When deciding what career I wanted to pursue, medicine was the last option I thought I would choose. Throughout my life, I have loved science and particularly fell in love with biology. I was deeply fascinated by topics such as genetics, evolution, microbiology and even plant biology. I distinctly remember telling my fellow high school graduates that I was going to get my PhD in evolutionary biology in no time. The thought of medicine never even crossed my mind. Until one day, everything changed. When I lost my father due to a heart attack, life quickly began to feel overwhelming. My mother and I were overcome with grief and we felt completely powerless. That's when I realized, that when life strikes, when times get tough and there is complications with health, nothing else matters more. Everything else becomes secondary in relation to the health status of a loved one who is gravely Ill. Medicine becomes the most important and influential aspect of life. That is when I realized how life changing a career in medicine would be. I dipped my toes in medicine when I began my job at CVS pharmacy as a pharmacy technician. I thought a career in pharmacy would be rewarding and impactful. As time passed, I saw how much impact being a pharmacist can have on patient health and satisfaction, but I also saw how limited the role was. Even with a 4 year doctorate degree, pharmacists still couldn't diagnose, prescribe, or treat basic ailments, instead having to recommend an over the counter remedy which the patient could arrive at through a simple google search, or they had to visit a doctor or other medical professional. It was simply too limiting for my interests. As I began to search more about medical careers, I arrived at becoming a PA or Nurse Practitioner. These jobs seemed to give much more autonomy in terms of prescribing medications, treating ailments, monitoring patient health and wellness, and diagnosing conditions. This seemed like the perfect position. But as I kept working in the pharmacy and began working as a volunteer medical assistant, I began to realize my interest in medicine was much deeper than I had thought. I became curious about "why" conditions occurred in the first place, the mechanism of action of medications and exactly how they helped people get better. I realize my love for medical knowledge goes much deeper than what I previously thought. As I searched more about the PA and NP position, I realized that the largest appeal for this job was the work life balance. People who were passionate about medicine but also wanted to travel and have families loved their job as a PA or NP. But I realized I wanted something different. I finally decided to pursue a MD or DO in medicine as a result of deep reflection of what I want for my life. I realized that as a doctor I will be able to immerse myself into medicine on another level than that of PA or NP. I realized that as a doctor I would be able to work independently which would open my options to help people around the globe when it came to helping underserved populations. I plan to make a difference through my work as a doctor by providing care for those who need it most, and have the least access. I want to work on providing care for as many people as I can no matter their financial circumstances and their background. That is why I choose medicine, and that is how I'll make a difference.

I refuse to accept that one visit to the ER should become a life altering experience when it comes to the financial well being of the individual admitted. Healthcare is one of the most important services that a person can receive in their lifetime. Emergencies happen without expectation and can oftentimes devastate the patient and their family involved. Patients are worried about their health or even survival while their family shares the stress as they try to navigate an enormously difficult situation. Through these difficult times, patients and their families should not have to deal with the added stress of total financial devastation. They should not have to resort to extreme measures such as leaving care early because they don't want to financially cripple their family for generations. There must be a smarter and better way in which anyone who experiences a serious life emergency should not have their life ruined. I have experinced the outrageously priced ER services offered in the United States first hand when my father went in to get his kidney stones treated. He was in extreme debilitating pain as he had to reluctantly make the choice to call 911. He described the pain like nothing he had ever felt before, virtually immobilizing him. When we visited in the hospital he had been treated by the doctors and he was feeling better. However, when we were presented with the total costs of the treatments he had received in the hospital we were shocked. Thousands and thousands of dollars were going to be the cost of his treatments and we were simply unable to afford this kind of treatment as a newly immigrated family to the United States. This debt has burdened our family ever since, as we still work to navigate our way around these outrageously extreme prices when it comes to a single ER visit. I would propose community-led resources in order to advocate for better legislation when it comes to the pricing of ER visits and their services. Hospitals must be held accountable for the treatments they provide and the price tags which they put on a treatment. A few Tylenol tablets in the ER should not cost hundreds of dollars, a visit to the MRI should not cost thousands upon thousands. Hospitals must be transparent about their prices and the services which they provide. The enormous costs of healthcare in America must start at a governmental level where the people can tell their legislators about their concerns and troubles regarding healthcare prices and the policies which must be implemented in order to help alleviate the issue.

Being an immigrant and asylum seeker from Iran, I understand the struggles and hardships life can throw at you. My family and I were heavily persecuted and had to flee from our home in order to find a better life in the United States. Throughout our asylum journey as we waited to have our application approved to enter the United States, we had limited resources when it came to medical care. Even when we arrived in the United States, we had very few options when it came to healthcare and primary care check ups. Our family had to consistently skip out on medications or doctors visits in order to save money. As a result of having limited access to regular check ups, my father was never evaluated by a medical professional, which never revealed the underlying health issues he was facing. Until one day, without warning everything changed. When I was 17 years old, my father was found unconscious and quickly rushed to the ER. The doctors did everything they could but it was too late, he had suffered from a heart attack. Later on, as the doctor discussed what was going on with my dad, he suggested that the lack of regular monitoring of his LDL cholesterol levels may have contributed to his early death at the age of 45. Because of our limited resources we didn't have access to these services therefore we never realized how bad my father's condition was getting. As I have grown and learned from this experience, it has become clear to me how I want to contribute to the world and my community. I want to dive into my passion for medicine and became a skilled physician who serves the underserved community so that they can have access to quality primary care services. I want to be the doctor that my family needed most. I want to be the doctor who serves his patients no questions asked and desires no reward in return. Because as I've learned from my life experiences, helping those who need it the most is the reward in itself. As a medical provider I will provide care to the underserved, work on patient education about regular health check ups, and work on holisitic methods of care, so that I can advocate for my patients and ensure that they build the foundations that are most important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle where they can not only live long but happily as well.

