Dear Scholarship Committee, It started in middle school, where I helped my father, who struggled with English, by reading and explaining his community college textbooks in business and economics. Eventually, I grew to love these subjects for their logical structure and practical application. This inspired me to read numerous books on finances, where I began to understand that poverty is a perpetuating cycle. This was obvious when my best friend, after family complications, lost his full-ride scholarship to a prestigious university because he had to work minimum wage for 60 hours a week to keep the food on the table for his younger sister, which tanked his GPA. Now, he is struggling and going into debt to attend a local community college. I face similar difficulties. I took full AP and IB classes in my junior and senior years. This wasn't easy while working almost full-time and with my extracurriculars and family responsibilities. Nearly every day, I come home past 10 pm only to face hours of homework. However, seeing the poverty trap from economy class and my best friend, I was determined not to fall into it. I was not going to let myself fail. I'm proud to say that I graduated with a GPA of 4.3, getting straight As since the beginning of junior year. However, I am grateful for my struggles because if I hadn't gone through them, I wouldn't be who I am today. For instance, during my senior year, my extracurricular activities included being part of a graduate research team, where I had the privilege of exploring the properties of Astatine with quantum computational methods. I was praised for my determination and perseverance through failing. This is one of the most valued traits of a researcher. A trait that I forged through my struggles. I am also grateful for my struggles because I learned many practical skills, like budgeting. Since middle school, I have known how to save money for necessities like groceries, rent, and college. Learning that I must have a rainy day savings account was also helpful. This was important during COVID-19, as I did not receive government support because I am not a U.S. citizen. I dream of studying biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan. However, finances are still a struggle. Due to my immigration status, I cannot file for the FAFSA or take out loans, and I must solely rely on my earnings and savings. I desperately need financial support to pursue my education. With the knowledge I gain, I will lift myself and my family out of the cycle of poverty and serve my community by creating innovative drugs to cure incurable diseases, such as Crohn's, which my father battled to no avail. Therefore, knowledge is power. My knowledge of finances, in this case, allowed me to create a strategic plan and perseverance, skills that I will carry through the rest of my career to secure a stable and prosperous future. I am deeply grateful to have been considered for this scholarship. Thank you for providing desperately needed funds to students from low-income backgrounds, recognizing our experiences and aspirations, and contributing to a future where financial disadvantages are not enough to stop us from pursuing our dreams. Thank you for your time and consideration, Sincerely, Zirou Xie

Dear Connie Konatsotis Scholarship Committee, Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for this scholarship. As a low-income student with a deep passion for biomedical engineering, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Connie Konatsotis Scholarship. This scholarship, dedicated to promoting gender equality in education and serving our community, aligns perfectly with my aspirations to use my education for the betterment of our society through research and education. My passion for science, particularly biomedical engineering, was solidified during early high school, where I found solace and purpose in academia. I tutored at my local community college for Calculus and Chemistry, where I witnessed the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. This experience inspired me to join a research team that utilizes quantum computational chemistry to explore the biomedical potential of the element Astatine. This made me acutely aware of the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat diseases, such as Crohn's, which my father battled to no avail. With my education, I aspire to become a professor, which involves teaching and researching. Just like my purpose as a tutor, I am committed to empowering the next generation through education. Beyond simply presenting information, I want to inspire confidence and encourage students to persevere through any obstacle. I want to cultivate curiosity and a passion for knowledge and exploration, empowering critical thinking. Most of all, I want to enable students to discover their love, which allows them to make meaningful contributions to society. Like my current role as a research assistant, I want to use my education to continue pursuing research. I plan to utilize technologies and rigorous processes to develop innovative biomedical reagents to facilitate groundbreaking research that leads to life-saving discoveries. I am committed to contributing to the fight against "incurable" diseases like Crohn's, like the way I wish someone had done for my family. I am passionate about research because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the unknown, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to uncover innovative solutions. Moreover, research allows me to combine my passion for science with a commitment to serve my community. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of human understanding and to help improve the well-being of people and society worldwide. For the next step in my academic journey, I dream of going to the University of Michigan. However, money poses a significant challenge. As an immigrant, I cannot fill out the FAFSA or take out loans, leaving me wondering if I would be able to complete college at all. I am signed up for two jobs this summer and a side hustle. Despite my best efforts, I desperately need financial assistance. I have no backups, and I'm not sure exactly what I'll do, but I know I will do my best and do anything I can to pursue my dream of college. Your investment in my education will mean the world, helping enable me to continue my journey and fulfill my aspirations of becoming a professor to impact society positively. Furthermore, one day, I want to become like you, providing desperately needed resources to support those who dream of pursuing higher education. I want to use it to empower disadvantaged students to pursue their dreams. I want to contribute to a world where we need more than financial barriers to stop us from pursuing our dreams. Thank you for your time and consideration, Sincerely, Zirou Xie

