Growing up in Iran, I have always loved studying math. However, societal and familial expectations often posed significant challenges. Amid these obstacles, I found solace and inspiration in the story of Malala Yousafzai, a young woman who overcame immense adversity to pursue her dreams. I first heard about Malala when I was 17, and her courage and determination became a guiding light in my own journey. From a young age, Malala was passionate about learning, an enthusiasm nurtured by her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, an education activist. Despite the Taliban's bans on girls attending school, Malala and her father advocated fiercely for girls' right to education. When Malala was 15, the Taliban attempted to silence her voice by shooting her in the head while she was on her way home from school. The attack was meant to intimidate and suppress, but instead, it amplified her message globally. Malala was flown to the United Kingdom for critical medical treatment and, against all odds, survived the attack. Her remarkable recovery and unwavering resolve turned her into an international symbol of the fight for girls' education and women's rights. In 2014, at just 17 years old, Malala became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. This honor recognized her relentless struggle against the suppression of children and young people and her efforts to ensure the right to education for all children. Malala's advocacy did not stop there; she co-founded the Malala Fund with her father, aiming to secure 12 years of free, safe, and quality education for every girl worldwide. Malala's journey to education and empowerment culminated in her acceptance to Oxford University, where she studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Graduating in 2020, Malala continued to use her platform to influence global leaders and policymakers, advocating for the rights of girls and women everywhere. Her story resonated deeply with me, particularly during a critical period in my life. At the age of 19, I traveled to Pakistan with 27 other Iranian students to obtain a U.S. visa from the U.S. embassy in Islamabad, due to the absence of a U.S. embassy in Iran. This journey was fraught with danger, including the constant threat of terrorist attacks. During this time, I drew strength from Malala's resilience. Her bravery in the face of life-threatening adversity inspired me to persevere despite the daunting challenges. Like Malala, I faced significant hardships on my path to education. I moved to the United States alone, enrolling at De Anza College as a community college with full scholarship. I received my Associate of Science degree in math and computer science. I have been accepted in all universities, I applied, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis. I transferd to UC Berkeley to continue my education in Fall 2024 to receive my bachelor's degree. Malala's journey to Oxford served as a powerful reminder that perseverance and courage can overcome even the most formidable obstacles. Her unwavering commitment to education and gender equality continues to inspire millions around the world, including myself. I am the first one from my entire family to come here to study. Malala Yousafzai taught me to be the first and not be afraid. I hope to meet her and thank her for all she has done. Receiving this scholarship can change my life. I need to pay for my education at UC Berkeley, and this scholarship allows me to stay and study here. It is my only hope to pursue my dream major at my dream school. Thank you for all your support and making this hope for someone like me.

I was born in a small city, Neyriz in Iran. I secured 36th rank in the Konkur, the national entrance exam with a perfect score in math (100/100). I was accepted into Tehran Medical School. I have always loved math, but women pursuing math in my family and society was not acceptable. After one month and all the advice from my professors and friends, I decided to apply to study in the USA to continue my dream. I had difficult days getting permission from my family to study in the USA. Finally, I got a full scholarship from De Anza college. Hope and hard work are two important aspects of my life. When I was 19, I traveled to Pakistan with 27 other Iranian students to obtain a U.S. visa due to the lack of a U.S. Embassy in my country. I returned to Iran by car as airlines weren’t flying because of COVID. During this time, a terrorist group bombed the border province, killing nine girls. Despite the danger, I had no choice but to pass through that area to return home on time to maintain my flight and admission. I presented a plan to all the other students and organized transportation and food for two days. Despite being the youngest person in our group, I led us through this trip, and we managed to safely return to Iran. What motivated me throughout this risky trip was my dream of becoming a free woman scientist in mathematics, inspired by my role model, Maryam Mirzakhani. I moved to the USA by myself as a person who did not have any family or friends here. I enrolled at De Anza College to study mathematics in Fall 2022 and I received my AS-T in math and computer science in Spring 2024. In the Fall of 2022, the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement began in Iran. My friends and family protested in the streets for basic women's rights, and the Iranian government arrested them. And then, the government shut down the internet, and my connection to Iran was cut-off and I felt I was alone in the world. I had to manage my life and continue my education without even knowing if the people I cared about were still alive. During these 2 years in De Anza, I took various math, CS and science courses which led me to become a senior math, statistics, chemistry, and biology tutor at the Student Success Center at De Anza. I was intrigued by the applications of math in different areas, especially in computational fields. I realized the importance of math in every subject, leading me to create the AI World Club at De Anza to explore the intersection of math and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). I aim to pursue my bachelor's degree in math, and work towards completing PhD in math and computational science. I have been accepted in all Universities I applied, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz and I will go to UC Berkeley to study Applied Math and minor in Computer Science. Also, I am the AI and Machine learning full time intern in Stanford in Summer 2024. This scholarship allows me to stay and study here. It is my only hope to pursue my dream major at my dream school. For the past two years, I have worked 19 hours per week to cover living expenses while studying hard to maintain my scholarships. Winning it would be an unforgettable milestone. Thank you for your all support.