In 2015, I immigrated to the United States with my family as asylum seekers fleeing from Iran. I had received no elementary school education due to our circumstances as asylum seekers who had to reside in Turkey for 3 years to have our application approved. When we finally go to the United States, I was 10 years old. I felt lost and confused as did my parents trying to navigate this new life we had stepped into. I began elementary school, and started in 4th grade. I was barely able to read or do basic math. After only a few weeks of attending school, I quickly realized how behind I was when it came to my education. I was nowhere near the level of my peers who had grown up in this country and began going to school since they were small children. I began to accept my identity as the kid who was always behind everyone. Behind in math, science, reading and speaking. I began to lose hope in achieving good grades and doing my best, because in my mind, it didn't matter. I was always going to be the kid who was behind. When I entered middle school, that same inferiority complex followed along. I never cared about getting good grades and doing well, I just needed to get by. I can recall countless times when my mother would receive my report card stamped with a D- or F and how much trouble I'd be in. But it was all meaningless to me because why did it matter if I tried harder, I was the kid who was always behind. Until one day, in 8th grade english class, I received a great score on my quiz. I had decided to work a little harder for this quiz and it had seemed to pay off. Nearing the end of class, as I was about to leave, my teacher called me over and he told me that he was very proud of my progress and that I had done a great job. That was the first spark for me. The first time where I thought, maybe I can do hard things. Maybe my background doesn't define who I am or what I can achieve. From that day, I decided that I would work harder in school. I had began breaking my inferiority complex. In junior year of high school, I managed to enter several IB classes offered at my high school. I had finally broken from my self deprecating identity. I learned that I can do hard things if I work hard. I learned that I'm not any worse than any other student. I was now above average in the classes that I was taking. I was finally proud of myself.

Throughout my life, I haven't always been the person who watches what they eat and keeps track of their diet, ensuring I'm eating a healthy balanced diet. Often times in my family, we would eat many calorie dense foods that contained large amounts of saturated and trans-fats. As a child I was never shown the importance of healthy eating, until one day, without warning everything changed. When I was 17 years old, my father was found unconscious and sent to the hospital, at which point it had been too late and he unfortunately passed away. The doctors later explained that consistent high fat diets combined with genetic familial hypercholesterolemia were most likely the major factors which increased his risk of a heart attack. In the following months, my mother began making arrangements to make sure that our family would eat healthy. That we would watch our fat, sugar, and processed foods intake in order to reduce our chances of developing an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or other diseases. As time went on, my mother and I both learned more about what it meant to eat in a healthy way which would support our long term health. We limited saturated and trans-fat intake, avoided highly processed foods containing high sodium and nitrates, and even got regular blood work and check ups in order to ensure we're monitoring our health. Through these experiences I learned that healthy eating and proper nutrition is the foundation to keeping a healthy body and ensuring that you not only live long but happily. As a nurse, I want to be able to pass on this knowledge and advocate for patients to include healthy dietary habits into their lives. I believe nurses are a foundational part of the healthcare team regarding patient education and communication when it comes to advocating for patients in the long term, and when it comes to the diet, long term care and consistency is the most important thing a nurse can do. As a nurse, I would sit with patients and discuss their lab results as it relates to their overall health, continuing with this I would include options for the patient of what next steps they could take to ensure they maintain their health, or make the necessary changes to their diet in order to be at their best healthy self. I would make sure that the patient does not feel pressured, but understands the consequences and benefits when it comes to making changes to their diet. I would provide the patients with easy to follow meal options and a selection of foods that is available to them. As someone who lived in an impoverished lifestyle, I understand that getting access to fresh produce and whole foods can be challenging and expensive, so I would make sure to include realistic affordable options for the patient. Diet is the most foundational aspect of our health. Without proper nutrition guidance and support it can be hard to know what to do. That's why as a nurse, I would prioritize patient education and resources in order to help as much as I can for patients to take control of their health and lead happy healthy lives.