Dear GeneTex, Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for considering my application for the My Brother’s Keeper Scholarship. As a low-income immigrant passionate about biomedical sciences, I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity. As an immigrant who faces financial challenges, this scholarship is not just a financial aid, but a transformative opportunity. My passion for science was solidified during early high school, where I found solace and purpose in academia. I tutored at my local community college for Calculus and Chemistry, where I witnessed, first hand, the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. This experience inspired me to join a research team, which utilizes quantum computational chemistry to explore the biomedical potential of the element Astatine. This made me acutely aware of the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat diseases, such as Crohn's, which my father battled to no avail. With my education, I aspire to become a professor, which involves teaching and researching. Just like my purpose as a tutor, I am committed to empowering the next generation through education. Beyond simply presenting information, I want to inspire confidence and encourage students to persevere through any obstacle. I want to cultivate curiosity and a passion for knowledge and exploration, empowering critical thinking. Most of all, I want to enable students to discover their passion, which allows them to make meaningful contributions to society. Like my current role as a research assistant, I want to use my education to continue pursuing research. I plan to utilize technologies and rigorous processes to develop innovative biomedical reagents to facilitate groundbreaking research that leads to life-saving discoveries. I am committed to contributing to the fight against "incurable" diseases like Crohn's, like the way I wish someone had done for my family. I am passionate about research because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the unknown, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to uncover innovative solutions. Moreover, research allows me to combine my passion for science with a commitment to serve my community. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of human understanding and to help improve the well-being of people and society worldwide. However, I am struggling. I've worked close to full-time throughout high school and two jobs during summer to make ends meet for my family. As an immigrant, I do not have the privilege of filling out the FAFSA or taking out loans. I have no backups and am unsure if I can complete college because of money. For years, I felt sure I would go to college one day, but now, it feels further and further out of reach. Your investment in my education would mean the world to me, helping enable me to continue my journey and fulfill my aspirations of becoming a professor to positively impact society. And one day, I hope to become like you, providing desperately needed resources to support those who dream of pursuing higher education. I want to use it to empower disadvantaged students to go after their dreams. I want to contribute to a world where financial barriers are not enough to stop us from going after our dreams. Thank you for considering me for your scholarship Sincerely, Zirou Xie

Dear SL. L Scholarship committee, My passion for science was solidified during early high school, where I found solace and purpose in academia. I tutored at my local community college for Calculus and Chemistry, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. This experience inspired me to join a research team that utilizes quantum computational chemistry to explore the biomedical potential of the element Astatine. This made me acutely aware of the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat diseases, such as Crohn's, which my father battled to no avail. With my education, I aspire to become a professor, which involves teaching and researching. Just like my purpose as a tutor, I am committed to empowering the next generation through education. Beyond simply presenting information, I want to inspire confidence and encourage students to persevere through any obstacle. I want to cultivate curiosity and a passion for knowledge and exploration, empowering critical thinking. Most of all, I want to enable students to discover their love, which allows them to make meaningful contributions to society. Like my current role as a research assistant, I want to use my education to continue pursuing research. I plan to utilize technologies and rigorous processes to develop innovative biomedical reagents to facilitate groundbreaking research that leads to life-saving discoveries. I am committed to contributing to the fight against "incurable" diseases like Crohn's, like the way I wish someone had done for my family. I am passionate about research because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the unknown, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to uncover innovative solutions. Moreover, research allows me to combine my passion for science with a commitment to serve my community. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of human understanding and to help improve the well-being of people and society worldwide. However, I face one major roadblock. Since coming to the U.S., money has been a constant struggle. From the beginning of high school, I had to work nearly full-time during the school year and at least two jobs during the summer to support my family and save for college. With a green card, my employment options were expanded to restaurant work in the back kitchen, where I was exploited. I was paid below minimum wage, and in the summer, forced to work up to 90 hours a week without overtime, and assigned dangerous tasks because my employer knew I had no legal recourse if I got injured. This harsh reality robbed me of my childhood and shattered the naivety I would have had. Returning home late at 10 p.m., exhausted, with homework still to do, made it challenging to maintain good grades at first. However, I refused to let myself fail. I knew education was the way out, and I was determined. Despite my hard work, I did not save enough to afford college, as most of my earnings were spent on necessities. Now, I don't know