As a student of Horizons Academy, I've had the privilege of being part of a program that nurtures growth and fosters leadership. Through my journey, I've come to realize that life isn't about choosing between limitations and possibilities — it's about embracing challenges and opportunities and using them as tools to shatter barriers.
In 7th grade, a simple change in my schooling environment propelled me to discover a new ‘techy’ path, seemingly opposing my lifelong interest in art. I worked hard to gain admission to an intensive three-year program focused on technology and entrepreneurship.
During the program, I learned how to code and lead teams. Harnessing my 'techy' identity, I created impactful applications such as HomePharmacy and The Easy Journey, which respectively help Palestinians access medication and assist elderly people in the Old City of Jerusalem with accessing easier transportation methods, benefitting my community.
Today, I am a women’s rights advocate at Women Deliver, a global nonprofit working toward gender equality. I also serve as the Secretary-General of Finance for the Model United Nations club I founded at my school.
Thanks to Horizons Academy, I am proud to share that I've been accepted into Purdue University in Indiana United States — A top 4 Engineering school in the US — with a Gilsdorf scholarship. Through the Gilsdorf scholarship I secured, I will receive financial support to cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, and program fees, in addition to joining the Women in Engineering esteemed program. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I plan to continue breaking barriers and catalyzing change along the way.
As I reflect on my journey, I want to share some advice for fellow Horizons Academy participants: Embrace the journey and understand that it's full of ups and downs. Enjoy every part of it, push yourself to your maximum, and don't hesitate to ask for help from your fellow track leaders at Horizons Academy. Be true to yourself and don't hide where you come from. Your unique story will help you achieve your dreams. Remember, universities are tools, not destinations. Find your purpose by writing a specific 'why' statement and refer back to it whenever you feel off track. Knowing your ‘why’ isn’t easy, so be honest with yourself and reflect on being able to reignite your flame whenever it dims. Sugarcoating your story won't help. You, exactly as you are, will fit in the right place. Thus, when you get into a university, you'll know you're a good fit.