Being from a small middle class family from Iran, having gone through the refugee and asylum process to enter the United States has been the most defining personal experience which has shaped my personality and perspective. As a young child, I never quite understood the reasons for why we travelled so much from Iran to Turkey and finally to the United States, to me these were simply trips I took with my mother and father. But little did I know, that these trips would become the most defining experiences in my life. Throughout our travels I got to see what working hard towards a dream looks like, especially when there is no broader support system available. My family, my mother and father, were the only people we had. Every challenge, obstacle and milestone was achieved in this small group of people. Through these experiences I learned that home is not a place, but rather a people. People whom you can trust and who'll trek through the deepest valleys with you in order to achieve a dream. I learned to empathize and understand the people around me by caring for my mom when she came back from work. I got to see what it looks like to provide for the people you love and learned to appreciate what opportunities I've been given by my parents. These experiences have shaped my personality as someone who wants to do everything in their power to help others in the same way my parents helped me throughout my life. These experiences have served as the foundation for my desire to become a medical doctor and practice medicine. I want to be able to help underserved communities by using medicine as my method of giving back. I have been in a place where I've needed help, where my family had nowhere to turn and things felt hopeless. I want to become the person who can be that source of hope when those in need feel hopeless. As a result of my experiences as an immigrant in America, I have volunteered at the Catholic Charities Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic in Woodbridge. I have been able to help countless newly immigrated individuals in the latino community find a dependable medical clinic which can serve their needs as they navigate their new life in this country. Because of my experiences as an immigrant, I feel a deep level of sympathy towards the people I serve and this in turn makes my volunteering experiences more valuable than any paid position. My passions outside of school have been shaped by my upbringing. My mother is a intelligent and inquisitive person, always looking to learn something new everyday and keep up healthy study and physical habits. I really enjoy reading philosophy and medical literature. I have studied philosophies of Aristotle, Plato, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. I enjoy solving the rubix cube and am looking forward to learning how to solve the pyramix. I deeply appreciate chess and have been engrossed by the sheer magnitude of creativity and intelligence that can be seen whilst playing chess, often tuning into the latest chess tournament or world championship. My mother has been my best motivator in my life, because she has demonstrated unrelenting resilience, work ethic, and discipline throughout her life. She has provided me so many opportunities that I could never thank her enough for. I hope to someday return the favor and take care of my mother when she needs it most.

Ever since I was a small child, I had been interested in learning about life on earth. I watched numerous documentaries, read dozens of books and watched countless youtube videos relating to biology and the natural world. As I grew older, I realized that while studying biology was great and allowed me to better understand living organisms, biology in general didn't allow me to make a direct impact on the lives of those in my community. I wanted to be able to the help people directly. During my junior year of high school, after doing some research, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to work in the medical field. I realized that in this field I would be able to not only be able to help people directly and significantly, but also continue my learning journey of biology as a part of the continuing education that health care professionals are required to undergo. Upon deciding that this was going to be my career field I got laser focused on doing the best I could in my course work so that I would have the best chance at achieving my dream. Once I got into university, I was still unsure what kind of health care job was right for me. I looked into being a physician, physician assistant, and even a radiologist. One day when I was working in CVS as a pharmacy technician, my pharmacist asked me what I wanted to do, and I said I wanted to work in the healthcare field. They immediately suggested that I should become a nurse practitioner. This was the first time I was hearing about this job. As they explained to me that being a nurse practitioner offers a lot of benefits in terms of pay and work schedule they also said that NPs are one of the most important healthcare workers working to directly diagnose and treat the patients they see. This is exactly what I was looking for. That night after coming back from work I immediately sat down and searched what it took to become an NP. Now I'm working hard to be accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at George Mason University and hope that I will be able to use my skills as a future NP to help those in the community around me. I also hope to travel around the world and help those in less fortunate circumstances in other countries using my medical expertise. I want to be someone who is dependable and courages who others can look up to, someone who they can trust with their health and someone who is able to make a positive impact in the world through not the only the job that they love, but the subject which they've been obsessed with since childhood.

As an immigrant and asylum seeker from Iran, I've often had to face adversity throughout my life. Even though I was only 5 years old when my mom and dad brought me on their journey out of Iran in search of a better life in the United States, I felt that something about my life was going change dramatically. I distinctly remember seeing my family for the last time at the airport in Iran when I was just 5 years old. My uncle, grandma, and grandpa waving us goodbye as we went through the security and entered the plane. I could feel that I wouldn't be seeing them for a long time. Since that day, nearly 15 years ago, I've not seen my family. During our time waiting for our asylum application to be approved and allowed entry into the United States, we lived in Turkey. This period of 3 years, waiting for our application to be approved was 3 years full of struggle, hard work and stress. My mother and father both worked hard during these years and often came home too tired to even stay awake and eat dinner. As a part of the asylum process, my parents had to attend several interviews which would be one of the largest determining factors of whether or not we were approved to come to the United States. Before each of these interviews, even as a child, I could feel the stress exuding from my parents despite their best efforts to appear calm in front of me as to not worry me. During our 3rd year in Turkey, we received a letter in the mail. It was from the United Nations. We were approved to immigrate the United States. Coming to the U.S. brought forth its own new challenges. My parents immediately had to work in order to support us. And unlike Turkey, I was required to attend school in the United States. I began school in 4th grade, skipping many years of schooling which I missed during our time in Turkey. I often felt left out and alone during my time in elementary school as I was learning english, having a hard time making friends and understanding the instructional material being taught in class. But like all other times in my life, I kept pushing through, in order to prove to myself that I'm able to rise above the circumstances which life has put me in. I graduate high school in 2024 with several IB accredited courses and a 3.8 GPA. February 28, 2026, my mother comes to tell me that Iran has been bombed by the United States. Our family, whom I haven't seen in nearly 2 decades are now at the mercy of the United States military. Calls which were made with our loved ones nearly every other day, are now reduced to only one, 2 minute, call once a week. With little internet connection in Iran it's become nearly impossible to speak to our loved ones. Everyday is filled with worry as we hope that one day we do not receive the news that among the hundreds dead in the explosions our family members are among them. Adversity is not fixed. It comes in many forms and has shaped me as a person to be adaptable in order to face it head on. I've learned that hard times do not get easier, we as people grow stronger. By viewing adversity as a source of improvement and refinement in our fortitude, we can grow to not only overcome adversity but learn to appreciate the hard times in life.