I love mathematics because it has been a constant source of inspiration and empowerment throughout my journey. From a young age in Neyriz in Iran, I excelled in math, achieving a perfect score in the Konkur(The national university entrance exam) and gaining admission to Tehran Medical School. Despite societal norms that discouraged women from pursuing math, my passion for the subject only grew stronger. This passion became a guiding light when I faced challenges getting permission to study in the USA, eventually securing scholarships that allowed me to pursue my studies at De Anza College. Mathematics became not just a field of study but a refuge during tumultuous times. When I traveled to Pakistan to obtain a U.S. visa, navigating through dangerous circumstances and ensuring the safety of my fellow travelers, my determination was fueled by my dream of becoming a mathematician like Maryam Mirzakhani, a beacon of possibility in a world of uncertainty. Moving to the USA alone, enrolling in mathematics at De Anza College, and weathering the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement in Iran further solidified my dedication to mathematics. It provided me with focus and resilience amidst personal and global challenges, demonstrating that mathematics isn't just a subject but a tool for understanding, problem-solving, and empowerment. Studying math and its applications in computer science and AI at De Anza College broadened my perspective on its relevance and potential impact. As a senior tutor and founder of the AI World Club, I explored the interdisciplinary nature of mathematics, seeing its role in shaping modern technology and scientific advancements. This journey has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in mathematics and computational science, aiming for a PhD to contribute meaningfully to the field. Mathematics has not only been my academic pursuit but also my lifeline, empowering me to overcome adversity and strive towards a future where I can inspire others, just as Maryam Mirzakhani inspired me.

During my studies in the U.S., I had the darkest chapter of my life. As an international student from Iran, I was unable to contact my family and friends, I was continuously hearing that they were getting arrested and found out that a friend of mine died. All these happened in one month. In the Fall of 2022, the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement began in Iran after the death of a 19-year-old woman while she was arrested because of her hijab. Iranian people, including my friends and family, protested in the streets for basic women's rights, and the Iranian government kept arresting people. And then, the government shut down the internet, and my connection to Iran was cut off and I felt I was alone in the world. I had to manage my life and continue my education without even knowing if the people I cared about were still alive. I had experienced the brutal actions taken towards women while I was a student in Iran, so I worried immensely about my loved ones and the people of my country. I couldn't study or focus on my exams while my relatives risked their lives for basic rights. I read the news about the killing, torturing and executing of Iranians every minute. I found out about the death of my friend just before my biology final exam. The Iranian economy also collapsed during this time, leaving me without financial support. The exchange rate crashed, and the savings that my family had for my education suddenly dropped by 60 percent. in addition to the decreased value, there wasn't any way for my parents to send me any money. It felt as though all hope for my life and dreams were slipping away. My research teammate was arrested and sent me a message from prison through her family: "Complete my work." I resolved to channel my pain, grief, and anger into positive and constructive actions because I had to show that I was strong and could be a free woman. I worked tirelessly on my research and published our papers in 2023. In the middle of all this chaos, I focused more on my studies than ever. I saw it as a chance to prove myself as a woman in science. This tough time taught me that challenges can be lessons and motivations. This scholarship is crucial for me to continue my education. It serves as a motivation for me to continue my journey in math and science and become a female scientist, especially as an international student from a country that poses many challenges for women. If I receive this scholarship, I would greatly appreciate it, and it would be an unforgettable favor. I really need it to stay and survive here, in the USA. Thank you.

