The moment I arrive in the US in 2022 was completely life-changing. I grew up studying the British curriculum in Saudi Arabia, and to go from everything I knew to now this educational system was overwhelming and difficult. The culture, the expectations--everything was brand new. I knew I had to just survive; I had a responsibility. The responsibility of honouring my parents' sacrifices to allow me to come here and represent our family, and continue all our dreams. I grew up with both of my parents being successful professionals in Saudi Arabia, but upon moving to the U.S., they had to take licensing exams and start as technicians. To say that was a challenging transition would be an understatement, but I think my parents instilled resilience in us. Life may not always go our way but we can always persevere and work hard to get back in control. Watching my parents in hard times is what inspired me to keep going and I made it my purpose to keep pushing through. My first year in the U.S. was a hardship. The education system was drastically different, and I have to admit it was a struggle to adapt. However, I did not lose hope. I enrolled in AP courses in an effort to put myself in a bridge, not only to adapt to my new education system, but also to help myself succeed. To some extent, it took an arduous experience to formally become familiar with the different education system. I took upon myself considerable effort, not just to gain experience, but to give due credit to my parents for all they had sacrificed for me. For all that effort, I am grateful I was recognised for the hard work. I ended up getting awarded AP Scholar Awards for both years 2024 and 2025. Nowhere near the end goal, as a young woman studying Computer Engineering at the University of Houston, my dream is to work as a hardware engineer at NVIDIA. After a long period of adapting to my new academic environment, I became eager to contribute back to my community. I joined the Muslim Students Association and began teaching at the Sunday Girls Programme. To be honest, my intention was to share my experiences as an Egyptian with Muslim girls being raised in a Western country during their formative 10-15 years. I soon realised that I was just about doing skills transfer, however it was something more than that. Today, I have a position that supervises the programme, working with girls of Muslim heritage, so they can connect with their faith and culture in a foreign environment. I can say it is my priority to educate them with aqida, the core beliefs of Islam, and to help them understand, in simplistic terms, that they should concern themselves with holding onto their faith and that it should be enough to get them through life, regardless of where they might be. In my talks and storytelling sessions,I was able to give my students worthwhile lessons about being resilient,even in a space full of cultural pressures. I demonstrated how they can fully engage in a cultural practice while also remaining firm in their faith and identity. I wanted them to feel emboldened to form a fundamental faith that keeps them grounded, confident, and resilient through any and every adversities. The Ismat Tariq Scholarship represents an opportunity for me to honor my parents’ sacrifices while pursuing my ultimate goal of becoming a hardware engineer at NVIDIA. The Scholarship will also help me support others,especially young Muslim women pursuing education, to uplift themselves.

Some of the deepest battles I’ve ever fought have never been seen by anyone—not because I’m hiding, but because pain can live quietly behind a smile. I was diagnosed with a caring heart,but also a mind that felt like it was dragging me down. I have had to contend with symptoms of anxiety for as long as I can remember and later on, depression. I can recall nights lying still, on my back in bed, tears dripping onto my pillow, and staring at the ceiling asking myself questions I could not yet verbalize: Why does everything feel like too much? And why am I so tired when I haven't even gotten out of bed? I didn’t even know I was dealing with a mental health issue. I only knew that every day when I woke up, it felt like climbing a mountain with two tonnes of weights strapped to my chest. As an adult, I gained knowledge about mental health. I had the courage to seek help—what I thought was weakness, but I now see as one of the bravest things I've done. Therapy was a gift. I began journaling and learning how to be with the storm that lived inside of me without being carried away by it. During this process of healing, I had to contend with the stigma and attitudes that surrounded me—especially in my upbringing, where addressing mental health is often dismissed, with silence being the response. Simultaneously, I was learning about and figuring out my identity. I have asked myself where I belong in this world—not just who I am in my emotions, but my gender and orientation. This is a process I am still continuing. However, this process has provided clarity and complicated isolation. It's tough when you're figuring yourself out, and the world is providing labels that don't exactly fit. It is extra tough when you're afraid of rejection from family, friends, or your broader community because you are courageous enough to be honest about who you are. I had a friend who died by suicide. Although I didn't know it at the time, I was really shaken up in more ways than I planned to be. This person was radiant and the life of the party. They made you laugh, they rekindled your confidence, yet no one really asked themselves what ailed them, and when people finally did, it was too late. Their passing sparked something in me. I became aware of how many carry mental anguish unnoticed, and I wanted to be a person who notices people. I wanted to create a safe place. I wanted to listen. I wanted to hold no judgment. Today, I'm able to speak freely about mental health in a college setting. I check in on my friends, I speak and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, and I volunteer at multiple wellness initiatives on campus. I’ve had a tough time in my journey toward this point; however, I gained the gift of purpose along the way. I want to pursue becoming a licensed counselor or working in community mental health, especially for queer youth. Even if I can just be for others what I needed most: someone who said “You are not alone. You matter. You belong.” Resilience is living. It is deciding to show up for yourself every single day, even through the moments that tell you to quit from the inside. It is having faith that your story is not finished and that there could be something incredible waiting for you tomorrow. This is how I live. This is how I will continue to live.

When I was younger, I believed pain was always visible. But chronic illness taught me otherwise. I suffer from dermatitis-a condition that might seem insignificant to some. But to me, it has been an ongoing, invisible struggle that has changed how I perceive myself, connect in the world, and imagined my future. The toughest pain isn’t always the physical pain. Often enough, it’s the emotional hurt associated with something that is so close, yet just out of reach. Perfume, I love it. I always have. It's incredible how a fragrance may capture a memory, a person, a season of life. I would see others wear fragrance so carelessly, like a second skin, and I would want to join in, wishing for that same luxury of adorning myself and being carefree. I struggle with dermatitis. So wearing any form of traditional perfume has been nearly impossible without painful consequences. I have avoided the beauty aisles for years, passing on fragrance samples, feeling as if my skin is a barricade between me and something that I love dearly. The essence of resilience is to counter the deep-seated belief that you are confined by your limits. Resilience means confronting pain and saying “You don’t determine who I become.” It means not backing off when your body says to back off. It means taking whatever breaks your heart and using it for fuel. My condition inspired something I never expected: ambition. Out of this frustration and longing came a dream—to create a natural perfume brand designed specifically for people like me. Scents made from gentle, skin-safe, organic ingredients. Fragrances that don’t hurt. A brand rooted in compassion, accessibility, and healing. I don’t just want to wear perfume—I want to give it back to those who’ve been told they can’t enjoy it. Balancing college and a chronic illness hasn’t been easy. There have been days I wanted to give up—days my skin flared so badly I could hardly concentrate, days I felt isolated or embarrassed. But each time, I reminded myself why I’m doing this. I stay up late to finish assignments after doctor visits. I manage my triggers while navigating stressful exams. I advocate for myself in classrooms where my condition isn’t understood. And I hold tight to the dream that my pain will one day become someone else’s relief. Resilience isn’t loud. It’s not always obvious. Sometimes, it looks like a quiet choice made over and over again—to keep showing up, even when it hurts. I live that choice every day. This scholarship wouldn’t just support my education—it would honor every silent battle I’ve fought to get here. And it would remind me, once again, that even in the most sensitive skin, there is strength.

