My membership in the National Honor Society has been one of the most important aspects of my commitment to community service. Being part of this organization has given me the opportunity to participate in numerous volunteer activities within my community, including tutoring younger students, organizing community cleanups, and assisting at food banks. This doesn't just let me give back to my community; these experiences have really helped me as a person. Volunteering taught me all about empathy, teamwork, and responsibility, and the satisfaction that comes from leaving a positive impact on someone else's life. On top of this, during my visits to see my family in Egypt, I also volunteer. I participate in the organization of local charity events, education programs, and helping those in need. Volunteering abroad gave me a wider view of problems different communities face, and I learned how important it is to be flexible when trying to help others. In the future, I would like to continue my community service by pursuing a career that will involve me in global development projects, focusing on education, healthcare, and sustainability.

I was born in Egypt, but my journey as an immigrant began when I was still a toddler. My family immigrated to Canada when I was three years old and later to the United States when I was five. Thus, it has shaped me growing up in different countries, making my worldview different from that which I treasure. Being born Egyptian, all my life experience gained in Canada and the United States helped in understanding the complication of being set in one and plunged deep into another setting. This set my life in experiences that instill in me love, flexibility for diversity, a sense of adaptation, and ultimately a strong believer of multiculturalism. Life as an immigrant brought various challenges, though more in earlier years. This means I had to learn a new language and a different education system in Canada at a very tender age. Although I was only three years old, I remember how hard it was not to be able to fully communicate with my peers and teachers. Then, when I moved to the U.S. when I was five, that was again another challenge - from learning a new school system to even subtle social norms differences. These transitions weren’t always easy, but they taught me resilience, patience, and flexibility. Each move helped me learn how to adjust to new environments and connect with people from various backgrounds, which has become a valuable skill in my life. I’ve learned a lot about myself, my family, and the countries I’ve lived in. One of the most important things I learned was the value placed on keeping an identity with roots, to be informed of who you are by living in Egypt. My family always valued the culture of tradition and respect for community. It's something which sets how I view relationships and life on a whole. That being said, living in the U.S. and Canada has expanded my knowledge on broader perception through various cultures. I learned to appreciate the core characteristics of American society, including diversity, freedom of expression, and openness toward new ideas. Each of these experiences helped me learn what it truly meant to belong to more than one culture and how to switch between cultures without losing myself in any one culture. This has dramatically changed both my personal and professional journeys. The process of traveling from one country to another has really taught me how to be flexible and not to stand on my principles when facing any unfamiliar situation. These experiences help me shape my career goals because I am interested in working in a field that fosters international cooperation and cultural appreciation. Being an immigrant has really made me stronger and more resilient in dealing with cultural gaps. I would love to contribute to a global dialogue about diversity, unity, and inclusion. Whether it is through building relationships or helping others find their footing in a new environment, I hope to utilize my experience to positively impact some lives. Ultimately, this journey has shaped not only my career path but also my values. It has taught me the importance of respect, adaptability, and understanding. I’m proud of the diverse experiences that have shaped me and look forward to using them to contribute to a more connected world.

Ever since I was little, math has always come naturally to me. While other subjects sometimes felt confusing or abstract, math was the one thing that made perfect sense. It’s the only subject where everything has a clear answer, and that certainty is something I’ve always appreciated. While others might get frustrated with numbers and equations, I felt at home with them. Math gives me a sense of order because of its logical structure; it is further a reason for my love with it. What has always excited me in math is its problem-solving aspect. Ever since, I loved the challenge of working through a problem and figuring out the solution step by step. There's something satisfying about breaking down a complex equation or geometric puzzle into manageable parts and finding the right answer. Unlike some other subjects where answers can be subjective or open to interpretation, math has a definitive solution, which makes it feel like a true puzzle waiting to be solved. The sense of accomplishment I get when I reach the correct answer is a feeling I can't get from anything else. Math also offers a sense of universality that I find fascinating. Whether you're in a classroom in the U.S., Egypt, or anywhere else, math operates the same way. It's a universal language that connects people across cultures and fields of study. Whether it's used in science, engineering, economics, or everyday decisions like budgeting or planning, math is a tool that helps us make sense of the world. To me, math is not a subject; it's a way of thinking-a logical, systematic approach to solving problems. It keeps me focused, sharp, and curious. The more I learn, the more I realize how vast and interconnected the world of math is, and that makes me excited to explore it even further.

