Hello! My name is Najeeda. I am a mom, wife, sister, and friend, but outside of those roles, I am me. I have various passions, ranging from mental health awareness to playing the French horn. But my greatest passion is to be a leader who can create a path for people to not just follow but to peacefully walk beside me. I long to be someone with the ability to inspire others to achieve their goals while attaining my own. During my anxiety-provoking pregnancy, I found peace through creating nail art. After giving birth, self manicuring was my most valuable tool in keeping my sense of self. It became a means of self-expression while making me feel beautiful amidst the spit-up-covered clothing and lack of sleep. Since then, I have wanted to share my art and give the feeling it gave me to others. As for my future endeavors, I strive to be a licensed nail technician and a nail salon owner. I want to create an environment where my clients feel safe and loved—a place where they can be themselves and have someone who can help them express their emotions and thoughts through the art on their fingertips. Eventually, I would like to build that space into a sanctuary for other nail technicians to work in and flourish. I am grateful for all the people who have supported me in the pursuit of my dreams.I will turn their support into something even more: to take that and use it to aid others. In receiving your scholarship, I have the chance to turn my desires into reality. Thank you for taking the time to read about me.