There is a particular kind of strength that blooms when you’re raised in the shadow of reinvention.I was brought up in an immigrant family—one with a history of leaving home for the unknown, bringing only their knowledge, hope, and desire to forge a new life. From day one, I was exposed to the silent power of perseverance. I saw my parents rebuild careers and lives not because they lacked skills, education, or experience, but because licenses and degrees don't always carry over to another country. I felt the burden they carried of not just their dreams, but mine and my siblings', as they worked jobs well below their skill level and stayed up for hours studying. Instead of feeling bitter or discouraged, they carried themselves with dignity and determination. I have never forgotten the image. I developed a respect for hard work and a deep education about what it means to struggle for opportunity. Sure, I wasn’t the one completing the applications and navigating the foreign bureaucracy, but I’m sure they didn’t know it, but I was raised adapting their resilience and determination. I began to know that education, that was seen so narrowly as a personal accomplishment, could be the vehicle that saves lives, whole families, and communities. Learning was no longer merely a responsibility; it became a form of gratitude, homage to the sacrifices of so many, so I could have so many different choices, I would just have to pick one. A light bulb went on in my head, and my curiosity became insatiable. That is when I began to think of every subject as a door of possibility instead of a box to check, whether I was studying the complexities of mathematics or looking at the science of human behavior, I pursued knowledge with the same hunger that I saw in my parents. What motivates me the most, however, is not merely academic success, it is the hope that I can make someone else’s journey easier, smooth out their friction, restore some dignity. The beauty of my upbringing in the margins is that I was able to find value where others choose not to. I learned the importance of mentorship, empathy, and representation in working towards the more just and equitable world we all desire. As someone who has experienced the pain of navigating new cultural realities, new expectations, and a new system--I want to give back for those who come after me. I want to turn my education into service and my knowledge into action. I am not carrying my family’s story, like a burden, but as a stepping stone. It drives my commitment to growing, my empathy for others, and my belief in the power of learning to transform lives. Every classroom I walk into, and every set of pages I turn, is a step toward building the futures my parents imagined when they made the decision to begin anew. And I plan to make that decision count.

Knowledge, to me, has always been the most powerful form of inheritance. I come from a family of immigrants; I saw, firsthand, the power that learning and hard work can have on peoples' lives. I can remember the experience of my parents starting their careers over, from scratch, but mostly I remember the continued hard work and the search for opportunity. I'm certain that gave me an appreciation of hard work in my disposition while also framing education in my head as a potential vehicle for change. I remind myself of this lesson every day; to me, it represents a meaningful rationale to continue to learn, grow and, hopefully, someday give back. Science has always been one of my favorite subjects (like all subjects have both strengths and weaknesses) because I like what it does. It teaches you how to think critically and to ask better questions, beyond all the facts and formulas. I love the connection to science, especially how it shows up in our everyday life—like how energy is managed in a home, how machines act based on our input, or how our body responds to exercise—all of this can be explained through a scientific way of thinking. In high school, I once constructed a simple robot from a kit and I still use it as a strategy to show that real science can be impactful within society, specifically if you can make connections between what science is, and then use this thinking to address a problem. For me, that experience was transformational—rather than seeing science as an idea confined in a textbook, I was able to understand science as a way of doing something—making sense about the world and building something meaningful. In the future, I aim to be working in an engineering or technology active trade occupation. Currently, I am targeting positions that combine robotics, electronics, and sustainable technology. I also believe in continuous learning and that educational learning stops when you finish schooling, so I have learned to take free courses online each week, tinker with a bunch of projects, and always seek opportunities to implement my learning in my community. I want to ultimately have certifications and find a position where I can optimize systems that people use each day for effectiveness, access, and environmental sustainability. I want to have the ability through a college or science based trade program, to apply my knowledge to better lives and be able to inspire others to take journeys through science. If I were to receive this scholarship, I would have gain not only the funding to help continue my education, but it would confirm for me the importance of continuing to pursue possibilities. It would mean that curiosity, effort, and progress means something in science, in the same way that Robert Stockwell believed it did. I want to be a part of this legacy of curiosity by learning, serving, and trying to share my own passion for science with others, who in turn may just be starting their own journey.

My childhood was spent in a unique dynamic of my parents both having had to re-establish their careers upon immigrating to the U.S. I am aware of the power of perseverance, of education and of impact. My father was a structural engineer, and my mother was a physician—but in America, those titles were not transferable. I saw my parents work harder than I've ever seen anyone work, studying for certifications, securing jobs that were new to them, while raising a family. Their sacrifice led as a model for my own motivation. My interest in STEM is driven not only by curiosity, but also by a strong belief in the power of knowledge to solve real problems. My interest in engineering, and more specifically computer engineering, stemmed from my experience in high school devoting time to building robotics kits, programming in C++, and playing with energy systems. In high school, I built a small robot with the mBot kit and coded it with Visual Studio Code. What started as trial-and-error experiments in my bedroom developed into a deeper curiosity around how we can make machines smarter, energy use cleaner, and systems more intelligent and sustainable. Although I am in the minority in STEM, I am proud that it is in my role to create space for people like me—to show that it doesn't matter where we come from to be great and that adversity can create drive. This award would help me financially in college, but it would also illustrate that there is a place for our voices, experiences, and hopes in STEM. But the road hasn’t been completely smooth. I’ve run into financial, cultural, and personal challenges. As a first-generation college student, I’ve often had to teach myself everything about college applications, available resources, and new technologies. Many of the labs or mentors I needed in high school weren’t available to me. So, I began self-directed learning, taking free online courses, watching tutorials, and experimenting with hardware, code, and late-night projects. I learned. When I lacked access to fancy equipment, I didn’t quit—I just found other ways. Beyond academics, I’ve participated in youth development and community education. I currently serve as a youth leader at the MAS Katy Sunday Program, helping immigrant and first-generation students transition into the American school system while keeping their cultural identity. Through my school’s NHS chapter, I’ve volunteered regularly. With the American Chemical Society (ACS), I participated in the Chemistry Olympiad and helped run hands-on science nights for elementary students. These experiences taught me how collaborative education creates the deepest impact. In the future, I hope to work as a hardware engineer at a company like NVIDIA, focusing on AI-integrated robotics and energy-efficient chips. I also plan to publish two undergraduate research papers—one on solid-state batteries, and another on the intersection of AI and robotics—because sharing knowledge is just as important as gaining it. I don’t just want to be a successful engineer. I want to lead with purpose and inspire others to innovate with meaning.

I was born into a home where dreams never went away—they just needed recalibration. My parents had earned degrees and had prestige, and respectable professional careers in the United States, but all that meant nothing here. My dad was a structural engineer, and he ended up working construction jobs. My mom was a doctor, and began from the ground up, studying for licensing exams and part-time work to support my family. Seeing them give up everything, so I and my siblings could manage a better future, taught me a valuable lesson: education is a gift, and it is to be used for the benefit of others--not just yourself. That's what inspires my enthusiasm for engineering. As a child, I was always interested in how things worked. I would take apart remotes, broken toys, and household appliances just to discover what they were composed of. The game-changer for me was learning how engineering could correlate with my interests in robotics, A.i. and sustainable technologies. I began self-teaching myself coding basics in C++, worked a little with a robotics kit (mBot), and I have just recently discovered Arduino. In all fairness, I didn't have access to expensive tools or advanced laboratories, but I kept on building, failing, learning, and building again. For me, the challenge was part of the fun so to speak, and that sense of curiosity that I had as a child, still lives in me today, and I want to do something more with it. I ultimately see myself as a Hardware Engineer engaged with advanced intelligent systems and sustainable technology. To elaborate, I want to work at a company such as NVIDIA to be a part of the production of energy-efficient chips and robotics for application in a technological field (medical, environmental sensing, or educational). I am not actually referring to some souped-up machine, just a useful tool. Through my engineering ability, I hope to become a solution for real problems that underserved communities are facing, and I especially want to consider those facing some sort of challenge with energy equity, educational technology, or environmental factors. However, I want to take my ambition beyond a professional influence, I want to provide a way for others to pay it forward through mentorship for other low-income and immigrant students, students like myself who have the ambition, but do not have the tools to fully utilize their abilities. Having served as a youth leader at MAS Katy where I volunteer for it's youth Sunday program, I know personally the value of mentorship and encouragement by seeing the perspective change in students and how what you might bring as a mentor can help shape their perspectives when it comes to demonstrate their abilities. My intention is to help create universal STEM programs and develop introductory programming in robotics and coding and encouraging students to become problem solvers so they feel empowered and have a sense of belonging in this space. I have my ambition, however I am a product of my life circumstances and my parents values: tenacity, humility, empathy, and the belief that success means nothing if you are not enabling others to be successful. I certainly don't want to glorify financial hardship, but the experience has made me reflect on what purpose is for me. I know what it is like to earn opportunities-and what it takes to be accountable for the privilege of opportunity. I have the utmost gratitude for every opportunity I have.

