1.Back when I was in Middle School, I discovered that a new boy group was debuting under BigHit Entertainment, and that it would be the first group they assembled in years after BTS. Around that time, teasers of TXT’s debut (“Crown”) released and I knew that there was something special about them. It was a sound that I did not hear any other K-pop group have at the time and it was magical, which sparked my fascination with them. I have been a proud MOA since their debut. 2.Throughout several instances, I have seen individuals call themselves a “MOA,” while not supporting all five members of the group. I consider caring for all five members of TXT to be the most important quality of a “true” MOA, as each member within the group deserves to be appreciated equally, throughout their solo endeavors or the activities they pursue with the rest of the group. 3.Taehyun caught my attention during “The Dream Chapter: Eternity” era, his vocals in “Can’t You See Me?” and “Eternally” allowed my essence to soar; the versatility in his vocal color was rare to see within the K-Pop industry. Since then, he has continued to capture my interest through his witty jokes within “TO DO” but also his caring personality, such as the moment when Huening Kai did not have any idol friends to contact so he offered himself up for Kai to contact, so that he would not feel left out. 4.My current ult bias is Taehyun as well. I believe his genuinity and his dedication to his artistry are the main reasons why he stands out to me. He is one of the only idols to give credit to the Afro-beats genre when TXT used it for their song, “Tinnitus,” and credited Black music for being the basis of their company, which is admirable to see someone give acknowledgement where it is due. I also value the music that he writes such as “Bird of Night,” which discusses the anxieties of adulthood, something I relate to. 5.My favorite TXT song is “0X1=LOVESONG” because of how much it resonates with me through its comforting lyrics such as, “Please use me like a drug.” It contains such raw sentiment and that can be experienced through their vocals. Personally, the song has felt reassuring to me when I've experienced difficulties and it is soothing because I don't feel alone. 6.I have been to TXT concerts twice, the first was Act: Sweet Mirage and the second was Act: Promise; both instances were unforgettable. 7.My favorite album concept of TXT was during “The Chaos Chapter: Freeze,” where they had been styled as princes in a snowy background (the “World” version of the album). I appreciated how their makeup was done, to depict a “freezing temperature,” it really matched the theme of the entire album. 8.I am currently a full-time student so at times, it is difficult to finance my education as I am unemployed. My tuition for every semester is paid off by grants received from the FAFSA and subsidized loans, but it does not cover the entire cost of attendance. 9.This scholarship can help to alleviate the financial burden associated with attending college, because it is difficult for my parents to pay my tuition every semester, especially since they do not have a high income and their store (7-Eleven) is facing a decline in customers. 10.TXT has shown me the importance of dedication and how far it can bring you. Each time they perform, it’s noticeable that they are giving their “all,” through their facial expressions and vocals. I am proud of how far they have come and that their hard work has paid off. Through the awards they have received and headlining Lollapalooza, they inspire me to work harder. 11.As I have faced ongoing financial hardship, I have learned the value of sacrifice from a young age. Pursuing a career in medicine is my dream and it is also a way to give back to my family and to others in my community who face similar challenges. I desire to become a physician who understands the social and financial struggles that patients might experience, as well as physical ailments.