Growing up in a family that valued education, I was always encouraged to pursue my academic dreams, though my journey has not been without challenges. Being a Muslim woman, my path to higher education has been shaped by my personal ambitions and the values of my immigrant community. I have seen firsthand how access to education can transform lives, and this belief has driven me to excel in my studies despite the obstacles I've faced. Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, my parents immigrated seeking better opportunities. While my father worked tirelessly to provide for us, my mother, unable to pursue higher education herself, taught me that education is the key to breaking barriers and creating a better life. Their sacrifices shaped my journey, and their dedication has been my motivation to work hard and strive for success. Being a female Muslim student in a non-majority Muslim setting has brought along unique challenges. Sometimes, it has been hard to find someone in my community or culture with whom I can identify as a role model. Yet, such obstacles only made me get more serious about overcoming them. All through high school and into my undergraduate work, I have maintained a high GPA, balancing academic work with extracurricular activities and community service. These experiences have not only strengthened my time-management skills but also deepened my understanding of the importance of perseverance and resilience. Financial difficulties have always been a hindrance to pursuing higher education. Being from a middle-class family, I had to work part-time to support myself and balance my studies simultaneously. Despite these challenges, I have remained committed to my education and consistently maintained a GPA above 3.0. The Ismat Tariq Muslim Women Empowerment Scholarship would provide much-needed financial support, enabling me to focus more on my academic goals without the added stress of financial insecurity. In the future, I hope to make a difference with my education in technology and telecommunications. I am passionate about bridging the digital divide and giving underserved communities access to communication tools that can change lives. Additionally, I want to give back to other Muslim women by mentoring and guiding them, just as I have been mentored by women who came before me. I believe empowering others is essential to creating lasting change. I pay it forward by hoping to continue the legacy of Ismat Tariq through using my education for the betterment of my community. I want to inspire young women to pursue their academic aspirations and also support initiatives that promote educational resources to underprivileged groups. I also want to be able to mentor students of the future generations of females as they, too, work through the struggles of higher education. In the end, my background has deeply influenced both my educational journey and my future aspirations. It has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to use my education to empower others, particularly Muslim women. The Ismat Tariq Muslim Women Empowerment Scholarship would give me the opportunity to continue my education and carry forward the legacy of empowerment, service, and community to the next generation.

My athletic journey has been the most defining parts of my life. As a dedicated squash player, the lessons I have learned on the court have shaped my character, instilled discipline, and taught me the importance of perseverance. Through my experiences in sports, I have not only developed as an athlete but also grown as a person, learning skills that will help me make a positive impact on others. Squash has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. The sport has taught me how to set goals, push through challenges, and maintain a strong sense of focus. Early on, I learned that success doesn't come without hard work and commitment. Squash is an intense and mentally demanding game; it requires not just physical strength but also mental toughness. There have been times when I’ve faced setbacks—losing matches or struggling with performance—but each challenge has taught me to bounce back stronger. The resilience I’ve developed through these experiences has given me the confidence to tackle obstacles in all areas of my life. One of the key lessons that squash has taught me is the importance of perseverance. In a game where one point makes the difference, it is easy to get dejected especially when playing with a strong opponent or on those off days. However, I have learned my success more often so comes to those who never give up after a loss or a setback. This has carried over into my academic and personal life. Whether I am working on a particularly difficult project or training for an important match, I tackle every situation with the realization now that hard work and persistence lead to improvement and success in the end. Beyond what I have learned about myself in the game, squash has also taught me the concept of teamwork and leadership. Most people view squash as a solitary sport, but I have had the fortunate opportunity to play on the Houston team. This taught me how to communicate effectively, support my teammates, and work together toward a common goal. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about being the best player; it’s about inspiring others, encouraging them through tough moments, and lifting the team’s spirit when things get difficult. These experiences have molded me into a more supportive and motivating person, qualities that I believe will allow me to make a difference in the lives of others. Going forward in my athletic career, I am very eager to use what I've learned to inspire others. I want to share my love for squash, and the lessons I have gained along the way, with younger athletes and those who may not have access to the same resources. I believe sports, especially squash, teach very important life skills such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork-skills that can be useful far beyond the court. This is my rationale for taking up coaching or mentoring in order to pass on the values I have learned and help others discover the benefits of sports, not just for physical fitness but also for personal growth. My athletic career has shaped me in many ways, not limited to the sport itself. It taught me the values of persistence, discipline, and leadership-all of which I can apply to helping others. I am committed to sharing those values of sportsmanship and hard work with others through mentoring young athletes or using what I have learned to overcome various obstacles in other areas of my life, thus helping others to be the best version of themselves on and off the court.