if I can afford college anymore. For years, I felt sure I would go to college one day, but now, it feels further and further out of reach. The cost of college has been a reality check, and it doesn't help that I cannot file for FAFSA or take out loans due to my immigrant status. I struggled with this, and there were many moments when I thought about giving up. But every time I did, I came back to reality, determined to find a way to break free from this cycle of hardship and build a better future for myself and my family. I want to make them proud because they've sacrificed so much for me to come here to pursue my education. Despite all my struggles, I am glad I went through this journey. It built resilience, and the ability to push through adversity and remain focused, which became apparent in its usefulness when I started to do research, where I efficiently handled the adversity of failures and went through, which is something that my professor was very impressed at. It also gave me perspective, developing a deep empathy and commitment to helping others who face similar struggles. These experiences have shaped me into someone who values hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge despite the odds. I used to hate asking for help. It was difficult to admit when I needed it. However, becoming a tutor taught me that seeking help isn't a sign of weakness but a testament to one's commitment to growth and learning. My support from professors, mentors, and friends has been invaluable. It taught me the importance of community and the strength of collaboration and mutual support. Furthermore, receiving help is a humbling experience. It reinforced my belief in the impact of kindness and generosity. Each time someone extends a helping hand to me, it renews my determination to pay it forward and support others in their educational journey. That is what I plan to do with my career as a professor. And that is why, one day, after being lifted out of poverty by my education, I hope to be like you, serving the community by extending a helping hand with desperately needed resources so that finances are not enough to stop someone from chasing their dreams. Thank you for considering my application for your scholarship, Zirou Xie

Dear Romy Sharma, Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for considering my application for the Wolverine Ambition Scholarship. As a low-income immigrant passionate about biomedical sciences, I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity. Your commitment to serving our community by supporting students with desperately needed resources aligns with my aspirations to utilize my education to serve our community.  My passion for science, particularly biomedical sciences, was solidified during early high school, where I found solace and purpose in academia. I tutored at my local community college for Calculus and Chemistry, where I witnessed, first hand, the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. This experience inspired me to join a research team that utilizes quantum computational chemistry to explore the biomedical potential of the element Astatine. This made me acutely aware of the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat diseases, such as Crohn's, which my father battled to no avail.  With my education, my goal is to empower the next generation of scientists and contribute to the scientific community through research. I will achieve this goal by becoming a professor, teaching, and researching. Just like my purpose as a tutor, I am committed to empowering the next generation through education. Beyond simply presenting information, I want to inspire confidence and encourage students to persevere through any obstacle. I want to cultivate curiosity and a passion for knowledge and exploration, empowering critical thinking. Most of all, I want to enable students to discover their love, which allows them to make meaningful contributions to society.  Like my current role as a research assistant, I want to use my education to continue pursuing research. I plan to utilize technologies and rigorous processes to develop innovative biomedical reagents to facilitate groundbreaking research that leads to life-saving discoveries. I am committed to contributing to the fight against "incurable" diseases like Crohn's, like the way I wish someone had done for my family. I am passionate about research because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the unknown, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to uncover innovative solutions. Moreover, research allows me to combine my passion for science with a commitment to serve my community. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of human understanding and to help improve the well-being of people and society worldwide.  Furthermore, I'd be successful in making my parents proud because they've sacrificed so much for me to pursue my education.  For the next step in my academic journey, I dream of going to the University of Michigan. However, I am faced with a significant financial challenge. As an immigrant, I cannot fill out the FAFSA or take out loans, leaving me doubtful if I would be able to complete college at all. Despite these obstacles, I have signed up for two jobs this summer and a side hustle. I am determined to do my best and do anything I can to pursue my dream of going to college. Your investment in my education will mean the world to me, enabling me to continue my journey and fulfill my aspirations of becoming a professor to positively impact society. One day, I hope to become like you, providing desperately needed resources to support those who dream of pursuing higher education. I want to use it to empower disadvantaged students to go after their dreams. I want to contribute to a world where financial barriers are not enough to stop us from going after our dreams.  Thank you for considering me for your scholarship Sincerely, Zirou Xie