The partition of India and Pakistan was brutal – one of the most violent moments in human history as unspeakable crimes were committed to both women and children. My grandmother was only around three years old at the time when she witnessed both of her parents being mutilated, tortured, and murdered before her eyes. Amidst the chaos and terror, she lost two of her siblings. Her grandfather managed to pull her away in time from the chaos, saving her life. She continued to live, even after the atrocities she had witnessed and managed to raise my father and his two siblings. However, hardship followed her throughout her life. She lived in poverty, eventually became paralyzed, and was later bedridden. She never had the opportunity to receive a proper education or pursue her dreams. One dream, however, remained with her for a lifetime, that one of her grandchildren would pursue a career in medicine and would help others in need. Although I never met her, as she passed away before I got the opportunity to, her strength and resilience continue to inspire me to work relentlessly and strive for success. It is a miracle from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (SWT) that she survived such a horrific disaster, and her story fills me with immense gratitude for the life I have been given. I try to carry this same mindset into the challenges I face today, including the recent decline of my parents’ business, their 7-Eleven store. Lately, a significant decrease in customers has made it even more difficult for them to support my education financially and cover basic necessities. Despite these hardships, I remind myself of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), which reminds us that “Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.” The experiences of my late grandmother and the reassurance that this surah from the Quran provides me with hope and the energy to push through to the future. Maintaining optimism, however, is not always easy, especially while managing demanding coursework and preparing for rigorous exams such as the Medical College Admission Test. And, at times, experiencing religious discrimination from certain teachers discouraged me and led me to question whether I could truly become a physician or not. Yet, strengthening my relationship with Islam, through practices such as reciting Ayat Al-Kursi, has helped me overcome anxiety and self-doubt. This reinforced my determination to succeed and to dismantle harmful stereotypes surrounding Muslim women. I am driven to serve as a testament to the fact that Muslim women are just as capable of achievement and accomplishment as any other group in the United States. Muslim women remain underrepresented in medicine and deserve greater recognition. I strive to encourage and uplift other Muslim women to pursue their aspirations, as I have made it this far despite the financial disparities. I also hope to remind them of the sacrifices made by the women who came before us, women like my grandmother and Ismat Tariq, both of whom never got the opportunity to pursue higher education. We should honor their sacrifice and we should not give up on our education, as it is a privilege. Receiving this scholarship would ensure that the tuition of at least one more semester is covered, which would ultimately help me be closer to achieving these goals and to help others in the future and in the present. And, most importantly, we should not give up on Islam and believe in Allah as Surah At-Talaq reminds us “Whoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him.”

Panicked yells and shouts echoed throughout the house as another robbery had taken place. I felt a familiar sinking feeling in my heart, of increased pessimism that things wouldn’t get any better. This has been a reality in my life, for as long as I can remember. My parents have owned a 7-Eleven store for years and while it is our family’s only source of income, it has also dragged us down in several ways. Every time my parents described the daily occurrences that they encountered at the store while I was a child, I felt anxiety grow in my heart about the outside world. They even once explained that a man walked into the store and pointed a gun towards them, coercing them to pull all of their cash out of the cash registers. Hearing about these horrific instances growing up made me want to shelter myself from the outside world – I grew severe anxiety. At school, I would minimally interact with anyone and standing in front of the class for presentations wasn’t any better, I felt my heart swelter and beat relentlessly within my chest. Sometimes I felt as if I would black out because of how my body reacted to social situations as simple as introducing myself to other classmates. Such experiences severely hindered my ability to make friends throughout my earlier schooling years and I refused to step outside of my comfort zone. However, entering my high school years allowed for me to make a shift from this kind of mindset. I discovered a variety of clubs and organizations that aligned with my interests, and for the first time, I felt compelled to challenge the boundaries I had built around myself. I attended an introductory meeting for my school’s art club, despite the familiar surge of anxiety as I stood before a room of unfamiliar faces. Surprisingly, many classmates were enthusiastic towards me and complimented my tastes and interests. This eased some of the dread that I experienced within myself as some of them gave me a reassuring and welcoming smile. For the first time, the world seemed slightly less intimidating—and more hopeful as I met new people. Since then, I have tried to confront my inner turmoil through small steps, gradually reshaping my mindset. Just a month ago, I engaged in a speech challenge at my university (UMD) to bring attention to a nonprofit organization that deserved a $150 donation. As my voice slightly trembled at the beginning of the speech, I panicked internally, unknowing of whether I would be able to win the challenge or not. As I finished with it, I convinced myself that I had lost already, returning to my former pessimistic ideas. However, on the day the winner was announced, I was in disbelief that I won the competition. That moment taught me the danger of grounding myself in pessimism and the importance of believing in my own growth. I now feel compelled to share my story with other students so they do not allow fear or discouragement to define them. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden I currently face and allow me to continue expanding my horizons while helping others do the same. I hope to contribute to a more positive world as I aspire to enter the medical field, supporting and strengthening my community.