Throughout my life, I've had to struggle greatly in regards to my mental health. As a young child, I grew up in a divided and confusing environment. My family was very fractured, and my father and mother's sides of the family were often in conflict with one another. Growing up, I often witnessed arguments and fights break out between family members, and I was put in a situation where I frequently had to detect and be very attentive to the emotional states of the people around me in order to be prepared for any sudden conflict that may ensue. My home country, Iran, was often a place of chaos and governmental tyranny which seeped into every aspect of life, whether that'd be mandatory hijabs that my mother and every woman was forced to wear, or the ban on music and dancing in public places. Furthermore, when my family was in threat of being persecuted by the Islamic dictatorship, we had to flee from my home country and seek asylum in Turkey while waiting to be accepted into the United States. 3 years in Turkey were spent in loneliness for me as a young child at the ages of 7-10 years old when my parents both had to work during the day. While I learned to be independent and self-sufficient, I also often felt very lonely and unseen, something which still affects my mental health to this day. After my years in Turkey, my family was finally accepted into the United States. This was a significant shift compared to life in Turkey. I was in a whole new world. I had to make new friends, learn a new language, and understand the American way of life. Not only was this very overwhelming, it also made me feel more isolated than before, as not knowing english well made it very difficult to make friends and communicate my troubles to teachers at school. As time went on, I became fluent in english and managed to make lots of friends in middle and high school. When I was 17 years old, I received news from my mother that my dad was in the hospital due to a heart attack and was most likely not going to make it. I was devastated. My mental health was heavily affected and I began to struggle in school. I began attending therapy sessions and talking to my close friends about how I was feeling, and this helped me be able to overcome my grief and sorrow. My father passed away at the age of 45. Now, as I enter my junior year of college, I look back at all of my experiences and see how they shaped my beliefs, relationships and career aspirations. I believe in patience with everyone you meet. You never know what their story is and what they're going through, and I treat people the way I wanted to be treated when I was going a hard time in my life. I believe in having many diverse perspectives on life and exploring as many view points as possible, mostly likely derived from my experience being exposed to so many different cultures in the countries I've lived in. My relationship with my mother is very close, due to the passing of my father and feeling isolated from all of our family in Iran. Finally, I hope to become a nurse practitioner so I can help others who may be going through hardship like I was when my father passed away.

Math is the foundational language of the universe. Everything in the universe operates and goes according to mathematics. From an early age, I realized the significance and power of mathematics in the universe. No matter who or where one may be in the universe, math will be understood, math will make sense. If we were to ever come into contact with alien life, math would most likely be our most immediate and accessible form of communication. We would be able to communicate our science and technology to these lifeforms. What other language would enable such expansive power in communication? Whether it is your classmate or an alien 5 million light years away, you can use mathematics to in order to communicate. Math is the universal language. Furthermore, I have always been fascinated by the rigidity in coherence of mathematics. Concepts and numbers fit together like puzzle pieces. When you solve a problem and get the wrong answer, it is never the fault of mathematics. Mathematics is built a solid coherent foundation upon which mistakes can be made and resolved. Unlike other subjects, math is clear, demanding, and rational. Nothing is left to flawed human interpretation but rather only the solidified answers of mathematics

Ever since I was a child, I have loved playing doctor and helping my friends "cure" their illnesses and pain. I put in the effort and attention to learning about the human anatomy and trying to find solutions to my friends' "ailments" As time has passed, that drive to learn and help those around me has stayed the same. I am still to this day looking forward to learning more about how to help people with various ailments and what really goes into pharmaceutical research and the development of new medications, which will treat people and make their quality of life better. Currently, I work at CVS Pharmacy, and it is one of the most rewarding work experiences I've had in a long time. I get to help people pick up their prescriptions, which helps them live a happier and fulfilling life. I love helping the elderly who need assistance finding a specific over-the-counter medication, and I am more than happy to guide them to the correct aisle. Helping people find the best prices and coupons for their prescriptions is one of the most rewarding parts of working in healthcare. My coworkers have asked me many times, "How are you so outgoing? Why are you so positive at work?" and my answer has always been, "Because I'm helping people." That is all I need to keep pushing and pursuing to put my best self into every interaction I have with every customer. Every customer has their own back story, their own interesting and complex life, which, for just a few minutes during this day, I get to be a part of, and I think that is awesome. I believe this drive to help people can guide me towards a bright future when it comes to healthcare. Healthcare is tough; money and status will not be enough to get anyone through such a difficult path, but passion will be. A passion to help people, a desire to make the world a better place, and a genuine love for seeing your work have a positive impact on people's lives are all immensely rewarding. Passion is what will ensure an individual's success in healthcare, and that is exactly what I have. I have the passion to be a part of people's day, which they think back on and smile, the passion to be the person that people trust with their health and wellbeing, for what else could be more fulfilling than knowing you're making a positive impact on someone's life? Furthermore, I have a genuine interest in human anatomy, health, and medicine. And by interest, I mean I research and memorize drug names, indications, and side effects for fun, not your usual weekend activities, haha. Furthermore, I love painting, sketching, and drawing, and one of my favorite things to draw is the human anatomy. I have always found it profoundly interesting, the complex and interconnected wiring that goes on in the human body. Blood vessels that span thousands of meters, a heart that never stops to rest, and lungs that oxygenate blood day and night. I believe the aforementioned points regarding my genuine passion and interest in helping people, the demonstration of how I have shown that passion in a pharmacy work environment, and my fascination for human anatomy, medication research, and knowledge all demonstrate my ability to thrive in a healthcare environment and career path. Thank you for this amazing opportunity to help me fund and further my education in order to achieve my dreams and be able to help people. I hope you consider me for this scholarship!

