healthcare, auto insurance, life insurance, and more all require us to work tirelessly in support of the ideal American Capitalism. This is completely fine and can even benefit you once you mastered the concept in the long term, but right now as a college student, I don't want to spend all of my time just sustaining an affordable standard of living. I want to be able to thrive and use this time in college to gain better opportunities. Instead of doing that I want to focus my time and resources on gaining new connections with other people and mentors that can help guide me on my path to finding greatness.