Seven years ago, my grandfather was hurriedly pushed away from me in the airport. That was the last time I would ever see him again, and I was never able to say a proper goodbye to him as he was hurriedly pushed in a wheelchair to make it in time to his flight. A month after he landed in Pakistan, I heard the news that he had passed away. At that time, I had no idea how to process his death. I cried out loud, unable to understand how one of my family members died so early on in my life. My grandfather was one of the closest people I ever knew, he understood me and was empathetic towards any of the problems I was facing. He often donated to charities even though he didn’t have much to give, and was one of the most selfless individuals in my life. I was not able to attend his funeral either, since it was in Pakistan and I haven’t gotten the opportunity to visit his grave once. I regretted my last conversation on the phone with him. I would have talked to him more or at least said “I love you,” if I knew that it would be the last time I would ever speak to him. All of the negative emotions surrounding his death overwhelmed me, and it felt as if I were stuck in one place, unable to function properly because of my grief. A couple of nights after his death, he appeared in my dream, almost like a vision that was given to me by God. He comforted me in my dream and told me that he is “alright” and “in a good place now.” After several days of sorrow and pain, I saw a light gleaming, and it was full of hope. I wanted to grasp onto the idea that he didn’t disappear and that his soul still existed somewhere, even if I couldn’t physically view it myself. My faith, Islam, allowed for me to seek reassurance and for me to seek comfort in this idea. In Islam, when a loved one passes away, their soul can meet yours again while you are dreaming. If they comfort you and appear happy in your dream, it is a sign that they are in a good place. Discovering this made me feel reassured because when my grandfather visited me while I was asleep, he was smiling at me. While I still struggle with the idea of comprehending that he is no longer present in this physical world, at least I know that he is out there somewhere. Grounding myself in my faith reminded me that I will be able to meet him again someday, if I continue to make du’a (prayers) for our reunion. This has allowed me to carry on with my life, with optimism and with hope. I believe that our loved ones watch over us as we grieve, as we experience happiness, and as we remember them. Though they are no longer present in this physical world, they are not truly gone. I hope and pray that one day, by God’s will, we will reunite with those we have lost. With the Jim Maxwell scholarship, I promise to honor Jim's legacy and to help others unlock optimism and hope for the future within themselves.

There isn’t a day that goes by where my parents worry about their income and financial security. As a child, I would barely get the opportunity to see them as they spent hours working tirelessly everyday. Several years ago I recall asking them, “When will we go to Disney World?” Their response was, “We will go sometime soon.” We never ended up going there or any other vacation throughout our lives. But, as I grew older I figured they told me that as a way of reassurance, so that I wouldn’t have to worry about the difficulties they were going through. As of today, our financial situation hasn’t gotten any better. Finding a way to pay for my college tuition is already burdensome, but thinking about the near future and what I plan to pursue is even more intimidating. My “Pie in the Sky” goal is to attend medical school and to become a physician, but with the current state of my finances it might be slightly out of reach. When I was in Middle School, I watched doctors in the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center worked relentlessly to help my grandfather fight off a fatal disease, tuberculosis. Their labor eventually paid off and they were able to save him from the condition. But, seeing their dedication and motivation to their jobs lit a spark within me and I became passionate about medicine; I aspire to save lives as well. However, the path to a career in medicine is far from linear. It is filled with obstacles and moments of self-doubt. Within the first semester of university that I attended, I struggled to adjust as I had taken classes at a community college the previous semester. I received grades that I wasn’t particularly proud of on exams in my Organic Chemistry I class, which is a crucial prerequisite course for medical school. Within the middle of the semester, I became discouraged with myself and contemplated dropping the course, as I received below average scores for the first two exams. When I visited my professor during her office hours and asked her about dropping the course, tears began to well in my eyes. I broke down as I explained that postponing the course would likely delay my graduation, placing additional financial strain on my parents; something I knew they could not easily support. To my surprise, she offered me encouragement and told me that I can recover from my past performances on her exams. With her words I felt reassurance and I knew that I could improve, I began to put in countless hours of effort towards studying for the course. With the next two exams, my improvement impressed me, I managed to get above average scores and my final grade came out to be an A-. While it wasn’t the greatest grade I could have achieved, I was stunned that I was able to enhance my academic performance, and I regained some of the confidence that I had lost before. I now remind myself that I shouldn’t ground myself in pessimism and that I can get through the challenge of passing the rough prerequisites required for medical school. One uncertainty still remains, though, which is financing my education. At times, I hesitate slightly from medical school because of the immense financial burden associated with my education. This scholarship, however, could bring me one step closer to my goal by easing some of the financial strain. I will work towards a future where my “Pie in the Sky” isn’t just a dream anymore, but a reality.

