One of the most meaningful relationships in my life today that has impacted and shaped who I am today is my father. Growing up, he was the person I looked up to the most, not because he was perfect, but because of his endless and quiet sacrifices, his patience and him showing consistent loyalty. Growing up, I watched him handle challenges with patience and determination for our family, always putting our family's needs before his own. Even on his worst days, he would always joke around with his kids and try to make us laugh or ask us how our day in school was, what we did. No matter how stressed out or busy, he was with handling and taking care of his responsibilities. He would always try to stay in touch with us and what is happening in our lives. Whether that is something that happened at school or in our personal lives, he is always involved and know what is bothering me. What impacted me the most was how, despite the challenges and struggles of taking care of a large family, but what he said, and how he treated everyone with respect and kindness. He showed everyone respect and kindness and always emphasized to us the importance of helping people, no matter who they are or where they are coming from. When he was not supporting and providing for our family, he would encourage me to believe in myself. His actions demonstrated kindness and resilience. One of his most famous sayings or quotes is that reach for the stars and you will land on the moon, which basically means to dream big and have big goals for yourself. In fact, just this small little quote, that my father often says, encouraged me to take that step, and open up my small jewelry business since last October 2025. It gave me the final push that I needed to officially open up my small business. Because of my father, I have learned to build new connections and foster, nurture and strengthen old friendships because of the belief, support and understanding and confidence my father has instilled in me from a young age. Starting from a young age, he instilled in me a deep sense of belief, support, understanding, and the confidence that has shaped how I view relationships with the people in my life. Through his example, I learned that genuine relationships, whether that is friendships or colleagues, all relationships need care, trust, and consistency, and that strong connections can have a lasting impact on our lives. My father’s encouragement has given me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone, meet new people, explore new things, and value the relationships that continue to grow. Because of my father, I understand the importance of being present for others, offering support during difficult times, and appreciate the people who stand beside us through every stage of life. As I go through life and the relationships that it brings, I will continue to build and nurture. I hope to continue to instill the values my father has instilled in me at a young age. I hope to continue to build positive and meaningful relationships with others and make a meaningful impact. Which means, after graduating and completing my degree in social work, I hope to foster new relationships that are both beneficial and that make a positive impact on the lives of the others. Thank you so much for considering me for this scholarship opportunity. I truly appreciate the time and effort taken to review my application and learn more about my story. Being considered for this scholarship is a huge deal for me. It not only would help support my educational goals, but continue pursuing the opportunities I have worked hard for. My experiences and the values my father has instilled in me have shaped the person I am today, and I am committed to using those lessons to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I am incredibly grateful for your consideration and for the opportunity to share a part of my journey with you.

I am a motivated and curious student with a strong commitment to personal growth and academic excellence. Personally, education has been more than just something to check off a list, it is an opportunity for growth, development, and giving back. As I neared the end of my bachelor’s degree in December 2021, a sudden realization struck me - that many people around the globe would love to have the opportunity to receive a quality education to improve their chances of success and quality of life. As a dedicated student who values hardwork, commitment, discipline, perseverance and learning this scholarship would support my efforts in turning ambition into action. Ever since I was a little girl in elementary school, I knew I wanted to do something big and meaningful. I wanted to have a lasting impact on people’s lives. However, I was uncertain about what exactly I wanted to achieve. From a young age, it has been my dream to help people and brighten their daily lives. As I grew older, this desire to make a positive impact only grew stronger. Although I was unsure of the specific career path I wanted to pursue, my passion for helping others continued to drive me. As the years passed and I entered high school, I discovered my calling—to become a licensed social worker. I have always been passionate about human rights and social justice, and my dedication to these causes has only intensified over time. I am particularly interested in assisting homeless and hungry children, as well as individuals with disabilities who struggle to live independently. One day during my junior year of high school, I was called to the office, expecting trouble. Little did I know, I was about to meet my vocational rehabilitation counselor, who would profoundly impact my future. I vividly remember that day—- a cozy office with sofas, chairs, and a small table. The counselor, a young woman, with the same disability as mine, shared my journey. Her presence inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a licensed social worker. After earning my master’s degree in social work, I aim to work in social services and positively impact lives one person at a time. This career aligns with my passion and abilities, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to helping others. My goal is to establish a program for the underprivileged, offering security, shelter, education and more. This initiative will empower young individuals to become self-sufficient, find stability, and achieve success in life. My inspiration to make a difference stems from firsthand experiences witnessing the struggles of those lacking resources and privileges. I am actively volunteering at various institutions to gain valuable experience and prepare for running my own organization in the future. Receiving the Sikora Drake Women in STEM scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and gaining experience, rather than worrying about financing graduate school. After graduating, I plan to work in the Social Services department to maximize my impact and work towards establishing the organization I have long envisioned. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