As an Egyptian immigrant success is not an issue of personal achievements but how I can give back to the community, keep my roots and use my opportunities to aid people in my environment. While I was born in Egypt, at a very tender age I moved to the United States. Every summer, I return to Egypt to volunteer and train, enhancing my attachment to my heritage and pointing out to me the need for service. As a senior in high school, my goals are to be a telecommunications engineer and play Division 1 squash for a top university. For me, success will involve a delicate balance between these goals and values, using experiences for the betterment of others. To me, success means being on top of academics, athletics, and personal growth while not deviating from my values. I have always been interested in the field of technology, and I would like to major in telecommunications. Just like my father, who is an engineer in telecommunications, I hope someday to work for big companies such as T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T, improving systems of communication to connect people across the globe. I feel technology has the power to change lives, especially in areas that have not been reached by this, and I want to be part of this transformation. Apart from my academic goals, I am committed to playing Division 1 squash. I have played squash for several years now. This sport has helped me instill discipline, resilience, and teamwork in my character. Being a D1 athlete is about more than just competing at the highest level; it's about balancing sports with academics, developing leadership skills, and pushing myself to perform both physically and mentally. Playing squash at the collegiate level would help me grow as an athlete and teach me important life lessons about perseverance and leadership. What truly defines success for me, however, is my ability to help others. I believe that achieving personal goals is important, but it is even more meaningful when you can use your success to make a difference in the lives of others. This is why my experience volunteering with Islamic Relief USA has had such a profound impact on me. Every summer, I visit Egypt and work on projects that focus on disaster relief, education, and poverty alleviation. These experiences have taught me the value of giving back and using my skills to support those in need. Volunteering with Islamic Relief USA has also taught me valuable skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. Organizing events and fundraising campaigns has shown me how collaboration can lead to real change. These experiences have helped me grow as a person and prepared me for challenges in both my academic and professional life. The leadership skills I have developed through volunteering will be useful as I continue my studies and pursue my career in telecommunications. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through volunteering is the value of perspective. Visiting Egypt every summer has allowed me to see the struggles many people face—whether it’s access to education, healthcare, or basic resources. Volunteering in these communities has reminded me that success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about using your opportunities to make a positive impact. Experiencing directly the challenges faced by the people has inspired me toward this field of career where, by applying technology, I can change the course of lives and make a difference. In the future, my academic and athletic goals are inextricably linked with my commitment to give back. As a telecommunications engineer, I want to work on improving connectivity in regions around the world, especially in places where such access to communication can improve lives. I also want to continue working with organizations like Islamic Relief USA, dedicated to providing aid to the needy. I believe true success is not just personal accomplishments; it's about using what you have to uplift others. Lastly, success for me is a harmonious balance between my academic, athletic, and personal goals and staying grounded in my values. Volunteering with Islamic Relief USA has been key to my journey, as it taught me leadership, empathy, and the importance of perspective. These experiences have defined me and will guide me in the road ahead as I work toward my future. I look forward to continuing working hard for my goals, knowing my success will be most meaningful when I use it to make a difference in the world.