Coming to the United States as a Muslim immigrant is not an easy task, and it was especially arduous around the time that the event of 9/11 occurred. My mother, who wore a scarf covering her head, described that people would glare at her with fiery, angry eyes; almost as if they were blaming her for the tragedy that unfolded that day. It was also difficult for my parents to find employment, as fear and resentment toward them stemmed simply from the fact that they were both Pakistani and Muslim. Even once they entered the work force, their lives didn’t get any simpler. My father described that a man flung a large glass jar at his head, while he was working a job at a restaurant – for simply existing. My mother was yelled at and insulted while she worked while performing a physically demanding job in a water treatment plant. After dealing with these experiences, my mother refused to let me wear any kind of head covering to school, so that I wouldn’t be discriminated against. But, that didn’t stop students from picking apart other parts of my identity. I would often hear people mock South Asian accents in classrooms and I would regularly get the question, “Where are you really from?” because I looked distinct from my White classmates. On several occasions, when teachers asked students about their ethnicities, the entire classroom would go silent when I spoke about mine, as if I committed some kind of crime for being Pakistani. I was even placed in a “speech class” in Elementary school by a teacher, to correct my South Asian accent. That same teacher assumed I was unintelligent, often telling my parents during conferences that I did not seem “smart enough” because of the way I spoke. Living through these events persuaded me that there was something “wrong” with my identity since I never measured up to my peers’ and teachers’ standards. I slowly began losing faith in myself, that I would never be able to reach success. But, my parents encouraged me to push through these struggles, they didn’t want for me to be held back by those who discriminated against me. They wanted me to prosper in the United States and for me to prove people wrong, about their preconceived notions regarding Muslims and South Asians. A fire began to ignite within me when they reminded me of this, I didn’t want their sacrifices to go without fruition. So, I began to study harder and slowly improved my academic performance from Elementary School to High School. Throughout this time, I developed a deep-rooted passion for medicine, inspired by the dedication that doctors and nurses had to their work. Within my middle school years, my grandfather was diagnosed with tuberculosis, but watching the nurses and doctors in the hospital spend hours every day to help him recover gave me the motivation to do the same. I wanted to become someone who could serve their community, but also someone who could set an example, that Muslims and South Asians are worthy members of a society. At the moment, Muslims and South Asians are heavily underrepresented in medicine, and I want to make a change to that. I aspire to be a part of a future that can help contribute to a more diverse network of physicians. Most importantly, I want to dismantle the stereotypes surrounding Muslims and South Asians. And, with this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving that goal.