Growing up in a family where financial instability was a constant challenge, I learned early on the importance of hard work and perseverance. My parents, who sacrificed so much to provide for our family, emphasized the significance of education as the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Despite the challenges, they always managed to ensure we had what we needed, encouraging me to never give up on my dreams, no matter how difficult the circumstances were. Their resilience and determination laid the foundation for the person I am today. One key experience I remember growing up, is that being a family of 7, me and my siblings would be crowded in one room and would be sleeping huddled up to one another. While, my parents slept in the room right next door. And we would only purchase foods that were absolutely necessary, meaning no snacks or side dishes. I recall that we never went out to eat at nice restaurants. While, many of my friends would go out to eat with their families every day during dinner. My family and I would eat home cooked meals prepared by my mother, which served as a reminder of our financial struggles. Being the eldest and the first generation student, holds and puts a lot of expectations to do well in school, in order to be successful and break this cycle of poverty. Coming from a low income family, taught me the value of discipline and hardwork and only getting what you need rather than what you want. Working hard to give my family the life they deserve, is the motivation and dedication I need to break this continuous cycle of poverty. My goals include finishing my bachelors in medicine and becoming financially stable, so I can provide for my family. One of my biggest aspirations is to open a free hospital for people from all backgrounds, regardless of status, age, or religion. I envision a hospital that provides free medical services such as surgeries, meal plans and medications, etc. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burden of education allowing me to focus on my passion for healthcare and ultimately create a positive impact on future generations. Attending college is important to me because education is a tool that can positively change many lives. It is a way for individuals to improve themselves, personally, mentally, psychologically and professionally. Education is a path to success that can lift people out of poverty. I want to attend college not only to improve the quality of life for my family, but also for future generations, including my children and grandchildren. I want to gain an education and secure a well-earned income in order to help others, who have faced similar challenges as my family and I have.

I have always been passionate about healthcare ever since I was a little girl. I spent many years in and out of hospitals, doctors appointments and physical therapy sessions due to my physical disability of cerebral palsy. Throughout my entire life, I have been surrounded by healthcare professionals, whether they were pediatricians, pediatric neurologists or physical therapists. However, many healthcare careers require significant physical exertion, which is particularly challenging for me given my condition. After conducting some research, I discovered healthcare office administration, a field that allows me to work in healthcare without the need for extensive physical activity. As a healthcare office administrator, I hope to inspire others by demonstrating that with hard work, discipline, and motivation anyone can overcome life’s obstacles. I aim to be a positive presence in healthcare facilities leaving patients, nurses, and community members with a good and productive experience. My goal in pursuing a career in healthcare office adminstration is not only to serve others, but also to give back to those who have shown kindness to me throughout my life. Despite the challenges posed by cerebral palsy, I have developed resilience, hard work, discipline, and motivation to pursue my passions and dreams. I aspire to improve patient check ins, increase health informatics and patient productivity while maintaining a good work ethic. I aspire to support families facing difficult situations and provide comfort and strength during challenging times in patients’ lives. One of my dreams is to establish a free hospital that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their status, age, or religion. I envision a program that offers free services, some of which include free meal plans, surgeries and medications. Becoming a healthcare office administrator is the first step towards realizing that dream and understanding the inner workings of a hospital. While there are significant financial costs and resource requirements to consider, receiving this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my passion for healthcare and make a positive impact on future generations. My interest in healthcare is driven by a desire to challenge myself and inspire others to make a meaningful impact despite the challenges they face. Once I acquire the necessary education and skills, I plan to establish a free hospital and serve as an inspiration to my family and loved ones. I hope that they will one day be proud of my accomplishments.