I was raised in a home where hard work wasn’t just expected—it was a way of survival. My parents are immigrants who once held prestigious careers in their home country. My father was a structural engineer, and my mother a practicing physician. But when we came to the United States, those titles were stripped away. Degrees didn’t transfer, and neither did the lives they had built. My dad now works in construction. My mom, still re-licensing, helps part-time in clinics when she can. I’ve seen firsthand the reality of what it means to start over, to work late hours, to stretch every dollar—and to never stop dreaming anyway. Growing up in a low-income home was a great experience that taught me a lot more than just survival - it shaped my values, dreams, and worldview. Many of my peers and classmates were fortunate enough to have tutors or were involved in clubs that had robotics kits from a young age but instead I learned to be creative and resourceful. I learned to code on my own through free online courses. I checked out robotics kits from the school's lab, watched numerous YouTube videos about building circuits, and programmed my mBot through Visual Studio Code. Now I am learning Arduino for the sake of learning - not because it was assigned to me in school and certainly not for a mark - but rather my innate desire to create and innovate. While financial hardship was never able to crush me, it did ignite a fire within me. I became more resolute, more inquisitive, and more determined to leverage technology to improve people’s lives. That’s why I often volunteer with MAS Katy Sunday Youth Program. I mentor students from immigrant families and low-income families, especially girls, in promoting confidence in STEM. I teach learning study skills, and adapting to and navigating the challenges of the U.S. school systems, while trying to maintain some semblance of their cultural identity as they take on new opportunities. All of these experiences have allowed me to see that representation in tech and science is not just important, but urgent. My experiences have also instilled in me the knowledge of humility and gratitude; I do not take education for granted. Every AP course I take (Computer Science Principles to Calculus BC) feels like a victory. Every robot I build, every C++ code I run, brings me closer to not only changing the world I grew into, but, when I look toward college, it makes my dreams bigger than I could have imagined. I plan to pursue Computer Engineering and specialize in AI, Robotics, and Green Hardware Technologies—this includes solid-state batteries. My long-term goal is to build even smarter systems, or at least smarter devices that are intelligent and environmentally-friendly. Ultimately, I want a job with a company like NVIDIA where I can engage in real innovation while tackling human problems. Further down the line, I want to challenge society by developing community STEM programming for low-income and immigrant students to prove that it is possible to reach for the stars in spite of overwhelming odds. Being raised in a situation with less gave me the credibility I needed to create a future that includes more people. I may not have had everything that can be categorized as resources, but what I did have was the resilience, the motivation and my family taught me the value of perseverance. I am happy to have a scholarship because I would take this journey, but rather than journey with hope, I have the support to make the hope an impactful journey.

When I arrived in the United States I didn't know any English, I had no idea how to get by at school, and never thought anybody like me could be a "tech person." All of this changed the day I saw a small robot kit move because of some code I wrote. It was a very basic project. It was really just a robot that could follow a line. It was my first experience with computer science, and it provided me with a feeling of control, creativity, and empowerment that I hadn't felt since arriving to the U.S. from my country of origin. My excitement about computer science grew from curiosity to excitement to a passion for building things that matter. As I learned more, I discovered CS is not simply about machines nor lines of code, CS is ultimately about solving human problems. I want to major in computer engineering specializing in intelligent systems and embedded hardware, I have already started on that path by programming an mBot using C++ and Visual Studio Code and am about to start Arduino and circuit design to better examine the hardware aspect of computing. My aspiration is to work at NVIDIA to create robotics and chipsets that can enable cleaner energy systems or AI applications in healthcare and education. I'm particularly interested in the intersection of computer science with issues of sustainability and accessibility. For me, technology is not just fun, it is a responsibility. I want to be the engineer who creates these devices, tools, or innovations that not only invent, but include or lift people up. However, there’s a lot of work in the way of fulfilling this ambition. My parents are immigrants that had to completely start over. My father was a structural engineer, but now works in construction. My mother is still in the process of re-licensing to practice medicine in the United States. Paying for college is a large concern, and I want to think clearly about my degree and minimize debt in order to help my family later. I have already been recognized as an AP Scholar with AP awards, participated in the chemistry Olympiad, and taken collegiate embedded systems courses to get to where I am today- but help from this scholarship would give me the opportunity to worry less about survival and focus more on research, advancement and innovations. Far beyond my GPA or résumé, I bring my grit and vision to bear as a candidate for this scholarship. I have experienced uncertainty and have come out of it with resilience. I have come to learn how to lead out of service in mentoring younger students and helping them gain confidence in their STEM disciplines. In the spirit of Chris Jackson, I try to stay as present as possible with the people around me, and when I can, I donate my skills and time from a place of genuine empathy.

When I arrived in America as an immigrant at the age of 14, I did not speak English. I abandoned my family, my friends, all my security. Daily, every time I went to school I felt as if I entered a new world, individuals who didn't know my language, couldn't communicate with them, and couldn't identify most of them. When I started acclimatizing myself to the new world, I discovered that I was able to identify with many others who were like me. We were all suffering in silence, and no one was aware that each one of us was misunderstood, and judged unfairly. The entire experience gave me the courage to advocate for underrepresented groups in the hopes of reducing the inequality, especially when it comes to STEM. I developed a connection to the MAS Katy Sunday program during high school and volunteered with students from diverse cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic contexts. As a youth educator, I developed lesson plans for math and computer science and I mentored students - especially girls - who felt unworthy of occupying spaces in STEM. I wanted to develop a classroom where the students felt recognized and valued. To watch young girls light up with confidence after solving a coding difficulty or engaging in discussion in relation to asking questions about exploring space made me understand how the ripple effects of novel small instances of mentorship really matter. A local issue I'm invested in is that of access to quality science, technology, engineering, and math education (STEM) - specifically, STEM education in underrepresented communities. Schools in low-resource, poorly funded and low-income neighborhoods often lack the resources and/or teachers needed to teach upper-level science classes or technology classes. Consequently, capable students do not realize their potential. I have collaborated with a number of community leaders to hold coding workshops for residents at our public library (completely free of charge) and I translated several STEM materials for some students whose parents do not speak English well, and I assisted in creating a peer tutoring program at my school so that English learners and newly arrived immigrants who have a foundational knowledge in a subject area (ex. Chemistry and Algebra) will have social and academic support. My travels have shown me that compassion and science are not mutually exclusive—together, they are much more powerful. I intend to major in computer studies with a focus on data science, primarily so that I can involve myself in social impact opportunities regardless of discipline: to find ways to improve access to healthcare, provide better analytics and intervention options for education, and to create inclusive technology. I believe that as long as I that approach each line of code that I create with empathy and intentionality, I can solve real-world problems. On a big picture level, I plan on building AI-enabled educational materials which will adapt to students' educational needs regardless of any learning or language barriers and expect to eventually launch a nonprofit which will provide free virtual tutoring and coding camps for girls (specifically, those who have experienced socioeconomic disadvantages, including refugee and immigrant experiences). I understand what it is like to be invisibly disadvantaged and I do not want anyone to go on that journey alone.