Dear Douglas Bicknese  Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for the Rainbow Future Scholarship. As an LGBTQ+ student facing discrimination on her path to higher education, I appreciate this opportunity. Also, as someone who wishes to use her education to serve her community and empower LGBTQ+ students, I find your service to our community by providing desperately needed resources resonates with me. I realized that I was gay in 7th grade, during a time when being LGBTQ+ wasn't widely accepted. Growing up in a traditional immigrant family, I knew that my parents would not accept me, so I did not tell them at all. I told my friends, but I was ridiculed, and I became the center of bullying during the pandemic, where my identity became another reason to ridicule me on top of being asian-american. This discrimination plunged me into severe depression, where I coped by immersing myself in challenging classes, but this backfired as I was ostracized in a class full of students who were much older than me.  Staying in America became imperative since my home country criminalizes LGBTQ+ identities. To support myself and my family, I worked full-time. Noticing that my coworkers struggled with their homework, I helped them, leading me to become a tutor at my local community college for calculus and chemistry. There, I had the privilege of helping many talented and brilliant students who struggled because they faced discouragement and disadvantages.  It was also then that I noticed how underrepresented the LGBTQ+ community was in the STEM field in general. I realized that it lacked diversity, with most of the field being older, egotistical, and straight men with an implicit or explicit bias against the LGBTQ+ community. I am determined to use my success to show that my identity does not hinder my potential contributions to science.  Finding a supportive LGBTQ+ community at the college was also life-changing. I finally felt a sense of belonging and connected with many of their struggles. This fulfillment reinforced my commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and supporting others facing similar struggles.  Soon, I started to feel comfortable about my identity. I used this to empower others. I met so many people who were just like me before, who felt alone in this struggle, and I ensured they knew they weren't alone.  Now that I'm a high school senior, I dream of going to college to study biochemistry, which I excelled in and am passionate about. However, as an immigrant, I cannot file the FAFSA or take out loans, and I'm worried that I won't be able to complete college at all. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate significant financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my education. Education is a tool for change. With my education, I would like to be a professor. Like a tutor, I would like to empower students with knowledge and critical thinking; I would like to make sure that each of them knows that no matter their identity, they have what it takes to go after their dreams. I am determined to use my path to show that being LGBTQ+ is not enough to hinder my path to higher education.  Thank you so much for considering my application for your scholarship, Sincerely, Zirou Xie

Dear Mr. Rosser Firstly, I’d like to express my gratitude for considering me for this scholarship. As a woman pursuing a degree in biochemistry who aspires to use her education to serve humanity, I resonate with your aim to serve by empowering women to become leaders in technology to address their underrepresentation. Penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 after noticing that bacteria ceased to grow where Penicillium mold did, saved countless lives and transformed modern medicine. For instance, WW2 saved innumerable lives by treating post-war infections. It opened the door for new life-saving surgical techniques previously too risky for bacterial infections, dramatically increasing life expectancy and improving health worldwide. Witnessing the monumental impact of penicillin inspired me to contribute to biomedical engineering. With my education, I aim to innovate and develop medicines that address the unmet medical need, contributing to life-saving advancements. Since high school, I have had the privilege of conducting research with PhD students in the field of quantum computational chemistry, exploring the biomedical interactions of Astatine, and I aim to use my experience and dedication to serve humanity by making a tangible difference in global health, ensuring that more people can lead healthier, longer lives. For the next step in my academic journey, I dream of going to the University of Michigan. However, money poses a significant challenge. As an immigrant, I cannot fill out the FAFSA or take out loans, leaving me doubtful if I would be able to complete college at all. I am signed up for two jobs this summer and a side hustle. Despite my best efforts, I desperately need financial assistance. I have no backups, and I’m not sure exactly what I’ll do, but I know that I will do my best and do anything I can to pursue my dream of going to college. Your investment in my education will mean the world to me, enabling me to continue my journey and fulfill my aspirations to serve humanity. One day, I hope to become like you, providing desperately needed resources to support those who dream of pursuing higher education. I want to use it to empower disadvantaged students to pursue their dreams. I want to contribute to a world where financial barriers are insufficient to stop us from pursuing our dreams. Thank you for considering my application, Zirou Xie

Dear Hyong, Firstly, I would like to express my profound gratitude for the Grandmaster Nam K. Hyong scholarship. As an immigrant who faces financial challenges, this scholarship is not just a financial aid, but a transformative opportunity. It has lightened the load of my education, bringing me closer to my dream of becoming a professor and empowering others through education. Your support is not just a means for students like me to pursue our dreams, but a beacon of hope that illuminates our path to success. Like Grandmaster Nam K. Hyong, I also came to the U.S. as an immigrant. My parents dreamt of allowing me to go to college, and they worked as janitors to support me. I also tried to help; I worked almost full-time while juggling my rigorous classes. I worked two summer jobs to support my family and one day go to college. One day, I dream of using my education to lift my parents out of poverty. I refused to let myself fail. I'd often come home past 10 and still spend hours on homework. Despite these struggles, I excelled in all my classes, particularly in math and chemistry. This led me to take challenging courses and eventually enroll in community college courses. Helping my friends with their studies inspired me to become a volunteer tutor on my one day off. I even published videos on topics that many struggled with, because I want everyone to have the resources that they need to succeed. Here is one of them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeFFKGrGRYk. Through tutoring, I saw firsthand how many talented students