I have included a link to a video discussing my family, story, and career aspirations! Thank you for this opportunity! - Shervin Zahem

I'm looking forward to pursuing a career in microbiology research, in which I can learn more about the world of microorganisms and how they function. I plan to use the knowledge I will gain through my higher education of biological topics such as genetics, cell cycles, evolution, and microscopy to make a difference in the field of microbiology and disease prevention research. Ever since I was a child, I have found the world of microbiology and microorganisms very fascinating. I was so intrigued by this unique invisible world that operates in such different ways from our own. So much activity was going on without us ever knowing it. Even in this moment, as I write this essay, millions of microorganisms are moving around and living on the very fingertips I use to write this essay, and if that is not the most interesting thing ever, then I don't know what is. My interest in microorganisms has continued to this day, as I research and watch videos on extremophiles and microorganisms with unbelievable out-of-this-world capabilities. But in addition to all this interesting knowledge that microorganisms offer, there is a darker side, the side that most people often think of when they think of bacteria and viruses. The diseases these microorganisms cause have a devastating effect on a massive portion of the human population. For millions of years, the human species has had to struggle in the battle against microorganisms, whether that'd be our early primate ancestors or the people living in 1300s Europe being affected by the black plague. Even though these organisms are so small that they're invisible to the naked eye, they have the largest health impact on human life than any other living organism on the planet. Diseases so deadly that they're capable of making the smallest of creatures the deadliest and most lethal creatures on earth. Take the tiny mosquito, for example, a creature so small that its bite is almost never felt. But a small plasmodium that it carries and passes on when it bites people has managed to make it the deadliest animal on the planet and the number 1 killer of humans throughout all of human history, contributing to an estimated 50 billion deaths throughout human history. I believe that diseases caused by microorganisms is one of the most eminent and important problems facing humanity that must be faced. The quest of eradicating disease is one of the most ambitious missions that humanity will ever embark upon. This is a mission which when acomplished, will be remembered by humans spanning generations into the future. I would love to contribute to this mission. 1 disease, 1 virus at a time, I could help in the progress in accomplishing this great mission. Being part of such an amazing mission of humanity would be an absolute honor. That is why I will pursue this career. For a brighter future for humanity, a future free of suffering from disease. Walking to this mission will take many stepping stones, and I would be deeply honored to be one of many stepping stones in this incredible journey for humanity.

I started playing Minecraft when I was just a little kid in 4th grade. I got my first Xbox One and immediately downloaded Minecraft. I started playing alone at first exploring the vast worlds it had to offer. I built houses, farms, towers, and anything else I could imagine. There were no limits to the creative endeavors I could take on in this amazing game. When I started playing with my friends from school, things got a lot more fun. We got to join each other's world and help each other build vast cities and infrastructure. We formed little governments with courts and judicial systems governed by our rule of law in this little Minecraft world. We would go on adventures and explore our seemingly infinite world, whether going on long trips on the oceans with our boats and discovering islands inhabited by mobs, or going deep underground to explore the huge caves filled with ores and spiders. Tamed animals and started creating farms. We took on challenges like going to the nether and fighting the wither and then gathering all the materials we could to gather up and defeat the ender dragon. Some of the most fun times with my friends were spent doing challenges in Minecraft with my friends. But as I grew up more and more Minecraft became something completely different to us. As my friends and I entered our junior year in high school we became increasingly more busy with life. More homework, projects, clubs, sports, relationships, etc. and we didn't have time to hang out anymore. But every weekend, we had just a little time to get on Xbox, and that time on Xbox was spent playing Minecraft. But Minecraft wasn't about the adventures anymore. It wasn't about building a mini-government, defeating the wither in the nether, or getting to the ender dragon. It wasn't about who had the most diamonds or the biggest house. Minecraft had become something more than that, a sanctuary. A place where we'd all come to after a long week of dealing with school and people, and just hang out. A place where we could talk in peace and stay up late doing whatever random thing we wanted. A place where we could leave the real world behind for just a little bit and immerse ourselves in a world where there is no goal, no mission, no grades, no authority. Just us and our little world we could do anything in. As we grew older, nearing the time when we'd all have to leave for college, Minecraft became an important part of our friendship. We spent late nights talking about relationship problems, the meaning of life, and what we aspire to be in the future, whilst mining for some iron in caves. Minecraft served as a sanctuary for us. A special place we could spend time in and not deal with the problems of the real world. Minecraft played an important role in my life. And even now as I move on to go to college and will probably not play Minecraft nearly as much as I used to, Minecraft will always hold a special place in my heart. As the game that allowed us to be kids again in a time when the world was forcing us to grow up quickly.