From the moment I arrived in America, I knew my life was suddenly going to be completely different. My parents had to go from being highly regarded in our home country, to heading back to square one. My dad was working as a construction technician, when he was formally a structural engineer. My mom, who was a family doctor, had to take licensing exams again. Their fortitude inspired me, but their sacrifices reminded me of what shaped my identity many times throughout life: opportunity costs. There were a lot of struggles just to adjust to a new culture, education system, and language. I remember being put in English as a Second Language. I also regularly got misrepresented by my accent. Regardless, I persisted - not just adjusting but excelling. Soon enough I learned how to get around school, studied cautiously for my AP exams, and even refused to have bias or discouragement frequent what I could or could not do. After school, I found meaning in helping others who were facing the same things I was facing. I became a youth teacher for the MAS Katy Sunday School where I taught children from kindergarten through 9th grade. As I started, I noticed that a transition age group was missing. So I offered to help create a new class for 6th to 8th graders! In this role, I have been a mentor, taught not just faith and culture, but empathy and confidence skills. In high school I was very involved- in academics, community service, and the arts. I was in theatre productions (which was my way of getting better at public speaking and learning to be confident) I was never not volunteering every week, from local food drives, to tutoring my peers. I wasn't doing for a résumé- I simply wanted to be the role model I did not have when I first came here. Looking ahead, I am majoring in Computer Engineering to eventually work in clean technology, focusing on solid-state battery design. However, beyond innovation, I want to focus on service in my career. Technology needs to serve humanity not replace it. I want to design technology to help improve people's lives with emphasis on individuals and groups that don't have adequate access to technology, and I want to feel the positive impact at a global scale as well as locally. Education is my vehicle of change for myself and for others of the same caliber. I know what it feels like to be an outsider and to continue to battle with your desire to fit in and stay socially engaged while quietly suffering and shouldering the expectations of an entire family. The reason I want to graduate debt-free is so I can give back more quickly and without conditions. Aside from alleviating the financial burden, receiving this scholarship would acknowledge all of the determination that I have displayed over the last few months and years. Each time I improved, while people doubted my abilities, I was always able to hold onto my dream and what it meant to stick with this path. I will never stop doing that!

I had a childhood where I was taught that I could be seen, heard and valued. The MAS Katy Sunday program became a place that I wasn't just going to - it was the place I learned to speak. It served as my first sense of some community, and has contributed to the way I carry myself, give back, and dream about the future. When I first joined MAS, I was still grappling with life in America. I was quiet, not too confident with my English, and figuring out who I was in a world that saw my two cultures in opposition to each other and pulling me in two different directions. But the Sunday program was my constant. I was surrounded by peers who looked like me, spoke like me, and acknowledged the quiet struggle of being different in classrooms and neighborhoods that did not always have space for us. Eventually, I became a youth teacher in the same program that had once supported me. I helped the youth to navigate their lives in America—how to faith their faith and still be part of the in-group, how to be proud and speak out at school, how to deal with confusion, culture shock and even bullying. Many from my students were immigrants. Many had just started to learn English. I coached them to ask questions, speak out for their self, and even to consider their identities as a privilege rather than a disadvantage. But I didn’t just teach them lessons. I supported them—emotionally, academically, and socially. I stayed after class to help with homework. I listened to their worries. I helped them understand the confusing parts of American school life, like locker combinations, cafeteria rules, and how to stand in front of a class and speak without fear. And now, I hold responsibility over the program that once held me. I’ve helped restructure our class system, especially to include the 6th to 8th grade age group that was often overlooked. I organize lesson plans, plan community events, and mentor other youth leaders. I don’t just participate—I lead. Serving in MAS allowed me to gain a true understanding of what community means. It is not just people gathered in a building. It is people showing up for each other, guiding each other, and essentially growing together. It gave me hope- not just for me for the people around me. It showed me that we don't connect on accident. We connect when we are intentional with each other, and when we allow ourselves to be patient and present. When I think about my future, I don't think about degrees or job titles or all of the predictable but potentially achievable things that weigh heavy on my mind. I think about more places like MAS- safety for everyone involved to be themselves. I see myself mentoring others the way I was mentored. I see myself leading in more ways than just my words; I see myself leading with my actions that really mean something. The MAS community has had a big impact on my development. It has equipped me with the ability to hope through the tough times, to lead by listening to the needs of those around me, and to love and give back to my community. I can take that with me to every space that I walk into.

I was raised between two worlds: one I claimed and another I keep going back to. When my family came to the United States, the only things we had were hope, resilience, and the unspoken wounds of our sacrifice. My parents had both been professionals in our home country. They were not the same people anymore, now that they had to forge a new identity in an alien land. My mother was a physician and my father, an engineer. They weren't well educated here, but they took on labour jobs and technical work, not because they were ignorant but because they didn't have American credentials. Watching them struggle was like watching brilliance behind glass—always apparent, never quite within reach. Their sacrifice was my inheritance. And in it, I learned the strength, the ambition, and the unbreakable will to break the glass not only for myself, but for all the girls who are invisible in the world of science and technology. As a financially-disadvantaged, woman-identifying student of color, I have entered too many rooms. I have entered too many doors that have indicated to me that I did not belong—where I was positioned in STEM before my ability was ever challenged. But, I have never allowed anyone else's inability to believe in me and my capabilities to define my path. I have fought through late nights studying under flickering lights for days on end when the power turned off, learned to code on borrowed computers, and sometimes ate school lunch when the only thing in our fridge was air. But these struggles did not inhibit me; they defined my purpose. I am really excited about computer engineering, because it enables me to engineer solutions that go beyond borders, languages and even privilege. Technology doesn't care where you are from; it cares about curiosity, creativity, and tenacity. I want to create hardware systems that democratize medical diagnosis to low resource populations, both here in the USA and the villages my parents used to live in. For me, engineering is not a career; it's a bridge between where I came from and where I want to go. There were moments I almost gave up. I remember one winter when my mom came home late, exhausted from a 14-hour shift, her hands blistered and face pale. She handed me a small used tablet someone at her job no longer needed. “For your coding,” she whispered, like it was treasure. And to me, it was. That moment reminded me that every ounce of my effort mattered—that even in our darkest seasons, my family’s love and belief in my future burned like a quiet, unwavering light. My obstacles have taught me how to forge, and reconcile, polarized relationships towards positive, equitable outcomes. I've organized STEM workshops for young girls in marginalized neighborhoods since I know how important it is to see someone that looks like you doing what you aspire to do. I have mentored and tutored my peers who thought they didn't have it in them - I thought the same at one point. Regardless of how many times I was knocked down, I've reclaimed my value and restoryed my life. I am proud of the young woman I'm becoming. I used to feel invisible, but as of late, I realize that being "visible" is more than just being seen, it's being heard, valued, and being able to be a conduit for other people rising too. I want to become not just the engineer that builds efficient systems, but the engineer who builds access—for communities that have historically been shut out from innovation. I want to create affordable diagnostic tools, accessibility in remote learning technology, and inclusivity in design. Eric W. Larson fully believed in the potential of women in science. That belief is not just inspirational for me, but personal. My Dad once told me, “Every time you build, you rebuild a piece of our dreams too.” This scholarship is more than just an asset in terms of money towards my education; it will be a powerful vehicle to elevate the voices of two immigrant parents who never wavered in their belief in their daughter's potential. I can see my future where I will be privileged to work for NVIDIA designing advanced hardware that builds toward tomorrow's sustainable AI technologies. But just as significantly, I can see a future when I'm mentoring, uplifting, and raising the visibility of the next generation of underrepresented and voiceless innovators. I want a heartbeat for my career. I want every object that I designed to have a story—a story not simply about code and circuit, but about the girl who decided to learn to build after a world told her she did not belong. I want to walk into boardrooms with courage, classrooms with kindness, and underresourced communities with intention. And this is not just about giving money for college; this is about building a legacy of resilience, equity, and purpose, and I am eager to do this with my full and happy heart.

