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Mahum Rana

575

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Born and raised in a tight-knit Muslim family, I am a driven young woman with a passion for engineering. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked and was always eager to take things apart and put them back together again. As I grew older, my curiosity and love for engineering only intensified. Throughout my academic journey, I have explored my passion in a plethora of opportunities, including internships at HVAC factories, various auto-related jobs, and leading robotic teams across Texas. I have taken advanced math and science courses and have shown a natural talent for problem-solving and critical thinking. My dedication to my studies and passion for engineering has earned me numerous academic awards and recognition. Despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way, including prejudice and discrimination, I have remained steadfast in my pursuit of excellence as a Muslim woman. I have always been determined to overcome any barriers that come my way and to use my talents to make a positive impact on the world. I want to use my skills and resources to make a positive impact on the lives of the homeless population in my community. Now, I am looking to take my education and career to the next level by pursuing a degree in engineering and earning scholarships to help support my goals. I know that with hard work, dedication, and a robust support system, I can achieve her dreams and make a real difference.

Education

The University of Texas at Dallas

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
  • Minors:
    • International/Globalization Studies

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation
    • History and Language/Literature
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Construction

    • Dream career goals:

    • Server/Cashier

      Big Dash
      2022 – 2022
    • Packaging Manager

      Dallas Formula Racing
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Internship

      Dust Free LP
      2020 – 20211 year

    Research

    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering

      Patent US-20220387639-A1 — Innovator
      2018 – 2020

    Arts

    • Slamming For a Cause

      Poetry
      2018 – 2018

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Muslim Student Association — Founder
      2020 – 2022

