Palestinian, from Gaza; seeking Undergraduate degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and is enrolled at Walsh university.
In the crucible of my 19 years, my life has been shaped by resilience, displacement, and an unwavering commitment to transcend adversities. I was born to a Palestinian father and a Palestinian refugee in Syria in 2004. My early years of life were marked by the hard realities of conflict and war.
In 2012, we left Syria and sought refuge in Gaza, only to be met with the distressing echoes of war once again. Amidst the chaos, I attended an American international school for two years before financial constraints redirected me to UNRWA schools post-2014 war.
I noticed that inability to conceive was often perceived as a "woman's" failure, although this was not necessarily the case. Many marriages ended up in divorce. Being able to find solutions became a social and a medical cause at once.
Noticing the limited availability of IVF services in Gaza, I resolved to be a catalyst for change. Guided by my love for children and a desire to contribute to reproductive health, I embark on this educational odyssey, aspiring to become a reproductive endocrinologist and bring positive change to my community. This fueled my determination to pursue higher education in the United States, driven by the conviction that education is the most potent tool for transformation.
Living through five wars by the age of 19, l became aware of the challenges faced by families, particularly women. Witnessing the scarcity of reproductive health options, I was inspired to pursue a path in medicine.
Why Would Donors Fund You?
Gaza is going through war now and many mothers are losing their beloved children. Many of these stories are about parents who waited so long to have their children, but their lives were gone in seconds. I want to help these parents get a chance to experience parenthood. While this will not compensate for the loss, it might bring some happiness to the hearts of their bereaved parents.
How Do You Plan to Payback?
I plan to pay back by leveraging the knowledge and skills gained through my education to give the couples who struggle with having a baby a chance to experience parenthood. This scholarship is not just a financial support system for me but a partnership in creating positive change.
Volunteer Work/Social Capital
Save Youth future: Conduct projects to improve the children's mental health through music
Hands Up project: encourage children to process their emotions through theatre
Student Government: Senator at student government representing the Muslim students
Campus ministry: involve in campus ministry activities like visiting nursing homes, volunteering for meal preparations and kids clubs.
What Have You Done to Improve Yourself? Awards and Achievements
I am in my second year in college studying medical lab science. I am also an honor student currently working on two projects; studying Pre-implantation genetic screening and modification for in-vitro fertilization, and infections connected to fetal loss. I want to continue my studies after undergraduate school and become a reproductive endocrinologist.
Khitam Sheikho
Good luck Judy!
Judy SalemDawod
Thank you so much!
Alexis🩷
Of course!