Aysha
My name is Aysha, and I’m 16 years old. I was born in Afghanistan, and in 2014, my family and I moved to the United States. Moving to a new country wasn’t easy. I didn’t just have to learn a new language—I had to learn a whole new way of life. At first, I was shy and scared to speak because I worried about my accent or making mistakes. But over time, I realized that staying silent wouldn’t help me. I started practicing English every day, asking questions in class, and joining clubs so I could meet people and feel more confident.
One thing that has always been important to me is my faith. I wear a hijab, which sometimes makes me stand out. I’ve faced curious looks and questions, but I never wanted to hide who I am. Instead, I decided to be proud of my identity and share my culture with others. It’s not always easy, but it’s made me stronger and more determined to succeed.
At school, I’m involved in many activities. I’m the Vice President of the Medical Club because I’ve wanted to be a surgeon since fourth grade. I’m also part of Leo’s Club, Link Crew, and I learn American Sign Language in my free time. These clubs give me a chance to learn, help others, and grow as a leader. I enjoy subjects like math, science, and history because they challenge me and help me prepare for college and beyond. Along with that, it's just always been things I enjoyed. Getting to try things and understanding how they work, solving problems, trying new things, and pushing myself to learn more motivates me every day.
At home, I help my parents a lot. Being the second oldest of five siblings means I have to balance school, clubs, and family responsibilities. I help with babysitting, homework, and making sure my younger siblings stay on track, as I want the best for my family and I. This has taught me patience, organization, and the importance of hard work. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through these experiences is the value of resilience. There were many moments when I felt overwhelmed, when I doubted whether I could handle everything. But each time, I remind myself why I work so hard — because I want to build a better future for
myself and my family. I want to be a role model for my siblings and others in my community, showing them that no matter where you start, you can achieve your goals with determination.
This scholarship would mean more than just financial support. It would give me access to opportunities and resources that I couldn’t otherwise afford, like summer programs or extra tutoring. It would also help me focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities ( like providing for my medical club or sports) without the added worry about expenses. With this support, I feel confident that I can continue growing, learning, and moving closer to my dream of becoming a surgeon. I’m proud of where I come from and excited for the future I’m building. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.