Thank you for this amazing scholarship opportunity! I have submitted a brief video about me, my family, and our journey. I appreciate your consideration! - Shervin Zahem

Get on a plane and head into the unknown. That's how my life started. When I was 5 years my parents decided that they wanted their child to grow up free and away from the oppressive influence of the Iranian government. They saw the country around them and how it was plagued by radical ideology and tyranny and decided that their future generations were going to be living in freedom. Virtually every person told them that the asylum process that allows immigrants inside the US would be impossible to get passed, but they still chose to leave their lives and build anew in a land separated by ocean so wide it seemed endless. We left in 2010, and neither I nor my parents have ever been back since. It was hard for them to leave everyone behind. We left with the expectation that there would be many in our families that we'd likely never see in person again. We arrived in Turkey and started our new life in this temporary home of ours as we waited for the asylum process to be approved. 3 long years in this country shaped me as a person as I learned from the example of my parents what it means to work hard and achieve one's dreams and aspirations. I saw every ounce of effort they put into their goal of bringing their child to a country where he could live freely without a tyrant ruling over him. Where he can raise his children in the way he sees fit without the government determining what he should do. My parents taught me the value of hard work and advocating for freedom. They taught me to be kind and loving to the people around me so that I can be a positive influence on the world. My time in Turkey has forever profoundly shaped my character and even though it was extremely tough being in a position of ambiguity for so long, I could not be more thankful to my parents who decided to take a leap of faith and create a better future for their son. Having gone through happy and tough times, I learned the value of integrity and honesty, bravery and hard work, and willingness to be resilient. I seek to utilize the opportunity provided to me by my parents to learn as much as I can in the field of science and biology so that one day I can be a force of good in the world. Someone who can help those around them by contributing the ever-growing knowledge of science and its capability to help us live better, longer, and more fulfilling lives. I plan to pursue my bachelor's in biology and continue my education by pursuing a PhD in evolutionary biology. I want to learn as much as I can about the life that populates our planet and then go on to teach others and contribute to furthering the knowledge of humanity about its origins and its future potential.

The first spark of life in this universe was started in the ancient oceans of the earth. The oceans have been the foundation of all life on earth and without them, this precious thing we call life may have never come about. Even as our ancient ancestors evolved over millions of years left their primordial homes in the oceans and took their first infantile steps on the earth, they still depended on the vast seas behind them for millions of years. In this present age, we may not think much of the oceans as we have transformed the earth around us to suit our needs. But, we are just as dependent on them as our ancestors were countless millennia ago. The regulation of the climate is heavily dependent on the well-being of our oceans. The water cycle and carbon cycle, two of the most fundamental natural systems on earth, are influenced primarily by the oceans. Phytoplankton, dwelling in the oceans numbering in the trillions, provide more than half of the world's oxygen supply, which we so desperately depend upon. The destruction of these essential marine organisms would be equivalent to puncturing a hole in one's oxygen tank when scuba diving. The destruction of the oceans would have a catastrophic impact on numerous sources of economic wealth. Fishing, tourism, transportation, and energy production would be immensely negatively impacted by the deterioration of the oceans. Contributing 3 trillion to $6 trillion annually, the oceans are an essential part of the global economy that is fundamental to the continued functioning of modern human society. When thinking about the future of humanity on Earth, the well-being of our oceans should be of utmost importance. With 80% of all life located in the oceans, they hold such important history about the incredible development of life on earth. The evidence of evolution and extinction of countless species that have existed on this planet of ours waiting to be discovered under the vast amounts of water that hide them. The oceans give us a look back into the incredible history of life and help us understand our origins better. With an estimated 85% of the oceans unexplored, there is an endless amount of beauty and an awe-inspiring number of creatures and structures to be found. The oceans help us scientifically understand the origins of life and the incredible mysteries that evolution holds as we discover so many animals that seem like they're from another world. The vast amounts of beauty in the oceans, whether it's the colorful coral reefs or the majestic schools of fish swimming around, are worth protecting. They serve as a testament to the incredible journey life has taken in diversifying through the process of evolution. I intend to use my degree in biology to obtain a better understanding of the origins of life and how they relate to the oceans. Learning more about the incredible evolutionary journey that life has taken, starting from the depths of the oceans and moving up to the highest mountains. Using this knowledge obtained through my educational journey toward my degree in biology, I will educate the public about incredible scientific information through short and long-form videos online. Through these educational videos, I will emphasize the importance of the oceans in the development of life all over the globe, bringing a deeper level of appreciation to the general public about the amazing influence of the oceans on life as we know it today. I appreciate any support to achieve this goal of mine. Save the oceans, save humanity.