At the age of thirteen, my mother, a family medicine consultant, returned home worn out after having treated a patient who could not even pay for simple diagnostic tests. She met my gaze and said, "If we had better equipment, we could help more people." Those words never faded from my mind. It planted a seed of mission within me: I would use technology to solve the kind of problems she faced on a daily basis in medicine, education, and poorer communities. That moment sparked my interest in engineering—computer engineering—and I have since committed myself to being a person who designs tools that make life better. It is the instantaneous power to make a difference that draws me to this career. Computer engineering isn’t just about code or hardware—it’s about creating innovative systems that serve people. Whether it’s developing wearable devices for early disease detection or writing software that automates complex tasks for small businesses, the potential to make a tangible impact excites me. I’m fascinated by how software and hardware intersect to form solutions that are smarter, faster, and more accessible than ever before. I want to be on the cutting edge of innovation, where each sensor or algorithm I create can change the way a person lives, learns, or recovers. But it hasn't been simple. I immigrated to America as a child, and acquiring a new culture and a new language was one of the most challenging things I ever did. In school, I had to work twice as hard to keep up. My parents, former career professionals in their homeland, had to start all over again, taking technical jobs while studying for licensing exams. Seeing the way they persevered in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulty only encouraged my own drive to succeed, not just for myself, but for them and others like us. Their efforts paved the way upon which I stand today, and now it's time for me to pay back. Years from now, I hope to use my education to serve communities that too often are overlooked by innovation. I want to work on technology that widens access—health technology for rural hospitals, affordable learning apps for struggling learners, or AI-based solutions that support mental health services in underserved locations. In the long term, my goal is to establish a nonprofit that teaches high school students from low-income and immigrant backgrounds coding and engineering. These individuals have the potential—but not necessarily the chance—to enter high-need tech fields. By mentoring them and giving them practical training, I can help to develop a new generation of game-changers. Technology is my trade because it allows me to think, create, and give—all at once. I'm not looking for a degree—I'm looking for a purpose. I want my hands to build systems for the benefit of humankind. I want my mind to solve problems that matter. And I want my heart to stay rooted in where I grew up and who I work with. This scholarship will not only pay my way—it will double its impact far beyond me, into the communities that I want to serve.

I'll always remember the moment I discovered my love of technology, and it definitely came out of nowhere. It was during a family trip to the science museum, when I was eleven years old. I was standing in front of an interactive exhibit where a robotic arm was competing to solve a Rubik’s cube in less than a minute. Incredible! The speed at which the arm was moving blew me away, but what struck me more than anything else was the fact that a machine was sitting at the intersection of programmed human thought, decision making, and action. In a single moment, everything in me shifted. I wanted to learn how machines "thought," and more importantly, I wanted to be someone that could teach them how. Since then, I have chased every chance to learn more about technology. I started on basic coding platforms, then built circuits with Arduino, and now, I am devoting hours every day to Python and C++ in preparation for my degree in Computer Engineering. But I don't want my goal to be academic; I want to create technology that addresses real-world issues specific to health care and accessibility. My mom is a consultant in family medicine and used to share stories about patients who could not get help due to a lack of diagnostic tools or support systems. I connected the dots between medicine and technology, and thought that many of these situations could improve with advancements in AI-powered diagnostics, wearable health trackers, and accessible digital platforms. Even if the road has been a tough one. As an immigrant, I always struggled with learning a new language and adapting to a different culture. My first years at school in America were full of self-doubt, loneliness, and a need to prove to everybody who I was. I had to quickly learn to balance school with family responsibilities, financial troubles, and a quiet unacknowledged pressure of being the first in my family to study engineering in America. Even if it was tough, I kept pushing myself to stay strong and transformative through perseverance and passion. I studied independently for APs, I worked with younger students in my coding workshops, and I worked with underrepresented youth in STEM outreach programs. The most exhilarating part of technology's future is its ability to democratize solutions. Whether it is AI to detect diseases earlier, building clean energy systems, or creating tech to be accessible for individuals with disabilities, the possibilities seem limitless. I feel especially inspired by the increased focus on ethical technology, which is driving discussions around how we construct innovations fairly, securely, and based on the impact on people. I would hope in the future that I could contribute to the designs of intelligent systems that are ethical and accessible, or technologies that serve to enhance the baseline for the most vulnerable. That could be improving smart prosthetics, or building software for focus hospitals that are under-resourced. I want to be part of tech that considers empathy, equity and innovation as a central focus. It wasn’t just a robotic arm that solved a puzzle for me at that museum it opened an entirely new world. Today I am ready to enter that new world, as a builder, problem solver, and changemaker in technology.

To me, creating a legacy is about taking a personal barrier and turning it into a mission that motivates others. My legacy stems from empathy, creativity, and a belief that no one should ever be locked out of expressing themselves—especially because of a medical condition. I want to be remembered not only for what I make, but for why I make it: so people can feel understood, appreciated, and beautiful in their own skin. Someday I'll own a perfume business that uses 100% organic, skin-safe ingredients created for people with dermatitis, eczema, or sensitivities—such as myself. That's how it came about due to my own condition. I have dermatitis, and although I love perfumes, I've never had the ability to use them unrestrained. When I was a kid, I used to go into perfumery shops and admire the beautiful packaging and elegant designs, dreaming of how each scent would feel. But I never had the guts to try them because they could trigger painful flare-ups. I'd walk out of the shops, crying, with tears in my eyes, wishing I could be like everybody else. It wasn't just perfume—it was identity, confidence, and belonging. I felt shut out of a world that celebrated beauty through scent. But instead of letting that experience beat me, I decided to rewrite the script. I would like to offer a platform where individuals with sensitive skin are able to enjoy scents without discomfort or fear. That dream gave my life purpose in school. I did not learn chemistry out of obligation, but because I wanted a building block for my future. I challenged myself to take KAP Chemistry and then AP Chemistry, which explored the science behind molecules, reactions, and compounds. I wanted to know the formulas that would one day enable me to design safe, embracing scents. Whenever the classwork proved challenging, I would consider that little boy of mine—yearning over bottles I was unable to manage. That recollection drove me forward. My new business will be more than fragrance. It will be about safety, sustainability, and being who you are. I will work with dermatologists and chemists to ensure that all products are gentle but effective, and sustainably sourced. My business will be green and community-focused, providing jobs and support to those who have long-term skin conditions or disabilities. It will have a message: you are worthy just as you are. In everyday life, I shine my light by living compassion and resilience. I tutor younger students, work in youth programs, and help individuals cope with their own personal issues. My sense of leadership is not that it's always loud—it's in the everyday work of lifting others up and helping them grow. In doing so, I hope to inspire those around me to embrace their differences and pursue their dreams, no matter the circumstances. This award would bring me closer to realizing my vision. It would allow me to continue my education, learn more about the sciences, and allow me to begin a company that aligns with my values and fills a real need. Above all, it would secure that stories like mine—stories of hardship turned into purpose—have their place within the future. My legacy begins with this simple but deep idea: every individual should have the ability to feel beautiful, safe, and embraced. And I will build a future in which that idea becomes a reality.