I have always been passionate about healthcare ever since I was a little girl. After being in and out of hospitals, doctors appointments and physical therapy sessions for many years due to my physical disability of cerebral palsy. I was always surrounded by healthcare professionals my entire life. On June 17, 2013, the doctors announced that I would need to have a major surgery done to help become stabilized and for treatment purposes of cerebral palsy. The exact procedure was called, ‘intrathecal baclofen pump implant.’ It required a huge amount of blood transfusion and the surgical procedure lasted 8-9 hours. I was given anesthesia and put to sleep, after surgery and many months of intense physical therapy, I was able to walk on my own two feet again. One experience that stayed with me after that ordeal, is the immense work, care and effort the nurses and healthcare professionals came to the hospital to lift patients spirits and keep them motivated. A specific instance that comes to mind is a specific professional who made every possible effort to put a smile on my face after recovery. If it weren't for the nurses, doctors and many healthcare professionals helping me to become stronger, I would not be where I am today. My interest in healthcare has continued to grow as I’ve faced both positive and negative experiences in life. I want to pursue a career in healthcare, not only to be able to serve others, but also as a way to give back to all of the small acts of kindness that healthcare professionals have shown me through my life. Despite the challenges of cerebral palsy, I have developed resilience, hard work and discipline, and motivation to go pursue my passions and dreams. I want to support other families, facing similar situations and be a source of comfort and strength during challenging times in patients' lives. A dream of mine is to open a free hospital for people from all backgrounds, regardless of status, age or religion. I envision a program/hospital that provides free services, including meal plans, surgeries, and medications. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burden of education allowing me to focus on my passion for healthcare and ultimately create a positive impact on future generations. Challenging myself and others to make a meaningful impact despite the challenges of cerebral palsy is a driving force behind my interest in healthcare. Once I acquire the necessary education and skills, I aim to establish a free hospital and serve as an inspiration to my family and loved ones and hope that they are proud of my accomplishments one day.

My plans for the future involve working at a hospital or a non-profit organization to gain experience and knowledge in healthcare and social work. I aim to complete my education in healthcare to eventually open a program for the less privileged and impoverished. Throughout my journey, I have encountered many individuals who lack the means to afford basic necessities like shelter, food and water. My primary goal is to support the less privileged without them worrying about providing for their families or children in terms of finances and resources. I have always had a soft spot for the less privileged, particularly the poor and elderly, which has driven me to volunteer for organizations such as The American Red Cross and Every Campus A Refugee. Witnessing people undergo life altering challenges has only strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in healthcare. A dream of mine is to establish a free hospital that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their status, age, or religion. I envision a program that offers free services, including free meal plans, surgeries and medications. Becoming a healthcare professional is the first step towards realizing that dream and understanding the workings of a hospital. While there are significant financial costs and resource requirements to consider, receiving this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my passion for healthcare and make a positive impact on future generations. One of my greatest plans is to secure an internship at a hospital or non-profit, to gain hands-on experience in running a program that offers such services. This experience will not only help me become more confident in skills like creative problem solving, critical thinking, leadership and communication but also help me gain new skills. Having lived in a third world country for some part of my life. I can connect on a personal level to where many people understand the value of hardwork and sacrifice to get to where you want to be. To think I can even make a small positive change in people’s lives to make their lives easier, is enough for me. To be a part of their journey, helping to ensure that many people have food to eat, a place to live and have people to love and care for is essential on the positive impact, I want to make on the world. Receiving the Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship is not just a means to fund my education, but it is also the first step to helping so many people with their struggles in life and making a difference in the world.

