Arafa

Hi my name is Arafa. I am a sophomore at Herbert Hoover high school. I am a first generation. I am from Sudan but I was bon in Tchad. A genocide was happening in my country so me and my family had to relocate to Tchad. When I first came to the U.S. I was 5 years old. I lived in Atlanta, Georgia for about five years before my family decided to move to San Diego for a new start. I first started school in the first grade, I did not go to kindergarten or preschool. Adjusting to school in the U.S. was difficult for me. It was because I was “different” from others. Kids in my grade would ask why I wore a hijab over my head, calling heard and that I should take it off. I thought once I left elementary school it would be different. But I thought wrong. There were time where I thought I did not belong here. But I eventually overcame all my toubles. And put myself out there. I don’t care what people think because it doesn’t affect me, it affects them. I got involved in the sport that I enjoy and joined programs that will help me in the future.

I maintained good grades so I could get into my dream college. I am in my programs and clubs. I am in MSA (Muslim Students Association), I’m in Upward Bound (Usd), FACES for the future (Rady Children’s Hospital). My current gpa is a 3.7. Playing sports like Volleyball, beach volleyball, and cross country really taught me different skills. Playing multiple sports as a student-athlete helps develop different skills by improving adaptability, coordination, and teamwork across different environments. It also builds mental toughness because you learn how to handle pressure in different situations. Some colleges that I plan on attending after graduation are UCLA and Cal State Universities. I want to become a labor and delivery nurse. These colleges offer strong programs and hands-on training. Making them the best choice for me. I am also interested in continuing my volleyball career at the college level. I want a school where I can succeed in the classroom and while also competing in the sport I enjoy.

If someone could describe me as a person, they would say I am a hardworking and determined student-athlete who is focused on my goals, takes my education seriously, and is passionate about helping others.

As a student from a low-income household, I can understand how taking care of 9 kids and having to pay for all their education puts stress on my parents. My parents came to America to give each of my siblings a better education. So I want to fulfill their dream by focusing on my education and joining programs that will help with that. A sponsorship with A Bridge for Kids will help me a lot with my education and goals. The money will cover the expense for school essentials and things I need to succeed in cross country. I mostly want a MacBook. A MacBook is essential for me in school because it helps me complete assignments, access online learning platforms, and stay organized. It also makes it easier for me to research, write essays, and use educational apps efficiently. I also want an Apple Watch, it’s useful for me in cross country because it helps track my distance, pace and time during runs. Listening to musci during class helps me stay focused and do my work. That’s why I also want to get Beats headphones. This sponsorship would give me the resources and opportunities to perform my best without placing additional stress on my parents.