When I immigrated to the United States from Saudi Arabia, I entered a new world that challenged everything I had believed—academically, socially, and culturally. As a young Muslim trying to reconcile a deeply ingrained Islamic identity with the pressures of an extremely alien society, I was lost frequently. But instead of allowing that confusion to consume me, I put it into purpose. That mission was achieved as a youth teacher and subsequent assistant supervisor at MAS Katy through my service. My mission was simple yet profound: assisting others in traversing the same cultural divide that I had previously crossed, and along the way, imparting belonging, confidence, and belief in the future generation. My involvement began during my second year of high school, when I volunteered to teach Islamic studies for the MAS Katy Sunday School. Each Sunday, I taught in front of students who were intelligent, curious, and intensely torn between two worlds. I remembered what it was like to be a foreigner in the classroom, to feel like I had to hide my religion in order to fit in. That memory fueled my enthusiasm. I helped students have open forums on living Islam in a Western world, helped students select school courses that aligned with their dreams, and taught lessons incorporating religious values into everyday challenges—academic stress, peer stress, and culture conflicts. By the time I reached senior year, I was honored to be elected supervisor assistant. In this role, I wasn't just teaching—I was shaping. I co-budgeted, wrote lesson plans and curriculum, mentored new staff, and organized big community events. We had cultural nights and academic seminars, all with the purpose of empowering students to proudly celebrate their faith, thrive in the classroom, and become leaders. I saw students who had once been embarrassed of their selves begin to voice themselves proudly. I saw them thrive, not in spite of their cultures, but because of them. It was not simple. I had to balance long school days with hours of planning, preparation, and emotional labor. There were moments of uncertainty—moments when I questioned whether I was indeed equipped to lead others. But my faith anchored me. Islam teaches us that service is among the noblest vocations, and I took that faith to all my interactions. Whenever I felt fatigued, I remembered Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) patience over many years with his people. Whenever I was frustrated, I remembered the endurance that I had developed by struggling myself. This experience redefined my definition of service. It taught me that leadership is not about titles or awards—it's about being present day by day, listening with compassion, and leading with humility. It's about carrying people's own battles to help somebody else. In service, I became a mentor, a role model, and most of all, a bridge between two worlds to individuals who felt in between. Today, I'm not only proud of what I accomplished, but of who I am because of it. My time at MAS Katy was not only community service—it was a calling, a healing, and a promise to continue using my voice for others. And I intend to take that promise with me into every room I enter for the rest of my life.

Studying Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is not just a personal goal but a mission-driven endeavor to follow a burning passion to create an impact. Coming from a background as a first-generation immigrant who had grown up in a household that gave up everything to start anew in America, I have had a front-row seat to witness how access to education, technology, and opportunity can change lives. My educational background is based not just on personal aspiration, but on the conviction that engineering has the potential to be an instrument of empowerment, equity, and innovation. I have been attracted to the intersection of problem-solving and creativity since I was a kid. The more I learn, the more I am excited about using what I am learning to create technologies that solve real problems, particularly in under-resourced communities. Whether designing more efficient, low-cost computer systems or assisting in the development of the next generation of sustainable technologies such as solid-state batteries, I wish to create something that is both innovative and affordable. Education will do more than impart technical expertise—it will sharpen my critical thinking, ethical leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These are critical to my long-term aspiration of initiating programs that close technology gaps in low-income communities, both locally and internationally. For example, I would prefer to do projects that bring more renewable energy to individuals or grant less privileged schools better learning resources—missions that enable others to transcend their situations, as I have had to fight to transcend mine. Outside the classroom, I am dedicated to community service. A Sunday school teacher in my local community program, I guide students through cultural and academic struggles like my own. College will optimize my capacity to mentor, to educate, and to lead effectively. By attaining a degree, I not only honor my parents' sacrifices, I become a role model for others in oppressed groups—living evidence that determination, education, and vision can prevail over adversity. Getting a college degree is not the end of my quest—it is the starting point where I will create a life of service and innovation. I think that engineers have a specific obligation: to not just advance the limits of what is feasible but to make those advancements for the benefit of all humanity. I would want my work to embody that obligation. Whether through enhancing technological infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, or creating devices that enhance daily life, I am dedicated to leveraging my education to have a positive, lasting influence. In a world staggered by accelerating technological transformation, economic disparity, and environmental pressure, we require engineers who are not only technically proficient but also socially aware. I wish to be one of them. Further study will enable me to make a contribution to a more equitable, sustainable, and optimistic future—one innovation, one community, and one opportunity at a time.

1)My name is Toka Hassan and I am an 18-year-old student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCpE) at UH. Behind those words, however, is a story of grit, sacrifice, and the unrelenting pursuit of a dream. I was born into a world where doubt colored every decision, but the hope my family provided me never wavered. We came to the United States as refugees from a life of opportunity, and even though we did not have much, we had a cosmos of hope in our hearts. My motivation is the memory of my parents leaving behind high-powered careers— my mother, a dedicated doctor; my father, a civil engineer—to begin life again in a country where they would have to start from scratch. Their sacrifices are the motivation for all of my goals. I wake up each morning not just for myself, but for them—for each tear they never allowed me to witness, for each time they smiled during the midst of adversity so that I could feel secure and dream big. If I could do anything with my life, I would invent and innovate technologies that change lives. I want to be a pioneer in computer engineering innovation, develop devices that provide a voice for the marginalized, and use AI and robotics to end human suffering—particularly for the displaced and underprivileged. I don't just want to have a tech career— I want to be a bridge between pain and progress, hardship and hope. My life's work will be to turn struggle into strength—not just for me but for the millions like me. 2) STEM is where function meets creativity. It excites me because it enables me to turn my dreams that are present in my mind into reality—machines that think, computers that learn, and programs that solve problems previously thought to be unsolvable. I still remember the first time I ever held a circuit board; I felt as if I was holding the blueprint of the future in my hand. The problem-solving, the logic, the design—it all just felt like home. What I'm most excited about in information technology is its ability to transform lives at scale. Having had firsthand experience of what it means to live without access to stability or regular resources, I am dedicated to using technology to close the gap between privilege and survival. Whether it's creating smart infrastructure for refugee camps or affordable AI diagnostic software for under-resourced clinics, I believe that tech shouldn't just be cutting-edge—it should be inclusive. I want to specialize in human-centered computing: designing systems that meet the real needs of real people, especially the people who have been left behind by the tech mainstream. From designing coding accessibility features for children with disabilities to building educational software for displaced youth like myself, I will use my skills to bring equity to engineering. Tech is not just about making life more convenient; it's about making life more equitable. 3) The greatest challenge I've faced wasn't a moment—it was an ongoing battle: being an asylum-seeking student within the American educational system. I arrived in this country with hope, but with a broken heart. I had to navigate language barriers, cultural shock, financial strain, and cope with the continuous unknown of what would become of me because of my immigration status. I was placed in ESL at school, despite knowing advanced concepts in math and science. Some doubted me. I was generally overlooked. But instead of shrinking, I expanded. I studied harder. I forced myself to write effortlessly. I asked for help when I did not understand. I turned isolation into discipline. I learned that you do not have to have everything to be something— you only need to persevere. Even though my asylum case is still pending, I've earned a work permit, Social Security Number, and the possibility of continuing my education. I did not wait for the system to value me—I showed it. I took AP exams and passed. Furthermore , I got an AP scholars award due to my distinguished work and graduated from my high schooI with a high honors place . I also mentored younger students about Islamic studies , how to cope with different culture , and the most important thing is narrating my story with them and monitoring how I grew and what can I improve right now . Additionally I helped my parents with paperwork, translation, and acclimatization, even when I was barely old enough to understand it myself. Every barrier I faced became a step up. I've learned that resilience isn't just survival—it's creating your own success when the odds are against you. That's me. And that's who I'll be as a future computer engineer: someone who never gives up, who creates hope from adversity, and who never ever forgets where she came from.