I feel like one of my favorite quotes sums it all up which is, “The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference” (Richard Dawkins). One of the biggest reasons I believe we strive to better understand the nature of our universe is due to the innate human curiosity and drive for advancement. This pursuit can help us to comprehend the fundamental aspects of our existence’s origins. Learning about the origin of our existence can enable us to learn from failures and mistakes, ultimately advancing our civilization for future generations. Additionally, it can inspire curiosity and encourage future generations to pursue knowledge and science. Understanding the nature of our universe is crucial for preserving the universe as long as possible, especially for the generations that come after us, who will need a place to live. Another reason that comes to mind is that understanding the universe inspires curiosity,challenges us to develop critical thinking skills, and provides a broader perspective on our existence. For instance, once we grasp how the universe operates, we can use that knowledge to enhance civilization and to assist future generations. Throughout history, many scientists have made significant discoveries, such as finding new continents, developing cures for diseases, and advancing technology. In the prehistoric times, we did not have as much knowledge, skills and technology as we do today, so imagine what we can do in the upcoming decades with advanced technologies, up to date and enhanced skills. It is literally just at our fingertips, of what we are capable of doing. Furthermore, there are ethical and philosophical implications to understanding the universe. It can prompt us to contemplate life after death, and our impact on Earth, helping us establish moral obligations and rules that shape how we live and treat others, even considering the inevitability of death. Without an end to life and the universe, many individuals may not feel accountable for their actions or how they treat others with respect, dignity, and kindness. To achieve these goals, I hope to employ exceptional critical thinking skills, innovative thinking and foresight into how future scientists may perceive things. Additionally, I would incorporate more technological advancements as our generation is likely moving towards becoming more advanced and tech-savvy. This not only aids in deepening our understanding of the universe, but also may lead to new concepts and discoveries yet to be made.

I have always been passionate about healthcare ever since I was a little girl. I spent many years in and out of hospitals, doctors appointments and physical therapy sessions due to my physical disability of cerebral palsy. Throughout my entire life, I have been surrounded by healthcare professionals, whether they were pediatricians, pediatric neurologists or physical therapists. However, many healthcare careers require significant physical exertion, which is particularly challenging for me given my condition. After conducting some research, I discovered healthcare office administration, a field that allows me to work in healthcare without the need for extensive physical activity. As a healthcare office administrator, I hope to inspire others by demonstrating that with hard work, discipline, and motivation anyone can overcome life’s obstacles. I aim to be a positive presence in healthcare facilities leaving patients, nurses, and community members with a good and productive experience. My goal in pursuing a career in healthcare office adminstration is not only to serve others, but also to give back to those who have shown kindness to me throughout my life. Despite the challenges posed by cerebral palsy, I have developed resilience, hard work, discipline, and motivation to pursue my passions and dreams. I aspire to improve patient check ins, increase health informatics and patient productivity while maintaining a good work ethic. I aspire to support families facing difficult situations and provide comfort and strength during challenging times in patients’ lives. One of my dreams is to establish a free hospital that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their status, age, or religion. I envision a program that offers free services, some of which include free meal plans, surgeries and medications. Becoming a healthcare office administrator is the first step towards realizing that dream and understanding the inner workings of a hospital. While there are significant financial costs and resource requirements to consider, receiving this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my passion for healthcare and make a positive impact on future generations. My interest in healthcare is driven by a desire to challenge myself and inspire others to make a meaningful impact despite the challenges they face. Once I acquire the necessary education and skills, I plan to establish a free hospital and serve as an inspiration to my family and loved ones. I hope that they will one day be proud of my accomplishments.