I've watched many anime throughout my life, starting my journey in 7th grade with Naruto. I became fascinated with this new form of entertainment. As I grew up I learned that anime is not just for kids, but for people of all ages, I learned that anime has many lessons to be learned. This became apparent when I started watching Attack on Titan. When I first watched Attack on Titan I immediately became captivated by how mature and dark the anime was. Every other anime I had watched in the past had never had this level of impact on me just from the first episode. Even in the first episode, the audience becomes familiar with Eren and Mikasa as characters. The audience feels a personal and deep connection with the characters throughout their normal lives. This all ends in an unexpected and shocking ending in the first episode as Eren's mother is eaten alive by a blonde titan. I felt such an immense sense of dread and hopelessness along with the characters, being just as confused as every other person living within the walls. My curiosity was overflowing and my mind was racing with questions, "How did humanity build the walls?" "Where do the titans come from?" As I continued to watch the series, I had one question answered as three more were created. The series does a great job of keeping the audience curious while still answering their questions, and that's my favorite part of this series. The mystery of what's going on and what'll happen next keeps you engaged and curious. I love that at the end of this beautiful story, the audience receives all the answers to their questions and is left baffled by how complex and amazing the show was. This mystery is exactly why rewatching the show is so amazing because the foreshadowing that you never even knew would hint at a major event, later on, becomes so apparent. The world-building of the story is also another amazing aspect of the show. The world, even though small, for the majority of the show as the characters we see are trapped behind giant walls, is amazingly explained. We get a thorough understanding of how the society within the walls operates, how the walls are structured, etc. All this amazing world-building helps the audience engage in the story meaningfully. The amount of detail that goes into how the world works in AOT builds this special relationship between the audience and the characters as we all feel trapped in this small part of the world for the majority of the show. Finally, the lessons, oh how amazing the lessons and real-world connections in Attack on Titan. AOT shows the human condition, how humans act under pressure, human morality, and who is right or wrong in a unique way. One example is the character of Eren. As the show progresses we grow alongside Eren and his friends, and we grow fond of these characters whom we watch go through so much hardship for just a taste of freedom, we see many of our beloved characters die in front of our eyes and feel the loss in our hearts. So when Eren starts murdering and committing genocide to get revenge we don't know what to feel as one side of us sympathizes with Eren and the pain he experienced, but the other feels horrible for all these innocent people being killed. Attack on Titan is an amazing anime series due to its captivating story, mysterious plot, well-developed characters, and the valuable lessons it teaches throughout the show.

I immigrated alongside my mother and father out of Iran when I was just 5 years old. We left as asylum seekers and waited in Turkey for 3 years for our application to be approved for the US. The process of immigrating was a hard and extensive journey that took so much effort and energy on the part of my mother and father. My family struggled financially throughout the entire journey but we kept going and never gave up. During this time my mother did her best to homeschool me and provide me a fighting chance when I came into US schools. When we first came to the US getting by was rough. My mother and father worked full-time while I went to school. Starting in 4th grade after having very limited education for 3 years affected my mental health heavily as I constantly fell behind the kids in my class who've lived in the US their entire lives. Just last year, my father passed away suddenly from a heart attack which devasted my mother and me, as we felt lost and hopeless in a country we were still new in. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for the work my mother and father put in to bring me into a country where I can receive a proper education and further my career goals. I want to pursue a career in healthcare and help people through my work. I want to make my mother and father proud by furthering my education and becoming a son they can be proud of as I use the opportunities they provided me to help others and make the world a better place.

My mom selflessly decided to leave her home country so that I could have countless educational opportunities. My mother understood the importance of securing a future for me so she chose to leave Iran. Throughout our journey, my mom always encouraged my growth and development. She supported my dreams. Made sure I had access, to top-notch education, which allowed me to excel beyond what I expected. My mother has always set the example of the perfect lifelong student and as someone who is always eager to learn more about the world. Even with her difficult situation in Iran where it was extremely difficult for women to pursue a high-level education, she pursued her bachelor's and remained open-minded even when the society around her had closed their minds to every learning opportunity. She has always set an example for me and remained the best role model as someone who is always learning and moving forward no matter the challenges that arise. Since I was little she has played a role in nurturing my love for learning by giving me age-appropriate books to improve my reading skills. She did her best to homeschool me in Turkey as we waited to be accepted into the US as asylum seekers. She purchased online learning programs such as IXL Learning and helped me to move through the courses so that I might have a fighting chance when I started my schooling in the US. She lovingly and caringly encouraged me every day to continue learning and never to give up on my learning journey. As a child, I learned how learning constantly is the key to making an impactful change in one's character as an individual and as a result, making a positive impact on the world. Through these years of schooling through middle school and high school, it has become more difficult to focus on the tasks at hand and enjoy the learning process but my mother has always been present and ready to provide me with the fundamental support I need to continue as a student and keep pursuing my goals of becoming a medical professional who can help others through the medical profession. If not for my mother supporting me throughout my educational journey ever since early childhood to now nearing the end of high school, I would not be where I am now. She has played such an immeasurably significant role in helping and assisting me reach my educational goals that I don't believe I could ever thank her enough. I hope to build a future where I'll be able to help those around me and show my mother that all the hard work she put into raising a curious and competent son has paid off and has helped the whole of humanity.