I want to share the experiences that have brought me here, aiming to study Computer Science. Since high school, I've harbored dreams of pursuing Math and Engineering, but societal constraints in Iran, especially as a woman, limited my choices. Despite my passion for engineering, I was directed toward studying medicine due to societal and familial expectations. I managed to secure admission to the top medical school in Iran, ranking 36th out of one million applicants with a perfect math score of 100/100. However, after just one semester, I made the bold decision to leave both the school and my home country to pursue my dream major, CS. This decision stemmed from my determination to lead a life free to pursue engineering. I traveled to Pakistan alone at 19, as the first in my family to study abroad. Although I obtained my visa, I faced a month-long delay due to COVID restrictions and had to return briefly to pack my belongings. During this time, air borders were closed, forcing me to take a perilous bus journey through dangerous mountain roads, navigating through areas plagued by terrorist groups. My determination to realize my dreams pushed me through these challenges. Upon arriving in the US, I received admission offers from eight universities but chose to attend De Anza Community College due to financial constraints. I began my education while actively participating in a revolutionary movement advocating for women's rights and freedom in Iran. Despite facing immense personal challenges, such as losing a friend in the movement and being isolated from family and friends due to government internet shutdowns, I remained resilient. I excelled academically, earning straight A's in my classes and using my voice to represent women's struggles. Additionally, I contributed to education by teaching students in Iran and Afghanistan for two months under UNICEF. Despite facing numerous hardships over the last three years, I worked as a research assistant and eventually published two articles in the USA in 2023. I am deeply motivated to pursue engineering and have gained practical experience by tutoring college students in Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Statistics. I've also served as a mentor and lab assistant in the environmental lab at De Anza College. Despite my passion and dedication, my family's financial situation collapsed last year, making it challenging to support my education. If I get this scholarship, it would be a huge help for me. I've worked really hard to stay here and become an engineer like I've always dreamed. I really need this. Thank you.

By referring to a “rendezvous with destiny”, Ode to Millennials-Gen Z presents the challenges that Gen Z are facing, including economic difficulties, high levels of student debt, and environmental concerns as opportunities for them to step up and make a positive impact on the world. The comparison to the Greatest generation implies that facing adversity can bring out the best in a generation. As they always say, constraints and limitations anchor creativity. This Ode to Millennials-Gen Z reflects a hopeful and positive perspective on this generation. Comparing them with the Greatest generation, Millennials-Gen Z are accepting their challenges with a sense of duty and they are willing to address these problems rather than give up and let the next generation fix them. This generation is really excited about life, despite all the challenges they face, and this optimism is seen as a positive trait. The Ode to Millennials-Gen Z recognizes that this generation hears the “call of duty” in facing worldwide issues like global warming and economic challenges and it expresses the confidence that the younger generation will rise to the occasion and potentially become “the greatest generation 2.0”. The ode captures the essence of generational transition and the evolving role of younger individuals in shaping the future, offering a compelling and hopeful outlook.

