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Zainab Khan

4,365

Bold Points

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Nominee

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Finalist

Bio

I'm a University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) interior design major who is passionate about making meaningful environments and giving back. With over 225 hours of volunteer work, which includes 40 hours of Arabic tutoring, I've improved my communication abilities and witnessed the life-changing potential of education. Navigating my sophomore year at UTA, I'm acquiring skills to design spaces that extend beyond aesthetics, understanding the profound impact on individuals and communities. My goal is to evolve into a professional who uses design for positive change, fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and social harmony. As I make my way through my first year at UTA, I'm learning how to create environments that are more than just visually appealing, realizing the enormous influence on people and communities. I hope to land myself in the field of interior design for the education and healthcare industries. My objective is to develop into a professional who promotes diversity, accessibility, and social peace through design.

Education

The University of Texas at Arlington

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Interior Architecture

Iuniversity Prep

High School
2020 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Interior Architecture
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Architecture & Planning

    • Dream career goals:

      Interior Design

    • Resource Room Assistant

      University of Texas at Arlington
      2024 – Present8 months

    Sports

    Soccer

    Club
    2013 – 20152 years

    Research

    • Religion/Religious Studies

      Al-Balagh — Student
      2022 – 2023
    • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other

      Tanzeel Aalimiyyah — Student
      2019 – 2022

    Arts

    • Painting
      2017 – Present

    Public services

    • Advocacy

      Islamic School of Irving — Student/Volunteer
      2017 – 2019
    • Advocacy

      Tanzeel Academy — Volunteer
      2021 – 2021
    • Volunteering

      Islamic School of Irving — Student
      2017 – 2020
    • Volunteering

      Tanzeel Academy — Tutor
      2020 – 2020

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Ward AEC Scholarship
    I am a first-year interior design major at UT Arlington, and I draw inspiration from the diverse range of civilizations that have influenced the field of building and architecture. I feel obligated to contribute to the development of infrastructure and design as a member of the A/E/C community. The Ward AEC Scholarship is a perfect fit for my goals because it gives students like me the opportunity to participate in a competent and vibrant workforce in the industries of architecture, engineering, and construction. I am drawn to the complex combination of Spanish and Islamic architecture because I am from India, a nation rich in varied architectural influences. These design concepts have shaped structures that aesthetically pleasingly combine functionality and form, leaving an enduring impression on the industry. The magnificence of Islamic architecture, with its geometric motifs and fine workmanship, has influenced design all across the world in addition to adorning mosques. I am deeply inspired, as a Muslim, by the architectural wonders that result from the fusion of Islamic and Spanish design ideas. With its elaborate arabesque patterns and tranquil courtyards, Spain's Alhambra is a tribute to the fusion of many cultures. This integration has influenced not just the physical locations but also the creative and intellectual milieu. My motivation stems from the conviction that architecture can effectively convey and comprehend culture. I made the deliberate choice to major in interior design to transform this inspiration into real settings that are more than just visually appealing. My objective is to help create spaces that are aesthetically beautiful but also firmly grounded in comfort and utility. This vision is a commitment to the larger community as well as a personal goal, as well-designed places have the power to improve people's quality of life and foster a sense of belonging. My decision to go into interior design is more than just a career move; it's a deliberate attempt to contribute to the answer by filling a need in the field for creative and capable workers. In summary, my drive to use interior design as a means of bridging the past and the future comes from my position at the nexus of cultures and goals. I am motivated to design spaces that resonate with cultural richness and transcend geographical boundaries by my heritage, which has been affected by the architectural wonders of India and the fusion of Spanish and Islamic elements. With the help of the Ward AEC Scholarship, I hope to further the development of the sector and leave a legacy of experts prepared to design tomorrow's landscapes.
    Al-Haj Abdallah R Abdallah Muslim Scholarship