struggled because they were underprivileged and discouraged. This highlighted the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. This was when I realized I was to become a professor. By tutoring, I was recognized by several professors across many departments whom I befriended. They offered me the opportunity to join their research teams, allowing me the privilege to work with other PhD students, where I explored the biomedical properties of Astatine using quantum computational methods. I am in the process of publishing my first article in a scientific journal together with my teammates about how astatine interacts with other elements on a quantum scale. With my education, I am resolute in my aspiration to become a professor, a role that encompasses teaching and researching. Just as I have done as a tutor, I am committed to empowering the next generation through education. Beyond simply imparting knowledge, I aim to instill confidence and resilience in students, encouraging them to persevere through any obstacle. I want to foster curiosity and a passion for knowledge and exploration, nurturing critical thinking. Most importantly, I want to enable students to discover their passion, which will enable them to make significant contributions to society. Like my current role as a research assistant, I want to use my education to continue pursuing research. I plan to utilize technologies and rigorous processes to develop innovative biomedical reagents to facilitate groundbreaking research that leads to life-saving discoveries. I am committed to contributing to the fight against "incurable" diseases like Crohn's, like the way I wish someone had done for my family, as my father battled it to no avail. I am passionate about research because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the unknown, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to uncover innovative solutions. Moreover, research allows me to combine my passion for science with a commitment to serve my community. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of human understanding and to help improve the well-being of people and society worldwide. For the next step in my academic journey, I dream of going to the University of Michigan. However, money poses a significant challenge. As an immigrant, I cannot fill out the FAFSA or take out loans, leaving me doubtful if I would be able to complete college at all. I am signed up for two jobs this summer and a side hustle. Despite my best efforts, I desperately need financial assistance. I have no backups, and I’m not so sure exactly what I’ll do, but one thing that I know for sure is that I will do my best and do anything I can to pursue my dream of going to college. Your investment in my education will mean the world to me, enabling me to continue my journey and fulfill my aspirations of becoming a professor to positively impact society. One day, I hope to become like you, providing desperately needed resources to support those who dream of pursuing higher education. I want to use it to empower disadvantaged students to go after their dreams. I want to contribute to a world where financial barriers are not enough to stop us from going after our dreams. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like me who are determined to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams through education with the aspiration of one day serving the world. Thank you for considering my application, Zirou Xie

Dear learner’s scholarship committee, I've always loved math. In elementary school, I'd beg my grandparents to teach me calculus, captivated by its logical beauty. My passion led me to excel in advanced math classes, and when they no longer challenged me, I enrolled in community college courses, where I thrived and found purpose in tutoring calculus and chemistry. Tutoring showed that many talented students struggled because they were underprivileged and disadvantaged. This is where I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. I wish to continue my pursuit by becoming a professor in the future. My academic journey brought me recognition from professors and the privilege to join a research group with other PhD students to explore various topics in quantum computational chemistry. I was exhilarated to dive into complex concepts like the Schrodinger equation. Math has always made sense to me; its precision and universality are profoundly satisfying. I love math because I am enchanted by its ability to transcend different fields. For instance, the mathematical principle that describes quantum movement can also explain the behavior of birds in swarms. This universality underscores math as a truly universal language, capable of bridging diverse areas of study and offering a solution. Therefore, in every equation and theorem, I see not only numbers and symbols but also a language that unites disciplines and reveals the underlying order of the universe. I love its clarity, universal applicability, and ability to make sense of the world around us. This drives me to continue learning and use it to empower others one day. However, I am in an unfortunate situation. While I dream of going to the University of Michigan, I fear that I won't be able to afford to do so. I've worked almost full-time throughout high school and two jobs during the summer to support my family. As an immigrant, I do not have the privilege of taking out student loans for filing for FAFSA. Your scholarship would help me alleviate this burden and also allow me to focus on my education and future contributions to society using my education. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered for the Math Lovers Scholarship. It is an honor to be able to share my passion for math and my aspirations with you. Zirou xie

