I am a queer, Muslim, Afghan-American woman who dreams of succeeding in the field of Interior Architecture and Design. When people meet me they typically recount they haven’t met anyone with my shared identities. In reality, there are queer Muslims everywhere but the majority live in secret, trying to build a stable life to live authentically. My identity plays a crucial role in how I view the rooms I walk into, and I know the world could benefit from my perspective as diversity is necessary in all fields of life. With the help of the Sallie Rowland Bright Futures Scholarship, I will study in the field of my dreams and serve as a role model to my population. Every space I find myself in is more than walls and a ceiling. Every sharp edge and curve in a room conveys energy. Many people are unsure what strikes them the right or wrong way when they enter a room, and I want to design spaces that capture the emotions reserved for a space. Whether it be residential or commercial design, individuality is crucial. Commercial design allows creative freedom in ways residential design cannot. Though I adore the final details that bring personality to a residential space, I crave designing various spaces, serving numerous purposes, inspiring me to go into commercial design. Businesses and public spaces have a purpose that the design is meant to reflect, and the possibilities to convey these intentions are near limitless. I draw inspiration from different design styles, including contemporary, eccentric, and chic bohemian design styles. Most importantly, my upbringing plays a pivotal role in my style. The architecture of a Mosque has inspired me on numerous levels; the soft shapes of the domes over my head to the arches of the entrances leave me inspired. The Islamic geometric patterns that makeup walls and accents are one of many adored charcteristics. Fountains are often seen in designs of Mosques for ritual washing before prayer, and though putting fountains in all designs is impractical, the importance of cleanliness in Islam has generated various ideas to limit the spread of germs. Whether it is the complex geometric patterns that run along the walls of a Mosque, or the Afghan rugs of my home, the various patterns and textiles I’ve loved from my culture has inspired my design choices. My favorite attribute of the field of Interior Architecture is the significance of art while practicality and logic are also necessary. Aside from a budget, the greatest barrier to an architect’s creative dreams is physics. When designing practical assets of a space, I entertain the idea of designing practical objects in less practical ways. Applying different strategies that push physics and teeter upon ridiculousness while operating perfectly is an aspect of design I am thrilled to explore. We experience architecture and design every day. In every space I find myself in, I am analyzing spacing and colors, texture and patterns, furniture and lighting, plotting improvements, finding flaws, knowing I cannot carry out my visions without higher education. My goal is to help create spaces for people that embody their values, their dreams, and their comforts. I know I will craft spaces that have architectural integrity, are functional, and meet my client’s needs. I know where to pinpoint an overwhelming or underwhelming design choice. I love the details in a design. But more than anything, I know pursuing higher education in Interior Architecture will allow me to craft spaces that will be cherished for years to come.