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Richard P. Mullen Memorial Scholarship
    Growing up in a single-parent household as a Pakistani American, I quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance. My mother, the sole provider for our family, worked tirelessly to make ends meet and provide for me. She instilled in me the importance of education and encouraged me to pursue my passions and achieve my goals. Despite facing financial challenges, I am determined to pursue a career in engineering, driven by a desire to create positive change in the world. I believe that my skills and expertise can make a difference, and I am committed to using my education to help others and make a meaningful impact. My interest in engineering began at a young age, sparked by a love for problem-solving and a desire to understand how things work. As I grew older, this interest grew into a passion, and I realized that engineering was the perfect field for me to pursue my love for mathematics and science while also making a positive impact on the world. However, the financial burden of my education has been a constant source of stress for me and my family. My mother has sacrificed so much to provide for me, and I want to relieve her of the burden of paying for my education. Winning this scholarship would provide much-needed financial support and enable me to focus on my studies and achieve my goals without worrying about the cost of tuition and other expenses. In addition to financial support, winning this scholarship would also provide me with a sense of validation and recognition. As a hijabi female engineering student, I have faced many challenges and obstacles along the way. However, this scholarship would serve as a reminder that my hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed and that I have the potential to make a difference in the world. As an aspiring engineer, I am passionate about using my skills to create positive change in the world. I believe that engineering has the power to transform lives and improve communities, and I am committed to using my education and expertise to make a meaningful impact. One of the areas that I am particularly interested in is the development of sustainable and innovative infrastructure. I believe that access to safe and reliable infrastructure is a basic human right, and I am passionate about using my skills to help bring this access to those who need it most. Overall, this scholarship would be a life-changing opportunity for me and my mother. It would enable me to pursue my passion for engineering and create positive change in the world while relieving my mother of the financial burden of my education. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to apply for this scholarship and am committed to using this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the world.
    I Can Do Anything Scholarship
    My ultimate dream is to become an accomplished female engineer, driven by a fierce passion to use my skills and expertise to create innovative solutions that address the needs of the homeless and make a positive impact on their lives.
    Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
    As a Muslim girl who struggled with mental health issues, my experience has had a profound impact on my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Specifically, my struggles with suicide attempts and smoking have pushed me to become the sole hope for my mother and pursue a career as an engineer so that she doesn't need to work anymore. Growing up, I faced a number of challenges related to mental health. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation that often left me feeling alone and disconnected from the world around me. At times, these struggles led me down a dangerous path, including several suicide attempts and an addiction to smoking. Throughout this difficult period of my life, my mother was my rock. She provided unwavering love and support, even in my darkest moments, and helped me find the strength to persevere and overcome my struggles. Her love and support inspired me to become the sole hope for her, to make sure that she never has to work again, and to pursue a career in engineering that can help me achieve that goal. As I began to explore my options for a career, I became increasingly interested in engineering. I was drawn to the idea of using science and technology to solve complex problems and make the world a better place. I saw engineering as a way to channel my creativity and problem-solving skills into something tangible and impactful. My interest in engineering was further fueled by my experiences with mental health. As I struggled to overcome my own challenges, I became acutely aware of the importance of access to mental health resources and support. I realized that engineering could be a way to create innovative solutions to improve access to mental health resources and support for people in need. Today, as I pursue my degree in engineering, I am driven by a deep sense of purpose and mission. I see my education and future career as a way to make a positive impact on the world and help others in need. I am passionate about using my skills and knowledge to create innovative solutions to complex problems, whether it's improving mental health resources, developing new technologies, or making the world a more sustainable and equitable place. My experience with mental health has also influenced my beliefs and relationships. I have become more empathetic and understanding of the struggles that others face, and I am committed to doing my part to create a more supportive and inclusive world. I believe that mental health should be a top priority for society and that everyone deserves access to the resources and support they need to thrive. In my relationships, I have become more open and honest about my struggles with mental health. I have found that sharing my story can help others feel less alone and inspire them to seek help if they need it. I have also become more attentive to the needs of others and more willing to offer my support and assistance whenever possible.
    Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
    One technology that has inspired me about the way in which technology can make the world a better place is the ancient Roman aqueducts. These engineering marvels were built over 2,000 years ago to transport water from distant sources to cities, towns, and villages throughout the Roman Empire. The Roman aqueducts were a critical piece of infrastructure that helped to support the growth and development of the Roman Empire. They were designed to be both durable and efficient, with many of them still standing today as a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the Roman engineers who built them. What I find particularly inspiring about the Roman aqueducts is how they were able to improve the lives of people living in the ancient world. Prior to the construction of the aqueducts, many communities relied on local sources of water that were often contaminated or insufficient to meet their needs. The aqueducts allowed for the transport of clean, fresh water from distant sources, making it possible for communities to grow and thrive. In addition to providing clean water, the Roman aqueducts also helped to support other technological advancements in the ancient world. For example, the availability of water made it possible for the Romans to develop advanced irrigation systems, which in turn helped to increase agricultural productivity and support economic growth. Today, the legacy of the Roman aqueducts continues to inspire modern engineers and scientists as they seek to develop new technologies that can improve the lives of people around the world. Whether it is through the development of new water filtration systems, renewable energy sources, or advanced transportation networks, the spirit of innovation and ingenuity that drove the construction of the Roman aqueducts lives on in the modern world. In short, the Roman aqueducts serve as a reminder of how technology can be used to make the world a better place. By leveraging our knowledge and skills to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, we can create a better, more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.