To me, empowerment means providing people with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to take control of their own lives and achieve their goals. In my life, I've empowered others with my education by enabling them to overcome obstacles and realize their fullest potential through tutoring. While working at a restaurant to support my family during my junior year of high school, I noticed that many of my coworkers were struggling academically. This led me to volunteer to tutor at their community college. I tutored Calculus and Chemistry (Here is a footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeFFKGrGRYk). This is where I realized that those who struggle are not struggling due to intellectual limitations but a compounded result of significant disadvantages and discouragement throughout their academic journey. This is where I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. This inspired me to join a research team that utilizes quantum computational chemistry to explore the biomedical potential of the element Astatine. This made me acutely aware of the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat diseases, such as Crohn's, which my father battled to no avail. With my education, I aspire to become a professor, which involves teaching and researching. Just like my purpose as a tutor, I am committed to empowering the next generation through education. Beyond simply presenting information, I want to inspire confidence and encourage students to persevere through any obstacle. I want to cultivate curiosity for passion for knowledge and exploration, empowering critical thinking. Most of all, I want to enable students to discover their passion, empowering them to follow their dreams and serve society uniquely. Like my current role as a research assistant, I want to use my education to continue pursuing research. I plan to utilize technologies and rigorous processes to develop innovative biomedical reagents to facilitate groundbreaking research that leads to life-saving discoveries. I am committed to contributing to the fight against "incurable" diseases like Crohn's, like the way I wish someone had done for my family. I am passionate about research because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the unknown, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to uncover innovative solutions. Moreover, research allows me to combine my passion for science with a commitment to serve my community. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of human understanding and to help improve the well-being of people and society worldwide. This passion and commitment are what drive me, and I hope they resonate with you as you consider my application for the Empower Her Scholarship. However, I am facing significant financial challenges. I have been working almost full-time throughout high school and juggling two jobs during the summer to support my family. As an immigrant, I am not eligible for FAFSA or loans, and I have no backup plan. I fear that I won't be able to complete a college education due to these financial constraints. Your scholarship would not only alleviate this burden but also open doors for me to fully focus on my education and future contributions to society. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered for the Empower Her Scholarship. With your investment, you are helping me realize my dream of going to college and allowing me to use my education to serve society and empower others by contributing to a world where financial barriers are not enough to stop us from going after our dreams. Thank you for your time, Zirou Xie

Dear Kumar family, Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for considering my application for the Kumar Family Scholarship. As a low-income immigrant who's driven to pursue her passion for biomedical sciences through college, I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity. Your commitment to serving our community by supporting underserved students to overcome financial barriers to higher education deeply resonates with my goal of one day using my education to serve our community by empowering others and advancing medical technology to save lives. My passion for science was solidified during early high school, where I found solace and purpose in academia. I tutored at my local community college for Calculus and Chemistry, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. I published lecture videos on the topics many struggle with to help as many people as possible (here's the footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeFFKGrGRYk). This experience inspired me to join a research team that utilizes quantum computational chemistry to explore the biomedical potential of the element Astatine. This made me acutely aware of the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat diseases, such as Crohn's, which my father battled to no avail. With my education, I aspire to become a professor, which involves teaching and researching. Just like my purpose as a tutor, I am committed to empowering the next generation through education. Beyond simply presenting information, I want to inspire confidence and encourage students to persevere through any obstacle. I want to cultivate curiosity and a passion for knowledge and exploration, empowering critical thinking. Most of all, I want to enable students to discover their love, which allows them to make meaningful contributions to society. Like my current role as a research assistant, I want to use my education to continue pursuing research. I plan to utilize technologies and rigorous processes to develop innovative biomedical reagents to facilitate groundbreaking research that leads to life-saving discoveries. I am committed to contributing to the fight against "incurable" diseases like Crohn's, like the way I wish someone had done for my family. I am passionate about research because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the unknown, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to uncover innovative solutions. Moreover, research allows me to combine my passion for science with a commitment to serve my community. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of human understanding and to help improve the well-being of people and society worldwide. However, I am facing significant financial challenges. I have been working almost full-time throughout high school and juggling two jobs during the summer to support my family. As an immigrant, I am not eligible for FAFSA or loans, and I have no backup plan. I fear that I won't be able to complete a college education due to financial constraints. The Kumar Family Scholarship is a financial aid for my education and a stepping stone towards realizing my dreams of serving my community and humanity through my passion for science. With my education, I will honor your investment by empowering others and serving humanity. Like you, I hope to one day support those who struggle financially so they can go to college. I strive to see a world where financial barriers do not hinder individuals from pursuing education and making groundbreaking discoveries that save lives. Thank you for considering me for your scholarship Sincerely, Zirou Xie

