Six schools, six countries, and three continents – my childhood has been a kaleidoscopic journey of foreign environments, cultures, and experiences. Sometimes, this path was difficult, even dangerous. In Saudi Arabia, I experienced war – not as a theoretical concept or image on TV, but as a kid hiding in our shelter, when Riyadh was being attacked by ballistic missiles and armed drones from Yemen’s Houthi militants. “Why would anybody want to kill me with a ballistic missile?!” I asked my mom…
Such challenges taught me to be resilient and empathetic with the individuals around me. Throughout my childhood, my commitment to serving those who are vulnerable or struggling became my stabilizing anchor and helped me connect with my new surroundings.
In Bulgaria, I worked with my school to rush clothing, shoes, food, and blankets to Syrian refugees fleeing war. My peers and I also organized a campaign of support for Roma orphans, whose communities viewed them as outcasts and a burden. Despite the adversity they faced, these refugees and Roma youth were not willing to give up. Their courage and determination inspired me to think about my role in my community. I understood then that the importance of promoting justice and inclusion by helping those struggling with challenges and conflict cannot be simply taught through classroom lectures. It must be learned through one’s actions and experiences. In my case, my volunteering efforts helped me see past the prejudiced national policies and recognize that every individual, no matter their circumstances, is worthy of respect and assistance. I learned that we can show true generosity by ensuring that all members of our communities receive the support necessary to attain their fullest potential.
This foundational understanding of service and empathy I developed in Bulgaria was invaluable amidst Saudi Arabia’s draconian COVID-19 lockdowns. All of us had to learn how to work, study, and live differently, and my school’s spotty virtual learning system did not help. I could see my classmates and myself struggling — whether it was the technology or course materials or motivation, we all seemed to be losing this battle. Students from underprivileged families felt particularly vulnerable in the new learning environment. I knew that I needed to take action to overcome my school community’s obstacles to equity, inclusion, and academic success for all.
At one point, several friends reached out to me for help with a particularly complex math problem. First informally and then in collaboration with my teacher, I began a math tutoring program to support my peers. Saudi, Indian, Lebanese, American – my virtual sessions resembled the UN. We worked through trigonometry and algebra and our bewildering lives. I challenged myself to approach every question with openness and a dedication to helping my classmates overcome their struggles.
While in Saudi Arabia, I was also honored to serve on a school task force charged with planning the return to in-person learning. Representing 1,400 students and 64 nationalities required me to advocate for our diverse student body. I worked with school administrators on developing student movement protocols, break practices and arrival/departure procedures, as well as a “Plan B” that could be quickly implemented if my school had to return to virtual learning. My work was driven by one goal: to create an inclusive educational environment in which all students, regardless of their learning differences or medical vulnerabilities, would feel respected and thrive. Our back-to-school plan — balanced, flexible, and compassionate — remains one of my proudest achievements.
My experiences in Saudi Arabia and Bulgaria taught me the power of one’s actions to support and uplift others. To thrive, our communities depend on the bonds of mutual assistance, compassion, and understanding. As I begin my college career, I will continue seeking out opportunities to promote justice and generosity, striving to look past my own challenges and uplift those who would otherwise be left behind.
My service journey has also helped me chart a new path for my career, a path of empowering others to attain their fullest potential. I want to combine my interests in business, law, and gender studies to prepare for a lifetime of advocacy for underserved groups in the corporate world, especially women and girls. As a future lawyer, I hope to lead development reforms that disincentivize conflict and advance women’s empowerment in the past-pandemic economy. Receiving the Schaefer Halleen Social Equity Scholarship will allow me to pursue a university education and fulfill these goals.
With humility, I recognize that I alone will not be the solution to the world’s many challenges. However, I am responsible to act, and I will. My service will always be guided by the lessons of my peripatetic childhood: be generous and brave; cherish and respect everyone; stand up and speak out when you see injustice.