I still remember the first time I walked into MAS Katy. I was new to the community, battling the problems of adjusting to a new world, culture, and school system. It was a Sunday morning, and my parents had insisted that I attend the youth programs. I thought of it at the time as another chore. What I did not know was that MAS Katy would soon be one of the most influential parts of my life, shaping my personality, goals, and aspirations for the future. At MAS Katy, I discovered more than a religious school—a second family. The teachers at MAS invested in my growth, not only as a student, but also as a person. I acquired leadership skills, lifelong friendships, and a deeper understanding of the values of perseverance, community, and compassion through various programs, workshops, and youth-initiated projects. One of the most life-altering experiences was serving as a Sunday School youth volunteer teacher. Standing in front of a class of young students, I saw myself in their eyes—the same fears, the same questions about identity, culture, and aspiration. To teach them was not just to offer lessons, but to impart confidence, persistence, and wonder. As time passed, I realized that mentorship also has a multiplier effect: by helping others, I was also growing, becoming more patient, empathetic, and committed to making a positive difference. This realization changed my aspirations. Rather than pursuing success for personal achievement alone, I now firmly feel a responsibility to use my skills to make a contribution to society. My career aspirations now include not just career success, but also community empowerment. I wish to work as an engineer and community leader, creating solutions that improve lives and motivating future generations, especially those who are undergoing cultural and educational transitions as I have done. MAS Katy taught me that leadership is not measured in terms of titles and awards, but by the positive impact we leave on others' lives. I can only aspire to repay the influence MAS Katy has had on my life by remaining deeply involved in community service in all of my future endeavors. Whether by launching educational outreach initiatives, being a mentor volunteer for disadvantaged youth, or leading initiatives that promote workplace diversity and inclusivity, I would like to continue the cycle of empowerment that MAS Katy started in me. In every challenge I overcome in the future, I will carry with me the teachings of MAS Katy: tenacity in the face of challenge, selflessness before service, and unwavering commitment to empowering others. These ideals have already carried me through academic challenge, leadership hurdles, and moments of self-doubt, and will guide me still as I move forward to accomplish my goals in higher education and beyond. Reflecting on my path, I realize that walking into MAS Katy that Sunday was not a random event—it was a turning point. It compelled me to find my voice, my self-esteem, and my purpose. It gave me a community that believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Most importantly, it gave me a lifelong commitment to using my skills to serve others, as I had been served. I hope that through my future work, leadership, and service, I can pay tribute to MAS Katy's impact by inspiring others to believe in themselves, as MAS Katy inspired me

I have chosen to further my education in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) because of my deep passion for technology and innovation, particularly in computer engineering, robotics, and sustainable energy solutions. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by how technology can be used to solve real-world problems, especially in fields like electric vehicles and aerospace. My interest in how systems, machines, and boards function in electric cars and airplanes developed an urge inside me to know more about them and create an impact on it. This is exactly why STEAM combines creativity with an analytical way of thinking and problem-solving, thus fitting my aspirations toward high-impact industries where one can contribute much in its sustainable development and technological advancement. This scholarship will enable me to study without the extra burden of economic uncertainty. My family is from a humble background, and so any form of financial aid will go a long way in assisting me. This scholarship, with this in mind, could give me increased focus on study, furthered research and development, and finally access to what is vitally important for success in such STEAM arenas: specialized toolkits, leading-edge labs, and networking within a professional field. The scholarship will also include attending conferences and workshops, expanding my idea base, collaboration, and interactions with like minds. Beyond the financial support, the scholarship would present me with opportunities that are otherwise quite difficult to avail due to financial constraints. It will provide me with an opportunity to wholeheartedly engage in my education, join practical learning classes, and participate in various extracurricular activities. I will get the chance to meet professionals and researchers, as well as mentors, who will guide me on the right track. Real-life projects and testing of the most recent technologies will allow me to understand in greater depth those subjects which are really interesting to me, like robotics and electric vehicles. Moreover, the scholarship would provide me with an opportunity to further push my limits and work toward academic excellence. With financial security, I would be able to devote more time to coursework, research projects, and the development of practical skills. Having a strong passion for making an impact through technology, I would utilize the resources availed through this scholarship in developing solutions that can help solve some of the world's pressing challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Ultimately, this scholarship is not just about financial support; it's one toward the future I envision. The scholarship would mean I continue growing academically and professionally, working on projects that could shape industries, help fight climate change, and improve living standards of life for people worldwide. This scholarship would go a long way, not only in my education but also in the future of technology and industries with which I want to engage. I look forward with excitement to contribute with my education and passion toward solutions that would provide a positive and lasting impact in the world.

Leaving Saudi Arabia and coming to America was a hard transition. It was not only a completely different culture, but also a radically different academic system. Having had the British curriculum, the American system was not familiar, and I quickly found out that in order to stand out, I needed to take many AP classes. This was demanding because the pace was intense; lots of workload, much heavier compared to what I was used to. Added to this was a constant stress at the financial end. The income of my family was not strong; we were on rent, so managing the cost was really tricky. The financial stressor further strained this already difficult transitional process because it made it a lot more challenging to devote myself fully to my studies. In spite of these challenges, however, some vital lessons were learnt. For one, when I grew too comfortable in my old ways, I realized that would impede my ability to adapt to the new environment. Those academic challenges pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I had to work harder than I ever had before. I learned to embrace that struggle: to manage my time effectively, take help when needed, and make the most of the little resources available. Juggling between school and part-time jobs to support my living, this experience indeed has taught me resiliency, financial responsibility, and perseverance. Besides financial difficulties, the navigation of a new education system showed me how important it is to be resourceful and unyielding in the presence of adversity. Of course, transition was not easy, but it has made me into a person who knows about hard work and who learns from every misfortune how to be better prepared the next time. Rather than shrink back from challenges, I learned to lean into them. When it all became too much, I had to step back, re-evaluate, and readjust my approach to keep moving forward. It wasn't just a matter of studying harder, but being resourceful, making the most out of what you have, and understanding that failure is not the end but a step toward success. This experience has made me more independent and resourceful. This involved solving problems in new ways, such as understanding how to balance academics with part-time work, studying, and making much of limited financial resources. Another facet was that I had to build my support system from scratch, reaching out to teachers, classmates, and mentors to help guide me. It wasn't about anything but learning how to ask for help without that being a weakness, but instead a step towards growth. To anyone who may be in similar shoes, I would say, "Embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth." It may seem insurmountable to be taken out of your comfort zone, but that is where you learn the most about yourself. Always keep your eyes on the bigger picture, stay organized, and remember that setbacks are not failures but learning experiences. Challenges will always come, but it's how we respond to them that defines who we become.