Dear Dosanjh family, Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for considering my application for the Kashi's Journey Scholarship, honoring the memory of your beloved daughter, Kashi, by supporting those struggling with their mental health and providing them with desperately needed resources to work through these struggles. As someone who battled with mental health, I admire the foundation for contributing to a world where our struggles are not enough to stop us from living a fulfilling life, reaching our goals, and using them to give back to the community. I struggled with my mental health for most of my life. When the COVID happened, I became the center of bullying as a Chinese-American. I lost my closest friends and socially isolated myself for the two years during the lockdown. I'd heard my parents' constant shouting and screaming as they fought constantly. After the lockdown, I took many AP, community college courses and research endeavors, which worsened my mental health. I was ostracized in these environments because of the large age gap between my classmates and me. I found solace in my routines; I'd retreat to the same course to study. In a way, the familiarity of this space provided a semblance of control amidst the chaos of my internal struggles.  I take care of my mental health by serving our community. I became a tutor at a community college for Calculus and Chemistry (here is one of my lecture videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeFFKGrGRYk). From this, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. This experience inspired me to join a research team that utilizes quantum chemistry to explore the biomedical uses of Astatine, which aided in advancing medicine. It was deeply fulfilling to use my skills to serve others.    I dream of continuing this pursuit at the University of Michigan. With my education, I aspire to become a professor, which involves teaching and researching. Just like my purpose as a tutor, I am committed to empowering the next generation through education. Beyond simply presenting information, I want to inspire confidence and encourage students to persevere through any obstacle. I want to cultivate curiosity and a passion for knowledge and exploration, empowering critical thinking. Most of all, I want to enable students to discover their love, which allows them to make meaningful contributions to society.  Like my current role as a research assistant, I want to use my education to continue pursuing research. I plan to utilize rigorous processes to develop innovative biomedical reagents to facilitate groundbreaking research that leads to life-saving discoveries. I am committed to contributing to the fight against "incurable" diseases like Crohn's, like the way I wish someone had done for my family. I am passionate about research because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the unknown, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to uncover innovative solutions. Moreover, research allows me to combine my passion for science with a commitment to serve my community. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of human understanding and to help improve everyone's well-being.  Unfortunately, as an immigrant, I cannot file FAFSA, I cannot take out loans, and I need more savings to make it through my first year. Your scholarship is a means to further my education and a catalyst to further my dreams of serving my community through research and tutoring. With your investment, you are helping to contribute to a world where mental and financial obstacles are not enough to keep individuals away from education.  Thank you for your time and consideration, Sincerely, Zirou Xie

Dear Pettable scholarship committee, Firstly, I am writing to express my gratitude for considering my application for the Mental Health Importance Scholarship, raising awareness, and providing much-needed funds to support the mental health of students like me. As someone who has struggled with mental health all my life, I admire the donation for contributing to a world where mental health is not enough to stop us from our education and ambition to use it to serve our community. I believe mental health is crucial. I acknowledge that trauma is contagious. It is passed on from person to person, generation to generation. I hope to stop that cycle and heal myself so that I do not hurt those around me. Furthermore, it is the foundation to excel academically and to use that to serve our community. I struggled with my mental health for most of my life. Starting in 8th grade, when the COVID shutdown happened, I became the center of bullying as a Chinese-American. I lost my closest friends and socially isolated myself for the two years that was the COVID lockdown. My parents weren't helpful either; I'd heard constant shouting and screaming as they fought constantly. After the lockdown, in pursuit of knowledge, I took many AP and community college courses and research endeavors, which worsened my mental health. I was ostracized in these environments because of the large age gap between my classmates and me. I found solace in my routines; I'd retreat to the same course to study. In a way, the familiarity of this space provided a semblance of control amidst the chaos of my internal struggles. I take care of my mental health by serving our community. I became a tutor at a community college for Calculus and Chemistry (here is one of my lecture videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeFFKGrGRYk). This is where I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering individuals to overcome adversity. This experience inspired me to join a research team that utilizes quantum chemistry to explore the biomedical uses of Astatine, which aided in advancing medicine. It was deeply fulfilling to use my skills to serve others. I also care for my mental health by spending time with my cat. He got me through way too much. My passion for serving and being a cat mom deeply resonates with Pettable's mission to serve the community by bridging the gap between support animals and their parents. Serving our community through tutoring and research helped me overcome social anxiety and depression as well as gain a feeling of fulfillment. I dream of continuing this pursuit at the University of Michigan. However, as an immigrant, I cannot file FAFSA, I cannot take out loans, and I need more savings to make it through my first year. Your scholarship is a means to further my education and a catalyst to further my dreams of serving my community through research and tutoring. With your investment, you are helping to contribute to a world where mental and financial obstacles are not enough to keep individuals away from education. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application, Sincerely, Zirou Xie