    HRCap Next-Gen Leadership Scholarship
    As a Pakistani Muslim American girl, my AAPI culture is an integral part of my identity. It encompasses not only the traditions and customs of my Pakistani heritage but also the experiences and challenges of being a Muslim American in today's society. My AAPI culture is a source of pride and strength, and it has shaped my worldview and aspirations. One of the reasons I am interested in Asian American studies and languages is because I believe that understanding and embracing cultural diversity is crucial in today's globalized world. The AAPI community has a rich and diverse history, and I am passionate about learning more about the experiences and contributions of Asian Americans to our society. By studying Asian American studies and languages, I hope to gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of AAPI identity and culture. Additionally, as a Pakistani Muslim American girl who has experienced firsthand the challenges of being part of a minority community, I believe that it is important to promote cultural diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of society. By gaining knowledge and understanding of different cultures and languages, I hope to be able to better connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and work towards building a more inclusive and accepting society. As a leader in my respective community, I strive to display several qualities, including service excellence, professionalism, integrity, cultural diversity, and human development. One of the ways in which I have displayed these qualities is through my pursuit of a career in engineering. As a Pakistani Muslim American girl, I have faced numerous obstacles and cultural expectations that have discouraged me from pursuing a career in a male-dominated field such as engineering. However, I am committed to breaking down these barriers and paving the way for future generations of girls who aspire to careers in STEM fields. By pursuing a career in engineering, I hope to demonstrate that young girls are capable of more than just being housewives or homemakers, as my father believed. In my community, I have taken on a leadership role in promoting STEM education among young girls. I have volunteered at local schools and community centers to teach girls about the possibilities and opportunities that exist in STEM fields. I have also worked with organizations such as Girls Who Code to provide mentorship and support to girls who are interested in pursuing careers in technology and engineering. As a leader in my community, I also strive to promote cultural diversity and inclusivity. I believe that it is important to embrace and celebrate our differences, rather than allowing them to divide us. To this end, I have organized cultural events and activities that bring together individuals from different backgrounds and encourage dialogue and understanding. In addition to promoting cultural diversity, I am also committed to human development. As a leader in my community, I have worked to provide mentorship and support to young girls who may be facing similar challenges to those I faced growing up. By sharing my experiences and providing guidance and support, I hope to help these girls develop the confidence and skills they need to pursue their dreams and become leaders in their own right. In all of these endeavors, I strive to display service excellence, professionalism, and integrity. I believe that it is important to lead by example and to always act with honesty, compassion, and respect. By displaying these qualities as a leader in my community, I hope to inspire others to do the same and to work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
    Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship
    After graduation, I have two primary career goals. The first is to work in either the construction or automotive industry as a female professional, and the second is to make a positive impact on the homeless community by creating a business that specifically targets giving blue-collar jobs to homeless people. I believe that pursuing these goals will allow me to not only advance my career but also make a tangible difference in the world around me. To achieve my career goal of working in the construction or automotive industry, I plan on gaining as much experience and knowledge as possible. I will actively seek out internships and entry-level positions in the industry, where I can learn the skills needed to be successful. Additionally, I plan on pursuing further education, such as a Master's degree in Construction Management or Automotive Engineering, to enhance my knowledge and skills. In order to stand out in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I plan on seeking out mentors who can guide me and help me navigate the challenges that come with being a female in a male-dominated industry. I will also seek out networking opportunities, such as attending industry events and conferences, to connect with other professionals and learn from their experiences. To achieve my second career goal of creating a business that specifically targets giving blue-collar jobs to homeless people, I plan on combining my passion for social impact with my expertise in the construction or automotive industry. I envision a business that provides job training, career coaching, and a pathway to sustainable employment for homeless individuals. By targeting blue-collar jobs in the construction or automotive industry, I hope to create a business that can make a tangible impact on the lives of the homeless community. To achieve this goal, I plan on first researching and analyzing the market to understand the demand for blue-collar jobs in the construction or automotive industry. I will then create a business plan that outlines the steps needed to launch and scale the business. This will include identifying potential investors and partners, developing a marketing and outreach plan, and creating a hiring and training plan for homeless individuals. I also plan on building partnerships with local organizations that work with the homeless community, such as shelters, food banks, and job training programs. These partnerships will allow me to identify potential candidates for employment and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed. Overall, achieving these career goals will require hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. I will need to balance my time and resources effectively to pursue both goals simultaneously. However, I believe that by pursuing a career in the construction or automotive industry while also creating a business that provides job opportunities for the homeless community, I can make a meaningful difference in the world around me.