    The proverb "Seek knowledge from cradle to grave" resonates as a guiding concept, mirroring the significance of intellectual curiosity in a civilization where the pursuit of information is respected. I am a freshman majoring in interior design at UT Arlington. Driven by a desire to respect my Muslim descent and a passion for creativity, I am navigating the rewarding journey of higher education. My passion for interior design stems from a sincere desire to add to the field's rich artwork of cultural expression rather than from a desire for personal recognition. My attempt to blend history and contemporary through interior design is influenced by Islamic architecture, painting, and Arabic calligraphy. By using this perspective, I hope to help create spaces that capture the subtle elegance and rich diversity seen in Islamic art and design. My creative spirit, which is quiet but unwavering, and my meticulous nature, which I feel is crucial to the subtle art of interior design, are my strongest points. I do, however, recognize my shortcomings, especially my desire to aim for perfection—a quality that I see as a challenge as well as a chance for both professional and personal development. "200 Meters," my most recent favorite film, is a moving examination of the hardships that Palestinians endure, highlighting the concepts of tenacity and fortitude. Palestinians have shown the media to be some of the most resilient beings. To the Muslims in the world, they have shown what it looks like to have a surreal amount of faith. The narrative strikes a deep chord with my own experience, reflecting both the calm will to overcome obstacles and the conviction that education may be a ray of hope amid hardship. This movie constantly reminds me to be incredibly thankful, and that I too can overcome challenges, just like the characters on screen. As a Muslim, my greatest achievement has been memorizing/teaching the Quran and embracing the practice of wearing the hijab. Memorizing the Quran has been a profound spiritual journey, requiring discipline, dedication, and a deep connection with my faith. I wear the hijab not only as a modesty symbol but as a reminder of my resolve to stick to my convictions in the face of social expectations. My character has been reinforced by these accomplishments, which have given me resiliency and steadfast faith to tackle life's obstacles. To sum up, I want to continue my academic pursuits and create spaces that inspire and uplift people while staying true to my identity as a Muslim woman who is fervent about learning and religion. With a humble spirit and a dedication to lifelong learning, I carry with me the lessons of "200 Meters," an acceptance of my strengths and shortcomings, and a profound understanding of the influence of Islamic architecture on the architectural and design industries as I continue my academic journey.
    Ward Green Scholarship for the Arts & Sciences
    Selecting a career path involves making a deep-seated decision that combines a feeling of purpose and personal enthusiasm. That path ultimately led me to interior design, a discipline that can influence spaces and improve the lives of people who inhabit them. My objective as I begin my studies in interior design at UT Arlington is to become an expert in the field while also using my knowledge to make a significant contribution to my community by designing areas that foster functionality, well-being, and a feeling of community. The conviction that our physical surroundings have a significant influence on our daily lives is the driving force behind the decision to pursue interior design. Interior design goes beyond aesthetics to create environments that are a reflection of the goals and needs of the people who live in them. I will gain the skills necessary to transform spaces with intention and purpose by delving into the complexities of design principles, spatial planning, and the psychology of environments along my academic journey. The concept of inclusivity in design appeals to me. I want to investigate how interior design can act as a catalyst for creating inclusive communities. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, spaces should be easily accessible and able to accommodate a variety of purposes. This encompasses taking into account people with different physical capabilities, cultural backgrounds, and lifestyles. By incorporating principles of universal design, I aim to create spaces that welcome everyone, contributing to a more harmonious and interconnected community. In addition, my education will provide me with the skills I need to deal with the changing demands of contemporary life. My studies will center on the idea of sustainable design, which will enable me to incorporate eco-friendly techniques into my work. Through the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient lighting, I hope to help create spaces that leave as little of an ecological footprint as possible. I intend to encourage a change in my community toward more conscientious and responsible living by putting sustainable design ideas into practice. My academic path will also cultivate a profound comprehension of the psychological and emotional effects of environments, in addition to the technical parts of design. I think that well-designed spaces have a good effect on people's general and mental health. Equipped with this understanding, my objective is to design areas that function as refuges of peace and renewal, especially in environments like community centers or medical facilities. My goal is to improve the mental health of those who engage with the surroundings I create by bringing comfort and optimism to such areas. In conclusion, I'd want to say that my choice to major in interior design at UT Arlington represents a dedication to using design as a tool for community improvement rather than just a personal passion project. Through the integration of my deep understanding of human experience in spaces and my technical proficiency, my goal is to help create surroundings that inspire, uplift, and unite people. My goal in pursuing this academic path is to use interior design's transforming capacity to make a positive impact on my community as a whole.