Seven years ago, my grandfather was hurriedly pushed away from me in the airport. That was the last time I would ever see him again, and I was never able to say a proper goodbye to him as he was hurriedly pushed in a wheelchair to make it in time to his flight. A month after he landed in Pakistan, I heard the news that he had passed away. At that time, I had no idea how to process his death. I cried out loud, unable to understand how one of my family members died so early on in my life. My grandfather was one of the closest people I ever knew, he understood me and was empathetic towards any of the problems I was facing. He often donated to charities even though he didn’t have much to give, and was one of the most selfless individuals in my life. I was not able to attend his funeral either, since it was in Pakistan and I haven’t gotten the opportunity to visit his grave once. I regretted my last conversation on the phone with him. I would have talked to him more or at least said “I love you,” if I knew that it would be the last time I would ever speak to him. All of the negative emotions surrounding his death overwhelmed me, and it felt as if I were stuck in one place, unable to function properly because of my grief. A couple of nights after his death, he appeared in my dream, almost like a vision that was given to me by God. He comforted me in my dream and told me that he is “alright” and “in a good place now.” After several days of sorrow and pain, I saw a light gleaming, and it was full of hope. I wanted to grasp onto the idea that he didn’t disappear and that his soul still existed somewhere, even if I couldn’t physically view it myself. My faith, Islam, allowed for me to seek reassurance and for me to seek comfort in this idea. In Islam, when a loved one passes away, their soul can meet yours again while you are dreaming. If they comfort you and appear happy in your dream, it is a sign that they are in a good place. Discovering this made me feel reassured because when my grandfather visited me while I was asleep, he was smiling at me. While I still struggle with the idea of comprehending that he is no longer present in this physical world, at least I know that he is out there somewhere. Grounding myself in my faith reminded me that I will be able to meet him again someday, if I continue to make du’a (prayers) for our reunion. This has allowed me to carry on with my life, with optimism and with hope. I believe that our loved ones watch over us as we grieve, as we experience happiness, and as we remember them. Though they are no longer present in this physical world, they are not truly gone. I hope and pray that one day, by God’s will, we will reunite with those we have lost.

Panicked yells and shouts echoed throughout the house as another robbery had taken place. I felt a familiar sinking feeling in my heart, of increased pessimism that things wouldn’t get any better. This has been a reality in my life, for as long as I can remember. My parents have owned a 7-Eleven store for years and while it is our family’s only source of income, it has also dragged us down in several ways. Every time my parents described the daily occurrences that they encountered at the store while I was a child, I felt anxiety grow in my heart about the outside world. They even once explained that a man walked into the store and pointed a gun towards them, coercing them to pull all of their cash out of the cash registers. Hearing about these horrific instances growing up made me want to shelter myself from the outside world – I grew severe anxiety. At school, I would minimally interact with anyone and standing in front of the class for presentations wasn’t any better, I felt my heart swelter and beat relentlessly within my chest. Sometimes I felt as if I would black out because of how my body reacted to social situations as simple as introducing myself to other classmates. Such experiences severely hindered my ability to make friends throughout my earlier schooling years and I refused to step outside of my comfort zone. However, entering my high school years allowed for me to make a shift from this kind of mindset. I discovered a variety of clubs and organizations that aligned with my interests, and for the first time, I felt compelled to challenge the boundaries I had built around myself. I attended an introductory meeting for my school’s art club, despite the familiar surge of anxiety as I stood before a room of unfamiliar faces. Surprisingly, many classmates were enthusiastic towards me and complimented my tastes and interests. This eased some of the dread that I experienced within myself as some of them gave me a reassuring and welcoming smile. For the first time, the world seemed slightly less intimidating—and more hopeful as I met new people. Since then, I have tried to confront my inner turmoil through small steps, gradually reshaping my mindset. Just a month ago, I engaged in a speech challenge at my university (UMD) to bring attention to a nonprofit organization that deserved a $150 donation. As my voice slightly trembled at the beginning of the speech, I panicked internally, unknowing of whether I would be able to win the challenge or not. As I finished with it, I convinced myself that I had lost already, returning to my former pessimistic ideas. However, on the day the winner was announced, I was in disbelief that I won the competition. That moment taught me the danger of grounding myself in pessimism and the importance of believing in my own growth. I now feel compelled to share my story with other students so they do not allow fear or discouragement to define them. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden I currently face and allow me to continue expanding my horizons while helping others do the same. I hope to contribute to a more positive world as I aspire to enter the medical field, supporting and strengthening my community.