Leaving my home forever was scary. When leaving Iran I was just a little kid, not knowing where I was going to end up I held my mom's hand as we got onto the plane. I was only 6 years old when we became asylum seekers in search of a safe country to call our new home. 3 long years in Turkey awaiting our acceptance into the US felt like an eternity. When we were finally accepted we had to learn to face new challenges. A whole new language to learn, go to school and sustain ourselves financially. throughout this journey my mother and father stayed strong and did their best to work and provide for our small family here I'm this unknown land. Year after year we were doing well and growing until it all suddenly came to a crash. With a single phone call, my mother and I were reduced to tears. My father was in the hospital. He had suffered from a heart attack and the doctors weren't sure if he'd make it. day after day we waited to hear an answer from the hospital on the condition of the health of my father. When we heard the news, our world crashed. My father passed away from a heart attack in October 2022. Being a small family in the US with no other relatives to support us, my mother and I felt alone and helpless. I was only 16 years old when it happened and immediately got to applying for jobs in order to help my mother financially. Daily life became much harder and the future became an unknown sea that we had to navigate without a captain. Through these trials and unfortunate events, my mother was always there for me and taught me to be resilient, and persistent, and to never give up on my dreams. My mother instilled in me the values of someone who chases after their dreams no matter what obstacles they may face. She always set an amazing example of a hard worker and continued to further her education in order to provide for us. She taught me to be persistent in everything I do and not easily give up when the going gets tough. As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a doctor, and my mother helped instill in me a passionate courage to chase my dreams. Now I want to pursue my education and make sure that all of my mother's efforts are not in vain. I want to be someone who is able to help everyone close and far. My mother has been the single most important person in my life and has helped me overcome so much, and instilled in me a sense of persistence, courage, and resilience.

I firmly assert that maintaining a stable and healthy mental state ranks as my utmost priority. A sound mental state ensures my preparedness to confront daily challenges, regardless of their complexity, while simultaneously navigating academic commitments and external obstacles. My mental health is crucial, in keeping me motivated while I go about my tasks. When I feel overwhelmed I have a tendency to withdraw temporarily. My strong dedication always pushes me to keep improving and moving forward. Over the years, I have encountered several instances in my life when my mental health faltered. The transition from Iran marked a challenging and unfamiliar chapter, characterized by discordant household dynamics and frequent relocations due to financial constraints during our stay in Turkey. As a child, I spent a significant portion of my days in solitude, awaiting my parents' return from work. This prolonged isolation significantly impacted my childhood mental health, as I grew up in an environment characterized by limited family interaction and structure. Each day presented new challenges as we faced an uncertain future while awaiting approval for entry into the United States through the refugee program. After I arrived in the United States I faced new challenges when it came to forming connections because of my limited English ability and social anxiety. Having a hard time making new friends and communicating had a significant negative impact on my mental health. However, I made a decision to prioritize my well-being And started on a path of personal growth. To proactively nurture my mental health, I began expanding my social interactions and fostering connections within my community. My tenure as a lifeguard provided opportunities to connect with regular pool-goers, engage in conversations with parents from diverse cultural backgrounds, and learn about global cultures. Cultivating these connections bolstered my self-confidence and significantly enhanced my mental well-being. Furthermore, I sought solace and support within my local church community. Attending church services provided a sense of belonging and security, fostering a profound sense of unity and kinship. Every Sunday Mass offers a sense of being part of something greater, and it has transformed my life positively. In conclusion, I strongly believe that taking care of my well-being is crucial. It helps me overcome challenges reach my goals and create a future, for myself and my family. Even though I faced difficulties that had an impact on my health I persisted and came out stronger, with a renewed sense of well-being and resilience.

I am currently a senior, in school at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Virginia. I take pride in being a first-generation immigrant from Iran. Over the 8 years, I have made the United States my home. Have grown to appreciate its diversity and liveliness. When I first arrived in the U.S. starting in grade 4, it was a period of adjustment and challenges as I adapted to a new culture and educational system. However, throughout my time one thing has remained constant. My desire is to help those around me. Since I can remember I have always had an inclination towards assisting others. Whether it was comforting children on the playground who had lost their parents or lending a hand with household tasks for my family I consistently showed compassion and helpfulness. This natural instinct to impact people's lives fueled my childhood dream of pursuing a career in healthcare. Some of my memories from those years involve playing doctor with friends and family willingly taking on the role of patient. This early interest in healthcare solidified my passion for the field. Motivated me to pursue it as a path. As time has gone by my dedication, to helping others has only grown deeper. I firmly believe that everyone regardless of their background or circumstances deserves access, to high-quality healthcare and unwavering support. My ultimate aspiration is to pursue a profession where I can make a contribution to the well-being of others. Choosing a career in healthcare is not a decision for me; it's a calling, a way for me to give back to the community that has welcomed me as one of its own. This deep desire to provide care and hope to those in need arises from experience. Tragically I lost my father to a heart attack one year ago. This heartbreaking incident has reinforced my determination to alleviate the suffering of others. I understand the pain that comes with losing a loved one and recognize the role played by healthcare professionals during such difficult times. When reflecting on my journey I consider my growth and resilience in facing challenges as my significant achievement. Starting my education in the United States during grade 4 meant feeling academically adrift. However, over time, I discovered my potential to exceed expectations and achieve more than I had ever imagined. Through perseverance, I developed study habits. Nurtured the determination required to overcome obstacles. Each hurdle became an opportunity for growth reinforcing my belief, in the power of resilience and hard work. To sum up, my desire to assist others and my commitment, to pursuing a healthcare profession fuel my ambitions. I'm not just a senior in school; I'm a person who is excited about making a positive difference in the lives of those who require assistance. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant has taught me the significance of compassion, empathy, and unwavering devotion, to building a future for all where healthcare serves as a source of hope and recovery.