My plans for the future involve working at a hospital or a non-profit organization to gain experience and knowledge in healthcare and social work. I aim to complete my education in healthcare to open a program for the less privileged and impoverished one day. Throughout my journey, I have encountered many individuals who lack the means to afford necessities like shelter, food, and water. My primary goal is to support the less privileged without them worrying about providing for their families or children in terms of finances and resources. I have always had a soft spot for the less privileged, particularly the poor and elderly. This has driven me to volunteer for organizations such as The American Red Cross and Every Campus A Refugee. Witnessing people undergo life-altering challenges has only strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in healthcare. A dream of mine is to establish a free hospital that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their status, age, or religion. I envision a program that offers free services, including free meal plans, surgeries, and medications. Becoming a healthcare professional is the first step towards realizing that dream and understanding the workings of a hospital. While there are significant financial costs and resource requirements to consider, receiving this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burdens of my education, allowing me to focus on my passion for healthcare and make a positive impact on future generations. One of my greatest plans is to secure an internship at a hospital or non-profit, to gain hands-on experience in running a program that offers such services. This experience will not only help me become more confident in skills like creative problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and communication but also help me gain new skills, to help pursue my goals and dreams. Having lived in a third-world country for quite some time in my life. I can connect on a personal level to where many people understand the value of hard work and sacrifice to get to where you want to be. To think I can even make a small positive change in people’s lives to make their lives easier is enough for me. Receiving the Bright Lights Scholarship is not just a means to fund my education, but it is also the first step to helping so many people with their struggles in life and making a difference in the world.

One of the mental health challenges I overcame was in the past two years in 2023. Due to my cerebral palsy and the difficulty of taking care of two kids at the same time, my husband and I decided to leave our kids with their grandparents and aunt. It was a difficult time for our family, especially for me, given how close and attached I am to my children. It was difficult to leave our children in another country and not have them living with us. In October 2022, we went to America, leaving our kids in Pakistan, thousands of miles away from us. My mental health challenges did not arise until months later when I slowly stopped going out, socializing and seeing family. I became a mere shell of myself. I slowly stopped connecting with my kids through video calls and messages. I honestly did not care about anything. It even got to the point where I stopped eating, drinking and taking care of my health let alone taking care of my husband. One month came and went with no improvement in the right direction, it even came to the point where we had to rush to the doctor to get my mental health checked. The doctor said to do things that you enjoy and love and with time you will see improvement. The doctor prescribed me with depression medication to help keep my mind at ease and get some sleep at night. The prescription would help me heal the unresolved trauma and problems that I have been neglecting for the past few years and help regaining the will to live and get rid of the suicidal thoughts, I have had for the past two years. My children were my everything, motivation etc. But now with the children no longer there to take care of, I started to question my purpose. And with my physical impairment of cerebral palsy, the mental health challenges only worsened. With time it led to my thoughts turning negative, which in turn led to depression. But after a month’s time of taking my prescription and the support of family and loved ones, my mental health had improved immensely, and I started socializing and becoming more of my old self again. One way I plan to support others is to raise awareness by educating people through research, conversations and through informed social media posts. Currently, I am supporting mental health awareness by talking to my family members and loved ones about the problems that they suffer through and be there for them.

I have always been passionate about healthcare ever since I was a little girl. I spent many years in and out of hospitals, doctors' appointments and physical therapy sessions due to my physical disability of cerebral palsy. Throughout my entire life, I have been surrounded by healthcare professionals, whether they were pediatricians, pediatric neurologists or physical therapists. However, many healthcare careers require significant physical exertion, which is particularly challenging for me given my condition. After conducting some research, I discovered healthcare office administration, a field that allows me to work in healthcare without the need for extensive physical activity. As a healthcare office administrator, I hope to inspire others by demonstrating that with hard work, discipline, and motivation anyone can overcome life’s obstacles. I aim to be a positive presence in healthcare facilities leaving patients, nurses, and community members with a good and productive experience. My goal in pursuing a career in healthcare office administration is not only to serve others, but also to give back to those who have shown kindness to me throughout my life. Despite the challenges posed by cerebral palsy, I have developed resilience, hard work, discipline, and motivation to pursue my passions and dreams. I aspire to improve patient check ins, increase health informatics and patient productivity while maintaining a good work ethic. I aspire to support families facing difficult situations and provide comfort and strength during challenging times in patients’ lives. One of my dreams is to establish a free hospital that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their status, age, or religion. I envision a program that offers free services, some of which include free meal plans, surgeries and medications. Becoming a healthcare office administrator is the first step towards realizing that dream and understanding the inner workings of a hospital. While there are significant financial costs and resource requirements to consider, receiving this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my passion for healthcare and make a positive impact on future generations. My interest in healthcare is driven by a desire to challenge myself and inspire others to make a meaningful impact despite the challenges they face. Once I acquire the necessary education and skills, I plan to establish a free hospital and serve as an inspiration to my family and loved ones. I hope that they will one day be proud of my accomplishments.