I wish to meet Richard after successfully navigating through a challenging situation at the borders to enter the US. I want to share the experiences that have brought me here, aiming to study Computer Science. Since high school, I've harbored dreams of pursuing Math and Engineering, but societal constraints in Iran, especially as a woman, limited my choices. Despite my passion for engineering, I was directed toward studying medicine due to societal and familial expectations. I managed to secure admission to the top medical school in Iran, ranking 36th out of one million applicants with a perfect math score of 100/100. However, after just one semester, I made the bold decision to leave both the school and my home country to pursue my dream major, CS. This decision stemmed from my determination to lead a life free to pursue engineering. I traveled to Pakistan alone at 19, as the first in my family to study abroad. Although I obtained my visa, I faced a month-long delay due to COVID restrictions and had to return briefly to pack my belongings. During this time, air borders were closed, forcing me to take a perilous bus journey through dangerous mountain roads, navigating through areas plagued by terrorist groups. My determination to realize my dreams pushed me through these challenges. Upon arriving in the US, I received admission offers from eight universities but chose to attend De Anza Community College due to financial constraints. I began my education while actively participating in a revolutionary movement advocating for women's rights and freedom in Iran. Despite facing immense personal challenges, such as losing a friend in the movement and being isolated from family and friends due to government internet shutdowns, I remained resilient. I excelled academically, earning straight A's in my classes and using my voice to represent women's struggles. Additionally, I contributed to education by teaching students in Iran and Afghanistan for two months under UNICEF. Despite facing numerous hardships over the last three years, I worked as a research assistant and eventually published two articles in the USA in 2023. I am deeply motivated to pursue engineering and have gained practical experience by tutoring college students in Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Statistics. I've also served as a mentor and lab assistant in the environmental lab at De Anza College. Despite my passion and dedication, my family's financial situation collapsed last year during the movement, making it challenging to support my education. I hope to secure a scholarship to continue following the path that Richard has paved. If I get this scholarship, it would be a huge help for me. I've worked really hard to stay here and become an engineer like I've always dreamed. I really need this. Thank you.

I faced a lot of challenges like Malgorzata. I am an international student from Iran, a country with many limitations for women. For example, I love Math and engineering, but society and my family believe that women should not be involved in the industry and these fields in my home country. So, I decided to study medicine and I was accepted at the best medical university in Iran, Tehran Medical School and I ranked 36th out of 1 million applicants. I scored 100 out of 100 in math. In the first semester, I was arrested because I did not wear a hijab at the University. After that, I decided to leave the country to study my dream major, Computer Science, and experience what it's like to be a normal female scientist, to study math with no hair cover on campus, and to see how I can work in the industry. I applied to 8 universities and was admitted to all of them. I chose De Anza Community College because I couldn't afford the others. But this decision was not easy for me because Iran does not have a US embassy. So, I went to Pakistan alone as a 19-year-old girl to get my US visa, and I got it. However, there was a big problem. Pakistan and Iran had closed their air borders due to COVID-19 limitations. I stayed there for one month but had to go back to Iran to pack my stuff because I had to start college in 20 days. I couldn't risk losing my admission and visa. So, I returned to Iran by bus, even though I knew there were many terrorist groups in the border region between Iran and Pakistan. I knew it wasn't safe, but I had no choice if I wanted to pursue my dream, my future, and my freedom. I came back to Iran after spending two days on mountain and desert roads. I moved to the USA alone and began my education. At the beginning of the quarter, Iran's economy collapsed due to a revolutionary movement for women's rights (women, life, and freedom). During this time, I lost one of my friends at a protest in the streets, and many of my friends were arrested. It was a miserable situation to study, but I remained strong and continued despite facing a lot of financial problems. During that time, I worked on my articles and published two articles about bio-computing in January 2023. Tears often marked my nights, but I had to stay strong for my friends and other women with no rights in the world. I want to be their voice and show that we are smart and we fight for our rights and freedom. I also worked 19 hours per week as a tutor and lab assistant at college. I hope to become a good scientist and engineer to demonstrate that women can be powerful and brave like Malgorzata. Currently, I am a prospective transfer student to UC Berkeley with a 3.83 GPA for the fall of 2024. However, the college tuition fee is too high for me after the currency exchange rate changed. I hope to get this scholarship. If my application is approved, it would be an unforgettable help. I really need it to stay and continue my studies here. I'm doing my best to follow in Malgorzata's footsteps.