Omar struck us in his application with stories of struggle and perseverance. His motivation to continue studying, despite an incredibly long walk to school without breakfast, shines like a beacon of promise for the future. Omar has been able to maintain a high grade point average and perform as a star student despite his difficulties; a teacher noted that financial constraints and distance to school are the only things that stand in his way. Omar plans to eventually become a doctor and return to help his community, by giving lectures and bringing the best medical attention to those he loves. In the meantime, Omar loves to study natural sciences, which he says will help him to understand how humans and nature work and become a good doctor. Omar also dreams of supporting his family, and shared with us a wise bit of advice that we all could use to help us achieve our goals: "Without struggle there is no victory."

Kevin elected to write his application essay about his uncle, a person he greatly admires. Kevin impressed us with the level of reflection and detail in his writing, as he took care to describe his uncle's specific achievements (which ranged from completing college to singing) and what they meant to Kevin. After he finishes high school, Kevin plans to go to college to get a degree in Agricultural Engineering. He feels this career path will allow him to provide his village with much needed technical advice.

Omar struck us in his application with stories of struggle and perseverance. His motivation to continue studying, despite an incredibly long walk to school without breakfast, shines like a beacon of promise for the future. Omar has been able to maintain a high grade point average and perform as a star student despite his difficulties; a teacher noted that financial constraints and distance to school are the only things that stand in his way. Omar plans to eventually become a doctor and return to help his community, by giving lectures and bringing the best medical attention to those he loves. In the meantime, Omar loves to study natural sciences, which he says will help him to understand how humans and nature work and become a good doctor. Omar also dreams of supporting his family, and shared with us a wise bit of advice that we all could use to help us achieve our goals: "Without struggle there is no victory."