Dear Bell family, Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for considering my application for the Bell Family Social Anxiety Step Forward scholarship, empowering those who struggle with anxiety. As an immigrant who did not have people who supported me as I struggled, I deeply resonate with your mission to provide an environment of support, bring awareness to the issue, and contribute to a world where our struggles are not enough to stop us from pursuing an education. My struggle with social anxiety has changed many parts of my life, from my academic journey to personal growth and resilience. Starting back in 8th grade, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was bullied and ridiculed for being Chinese American. I lost my closest friends and became the center of bullying; people coughed at me as I walked down the halls to my classes. During the lockdown, I didn't talk to any of my friends for two years, and I constantly heard shouting and screaming from my parents, constant fighting, which I often still have nightmares about. Entering high school as a sophomore, I made the decision to take rigorous coursework and research endeavors, wanting to excel academically and use my knowledge to serve the community. However, this decision also led to isolation. The age gap between myself and my peers and my struggles with communication left me an outsider. As a result, I didn't talk to anyone voluntarily, and even when people spoke to me, I found it challenging to respond as a feeling of anxiety paralyzed me. I found solace in my routine. Every day, I would retreat to the same corner to study. The familiarity of this space provided a semblance of control amidst the chaos of my internal struggles. Instead of being understanding, my immigrant parents only worsened my sense of isolation and alienation. Instead of offering comfort and guidance, they blamed me for my struggles, further exacerbating my feelings of shame and inadequacy. Despite these challenges, I refuse to let myself fail. I've clung tightly to my dreams of making a difference through my education, using it to research, which serves our community by finding solutions to problems and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Pursuing a college degree is essential for me for several different reasons. Firstly, it is an opportunity to further my academic pursuits and expand my knowledge and research skills. Secondly, it validates my resilience and determination in the face of adversity. By completing a college degree, I hope to prove to myself that anxiety and selective mutism are not insurmountable barriers but inspire others facing similar challenges to persevere and pursue their dreams. Thank you for your time and consideration, Sincerely, Zirou Xie

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for considering my application for the William Griggs Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship, which honors a beloved father by empowering women to pursue fields where they are underrepresented, holds immense value for me. As a woman and a minority, I deeply appreciate the foundation's commitment to creating a world where individuals of all backgrounds have equal opportunities in math and science. I am deeply inspired by the late Willian Griggs' dedication to advancing human knowledge and exploration. Like Griggs, I also come from a rural community, where my passion for math and science was ignited at a young age. Like Griggs, I am driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to push the boundaries of knowledge and possibility. I am self-taught in various branches of physics, like astrophysics and quantum mechanics, which I delve into out of sheer fascination. I love physics for its unparalleled ability to unveil the mysteries of the universe with logic, reasoning, and precision. It provides a lens through which we can comprehend fundamental laws governing the cosmos, from the smallest particles to celestial bodies. The beauty of physics lies in its capacity to answer questions about the nature of reality. My passion for physics led me to research at Oakland University, where I conducted graduate research in simulating quantum behavior with other PHD students. I am about to publish my first research paper in a journal on the quantum behavior of astatine. Research has deepened my understanding of the principles governing the universe and fueled my ambition to contribute through research in math and science. Furthermore, I utilized my abilities to empower others in math and science when I volunteered as a tutor and a TA at my local community college for Calculus II and Chemistry II. Here is one of the lecture videos I recorded on physical chemistry, which I posted because it was the unit that many struggled with, and it was my passion to help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeFFKGrGRYk​​. Griggs' legacy of encouraging his daughters in math and science resonated with me. Women have been historically and contemporarily underrepresented in these fields. It was apparent walking into a computer science class, where I was 1 out of only three women in a lecture hall, and in a college physics class, where I was the only woman. By continuing my education, I strive to pursue my passion and inspire and empower other women to follow their dreams in math and science. I dream of continuing my education at the University of Michigan. However, I'm unsure if I will be able to afford college. As an immigrant, I cannot take out student loans or file for FAFSA, so if my savings run out, I have no backups. Despite working tirelessly as a tutor and a waitress for about 30 hours a week throughout high school, I have barely made enough to cover one year of expenses, as I've spent most of it on rent and groceries. Without financial aid, I will have to work full-time during college, which takes time away from my passion for contributing to academia and research to my fullest potential. With the support of your scholarship, I am committed to expanding the frontiers of human knowledge, empowering others through tutoring, and fostering a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. I aspire to honor William Griggs' memory by contributing to a world where individuals from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to pursue their passions and make groundbreaking discoveries in math and science. I am deeply grateful for your consideration of my application. Sincerely, Zirou Xie