1)STEM has hugely influenced my aspirations, particularly the career focus I have in computer engineering, with interests in electric vehicle and aerospace technologies. Ever since I was a little kid, I have always been interested in how machines and systems work, like electric cars and airplanes. I have spent a considerable amount of time studying the electronic and control systems that drive these technologies, often focusing on the boards and how they function. It is this curiosity that drives me to this career path, where I will be able to help in establishing more efficient and sustainable systems that shape the future in transportation and energy use. Being a young female in the field of STEM means one has faced the challenges associated with being a minority in such fields and receiving some initial hesitation from peers. These have further strengthened the desire to do well. This has made me work hard to prove my capability, and over time, I've learned to raise my voice and trust my instincts. 2)My passion for STEM is deeply rooted in the real-world impact technology can have on solving pressing global problems. In particular, I’m motivated by the potential for electric vehicles and aerospace innovations to address environmental concerns, reduce our carbon footprint, and improve energy efficiency. What really excites me is the creation of sustainable transportation solutions, and I feel driven by an opportunity to design technologies that are going to revolutionize industries and change how we approach energy and mobility. I see myself working on projects contributing to cleaner energy, such as the development of electric cars and aircraft, which will be further accessible and more effective in dealing with challenges such as climate change. 1)My extracurricular STEM activities equipped me with leadership experience that shaped my vision for the future. Leading programs where I tutor youth about different cultures and communication skills, I learn to organize, collaborate, and guide others in working toward common goals. Management of financial and logistical aspects of projects has enhanced my ability to think strategically and adapt to challenges. All these experiences have groomed me to lead engineering teams, particularly on large-scale projects related to electric vehicles and aerospace. I am convinced that in my future career, where my ambition is to mentor young engineers, work in multidisciplinary teams, and lead projects which will stretch the envelope of technology to make society better, my leadership skill will be very important. But my ambition does not also stop with computer engineering; rather, it extends to influencing the next generation of innovators themselves and opens STEM to all.

Thus far, the process of working in the MA Katy Sunday program involved mentoring youths to interact with various cultures without the loss of one's identity, religious beliefs, or core values. I develop cultural awareness among them, but for my part, I construct techniques of communications to have them interact confidently yet respectfully in an environment that would be diverse and varied. Indeed, this has been an enriching experience to guide the youth through the dilemma of cultural interactions versus being true to themselves. Currently, I lead the program by contributing financially and managerially. Leading has taught me how to plan and execute events using financial and human resources. In addition, working with volunteers and participants taught me how to accomplish the goals of the programs while maintaining controls to see that all the activities were conducted appropriately. This experience has strengthened my commitment to community service and further broadened my sense of diversity and inclusion. The experience has provided me not only with an opportunity to give back to society but also the chance to facilitate learning related to empathy, leadership, and teamwork. I want to inspire change by living these values myself in my personal and professional life.

I have always been deeply passionate about computer engineering, particularly software development and robotics. What excites me most is the potential of artificial intelligence to transform society by making technology more intelligent, accessible, and widely used in high-risk fields like space exploration. I have, since childhood, wondered how it would be possible to program machines to think and learn and perform tasks which hitherto required much of human labor and ingenuity, and I have dedicated myself to understanding such technologies and making them better. My curiosity drives me to explore how AI can be developed to benefit people in meaningful ways-from automating everyday tasks to helping in life-critical environments. My key mission is to support the development of powerful and reliable AI systems that are trustworthy and easy to use. At the design of AI, safety, fairness, and ease of access in design should be emphasized to make such technology accessible and easily usable for people from any walk of life. Through my studies in computer engineering, I aspire to devise enabling solutions that will render AI transparent and applicable to problems in reality. Whether this helps businesses optimize processes, allows researchers to discover things scientifically, or simply allows people to easily interact with artificial intelligence tools, I want to be sure that artificial intelligence acts as a force for good. Outside of these run-of-the-mill uses, I'm also very fascinated with AI applications for high-risk areas, most specifically space exploration. The complexity of space travels is one of the biggest challenges that requires precision, autonomous, and safety at every point. AI-powered robotics and intelligence can play an important role in making missions safe and efficient by reducing risks associated with astronauts in order to achieve more in deep space exploration. Autonomous spacecraft, AI-powered rovers, and robotic assistants might help us not only explore remote planets but even mine resources for human colonies out of Earth. Developing further AI and robotics in these spheres will be instrumental in expanding the frontiers of the feasible while keeping the space mission sustainable and secure. My dream is to be one of the first to develop an AI-based solution that can increase efficiency and productivity on Earth, but also contribute to the development of humanity's presence in space. Through my studies and subsequent professional life, I want to develop AI systems that will make human lives better, increase accessibility, and completely redefine the way we use technology. By bridging gaps between artificial intelligence, robotics, and real-world applications, I envision making a lasting impact through ensuring that AI becomes a dependable tool for progress in both routine life and even the most ambitious explorations of the future.

From a young age,I’ve been filled with a deep sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around me.This innate drive to understand the“why“behind everything I encounter has shaped the path I walk today.My reflections on various aspects of life,and my pursuit of knowledge,have always revolved around answering fundamental questions–why things work the way they do and how I can contribute to society through my understanding of these answers. One of my earliest memories that I recalled about this curiosity was with my dad.He used to bring home his AutoCAD sheets,with technical drawings and calculations.Whenever he asked me to calculate the area of a regular shape I would be thrilled because of the thoughts I had about how I contributed to this project and how it would benefit my society.This early exposure to mathematics sparked my interest in mathematics and began a journey of thoughts about the contribution I can give to my community to improve it. My love for learning has never been limited to one area.I’ve always found joy in spending long hours studying,not because of external pressure,but because of the genuine excitement I feel when uncovering new things.I envision myself obtaining multiple degrees,specifically the one’s in my thoughts are aerospace and law degrees.I know they seem divergent but they connect to me in a different way.Aerospace connects to my mission of exploration,innovation,and advancing technology that can shape the future of humanity.On the other hand,Law helps me understand the conditions and issues that society faces which will help me narrow my focus on the values that I need to nurture society. The journey hasn't been without its challenges.I came from Saudi Arabia in 2022,where I initially encountered a British curriculum.The transition to the new curriculum and moving to the US was a significant shift.My family faced financial issues and there was a terrible dilemma with our mental health.I remember my dad used to leave from 2:00 PM till 3:00 AM to work as a garageman after working in a prestigious company in Saudi Arabia because of the necessity of taking the PE exam to work.At that time there was a terrible dilemma with our mental health.I used to walk up at night watching my mom cry because of our circumstances.However instead of being overwhelmed I choose to adapt.I focused on succeeding without wasting time for negative emotions to upheaval.I took this circumstance as a period of personal growth that taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. Aside from financial issues,my personal interests also drive me forward.One of my biggest passions is perfumes.Ever since I was young,I ve been fascinated by scents and how they evoke my emotions.Unfortunately,I also have dermatitis:a skin condition that makes me cautious about products I use.This challenge has led me to dream of starting my own perfume brand,focused on creating natural,skin sensitive perfumes specifically for people like me.By doing this I would help to reduce issues dermatitis patients face with perfumes.Moreover,one of my goals is improving the lives of youth who face a barrage of negative influence in today’s society.By using the knowledge I acquire I aim to create programs,mentorship opportunities and resources to guide and empower them.By this I will be focused on the cell of the society. Addition to my interest in aerospace and law I am deeply fascinated by research particularly about Solar technology.For example the use of solar batteries for electric cars,has captured my imagination.I am committed to exploring ways to make these technologies efficient and affordable,potentially benefiting companies like Tesla and pushing society toward sustainable energy solutions because of the endangered nonrenewable resources which countries are leaning on.