Many people encounter various hardships in life whether they are financial, health related or personal struggles. One of my goals for the future is not to let my physical impairment of cerebral palsy prevent me from achieving great things especially in pursuing my college education. In order to make a significant impact one must confront their fears and step out of their comfort zone. That is precisely what I intend to do whether it involves meeting new people, attending events, or simply trying something new every day that scares me. One way I have worked towards this goal is by successfully raising two children despite the challenges posed by cerebral palsy. I was always fearful of the difficulties I would face in raising kids due to my limited mobility and reflexes. However, with assistance from my family, I have been able to care for two little kids and continue to do so. Another significant hardship I faced was a few years ago when I underwent major surgery for my cerebral palsy. I vividly recall the day the doctor informed my father and me. On June 17, 2013, the doctors revealed that I needed to undergo major surgery to stabilize and treat my cerebral palsy. The specific procedure known as an, ‘intrathecal baclofen pump implant, required a significant blood transfusion and lasted 8-9 hours. Following the surgery and months of intense physical therapy, I regained the ability to walk on my own. One particular aspect of that experience that has stayed with me is the dedication, care, and effort shown by the nurses and healthcare professionals who worked tirelessly to lift the spirits of patients and keep them motivated. I remember one healthcare professional in particular who went above and beyond to bring a smile on my face during my recovery. Without the support of these individuals and amazing professors, I would not be where I am today. One of my lifelong goals is to continually enhance my mobility and strength by prioritizing my diet and health. Consuming foods rich in protein and engaging in regular exercise are key components of my plan to strengthen my muscles and improve my overall well-being. In order to overcome the challenges I faced during my personal and educational journey, I plan to pursue an education in healthcare. By learning about different health concerns and disorders, I hope to one day find a cure for people who suffer from cerebral palsy.

I have been passionate about healthcare since I was a little girl after being in and out of hospitals, doctors' appointments, and physical therapy sessions for many years due to my physical disability of cerebral palsy. I have always been surrounded by healthcare professionals my entire life. On June 17, 2013, the doctors announced that I would need to have a major surgery done to help me become stabilized and for treatment purposes of cerebral palsy. The exact procedure was called, the ‘intrathecal baclofen pump implant.’ It required a huge amount of blood transfusion and the surgical procedure lasted 8-9 hours. I was given anesthesia and put to sleep, after surgery and many months of intense physical therapy, I was able to walk on my own two feet again. One experience that impacted me after that ordeal is the immense work, care, and effort the nurses and healthcare professionals came to the hospital to lift patient's spirits and keep them motivated. A specific instance that comes to mind is a specific professional who made every possible effort to put a smile on my face after recovery. If it weren't for the nurses, doctors, and many healthcare professionals helping me to become stronger, I would not be where I am today. My interest in healthcare has continued to grow as I’ve faced both positive and negative experiences in life. I want to pursue a healthcare career, not only to be able to serve others but also as a way to give back to all of the small acts of kindness that healthcare professionals have shown me throughout my life. Despite the challenges of cerebral palsy, I have developed resilience, hard work discipline, and motivation to pursue my passions and dreams. I want to support other families, facing similar situations and be a source of comfort and strength during challenging times in patients' lives. A dream of mine is to open a free hospital for people from all backgrounds, regardless of status, age, or religion. I envision a program/hospital that provides free services, including meal plans, surgeries, and medications. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burden of education allowing me to focus on my passion for healthcare and ultimately create a positive impact on future generations. Challenging myself and others to make a meaningful impact despite the challenges of cerebral palsy is a driving force behind my interest in healthcare. Once I acquire the necessary education and skills, I aim to establish a free hospital and serve as an inspiration to my family and loved ones, and hope that they will be proud of my accomplishments one day.