When people think of math, they think of technology, economics, and the anxiety associated with math homework. But for me, math sparks excitement and makes me think of the sweet, warm, and buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies. As someone who loves solving mathematical equations and enjoys baking as a hobby, I can confidently say that math is an essential ingredient in every step of the baking process. At its core, baking demands accuracy to achieve the desired results. Whether it’s converting measurements from cups to grams or calculating baking time based on the size of the pan, math allows me to be exact while baking. It ensures that every cake rises perfectly, and every cookie is chewy in the middle and crispy on the edges. Math provides the foundation for consistency, making it possible to replicate successful bakes repeatedly. Math also allows me to customize recipes to suit my taste preferences. By understanding the ratios of ingredients in a recipe, I can easily adjust the sweetness, texture, or flavor of the baked good. Without math, these adjustments would be guesswork, and too much or too little of an ingredient would ruin the baking outcome. For example, too much baking powder in a cake will make it fragile and crumbly while too little can result in a dense cake. Making mathematical adjustments to the recipe not only saves time and effort but also prevents me from wasting ingredients. This attention to detail is why I love math. I find joy in measuring ingredients accurately to ensure each teaspoon or cup is just right for a successful bake. My love for math has only grown stronger through my passion for baking. The precision and logic of math complement the artistry and creativity of baking perfectly. Understanding how numbers and measurements impact the outcome of a recipe is both fascinating and rewarding. So next time you bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies, remember the important role that math plays in turning simple ingredients into delicious treats.

Growing up in Pakistan, I witnessed firsthand the numerous challenges faced by low-income and rural families when it came to accessing healthcare services.My grandparents and other relatives told me stories about the long waits and overcrowding at government-run hospitals, and the high costs of private clinics and hospitals that were out of reach for many families. I also experienced these first hand whenever my parents took me for a doctor's visiThese experiences made me acutely aware of the disparities that existed in our healthcare system and instilled in me a deep desire to make a difference. When I moved to the United States, I was amazed by the accessibility of healthcare facilities in even the most remote areas. I saw firsthand the many benefits of a well-funded and well-organized healthcare system, from preventative care to advanced treatments and specialized services. But as much as I appreciated the opportunities afforded by the U.S. healthcare system, I couldn't shake the feeling that so many of the families I had grown up with in Pakistan were being left behind. During my undergrad degree, my first true introduction to the public health area came in a research I did about potential careers I can pursue in the future. I was fascinated by the range of problems that public health professionals were trying to solve in many creative ways. During my undergrad degree, my first true introduction to the public health area came in a research I did about potential careers I can pursue in the future. I was fascinated by the range of problems that public health professionals were trying to solve in many creative ways. I learned about the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, from the shortage of qualified healthcare workers to the lack of basic medical supplies. But I also saw the incredible impact that even small interventions could have, from providing vaccinations to educating patients about preventative care. Now, as a graduate student in public health, I am excited to build on these experiences and work towards improving healthcare access on a larger scale. I am particularly interested in the role of health policy in shaping healthcare outcomes, and I am eager to explore how policy interventions can be used to address the structural inequalities that exist in healthcare systems around the world. Ultimately, my goal is to use my education and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who, like my grandparents and relatives, face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare services. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background or income, deserves access to the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives, and I am committed to doing my part to make that a reality.

My field of study is Public Health. I’m doing my master’s at Eastern Washington University. The field of public health is very broad and consists of a variety of careers environmental science, healthcare management, public administration, etc. The demand for public health increased after the destruction that COVID caused in the past years. After completing my degree, I hope to work in the healthcare management to improve access to healthcare services for low-income families. A college education is important to me. The world is constantly changing and higher education will help me to learn the skills needed to keep up with the constant changes around me. It will help me learn new ways of thinking and acquire problem-solving skills so I can make a positive impact in my community. I was inspired to pursue my career when I saw there was a need for advanced healthcare systems in the Muslim World. Growing up, I was fortunate to access healthcare whenever I needed it (Alhumdulilah). After moving to the United States from Pakistan, I was amazed by the U.S. healthcare system. I noticed all American cities, big or small has healthcare facility that residents can easily access. However, it made me realize that Pakistan and other Muslim countries are way behind in providing affordable and advanced healthcare services to rural areas. This ongoing issue inspired me to further my education in public health so I can work with fellow public health professionals in advancing the healthcare systems. My role in my community is not large but it is impactful. Where I live, we do not have a large Muslim community. But our local mosque is active in providing Sunday school services to children who come to learn the Holy Quran and Arabic. As Muslims living in a non-Muslim country, it is essential that young children don’t forget about their faith. At the mosque, I was assigned to teach the first chapter of the Holy Quran to children. I also helped them memorize their assigned chapters of the Quran before their teacher listened to them. During the month of Ramadan, I volunteered for serving dinner in the sisters’ section of the mosque. I hope to continue my role in the upcoming Ramadan. I am proud to be a Muslim. My Pakistani culture is rich in art, food, languages, and history. The calligraphy paintings, the colorful clothes, the aroma of spices in foods, the different dialects spoken across the country, and the hospitality are just examples of reasons why Pakistan is a beautiful country. It is worth sharing with people who never experienced this culture before. On the contrary, because Americans do not have a deep understanding of Pakistani culture, it feels easier to surrender and adopt elements of their culture as our own to be accepted in their society. However, this is a dangerous tactic that any ethnic group can take as it shows no appreciation of our roots, culture, and history. Being 7671 miles away from the country, Pakistani Americans must not forget the struggles that Muslims went through to establish a nation based on unity, faith, and discipline. In fact, my grandfather was just fifteen years old when he migrated with his family to newly independent Pakistan. He saw the country flourish from what was once the least developed part of British India. It is remnants of such stories that need to be kept alive, so the new generations of Pakistani Americans do not lose touch with their Pakistani root or forget the fact that we are first and foremost Pakistani, and our religion is Islam.