$10k Scholarship Finalist

In a world filled with legal jargon and complex statutes, I envision myself as a conductor, orchestrating a symphony of change through the harmonious blend of law and education. As a young entrepreneur and advocate, and as the only woman, person of color, and Muslim in many professional spaces, I believe that my law degree will serve as a transformative baton, conducting a melody of empowerment, diversity, and equity in the realm of education.

Just like the crescendo of a powerful symphony, my journey began with a single note an eight-year-old me, hiding behind a shed during recess, too afraid to speak up. Through joining the debate team, I finally found my voice, and learned of the power of communication.

Inspired by my own metamorphosis, I embarked on a mission to share the transformative experience of debate with others. My entrepreneurial endeavor, TalkMaze, swiftly became a vibrant hub, nurturing the communication skills and confidence of over five thousand students and building an online community of over twenty-two thousand.

The melody of TalkMaze resonated with schools and administrators, but limited resources often acted as dissonant chords, silencing the potential of countless students, particularly those from marginalized communities. It was then that I recognized the need for a new composition, an opus of policy change that would transform the landscape of education and uplift underrepresented voices.

As a soloist stepping onto the grand stage, I must admit that I carried a mixture of trepidation and determination. Yet, with unwavering resolve, I used my voice to advocate for policy change at national and international levels. In the spotlight of the esteemed G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit, I embraced the honor of representing my country, even as the youngest delegate, knowing that my presence held the potential to break barriers. With equal parts passion and vulnerability, I delivered captivating performances on global platforms, including four TEDx events, where I fearlessly championed the importance of inclusion and empowerment.

Now, armed with my legal education, I seek to compose a new score for education policy, one that empowers all students to find their voices and ensures that diversity is celebrated and embraced. With each note, I will strike a chord that reverberates through the halls of power, inspiring decision-makers to embrace the transformative potential of education and dismantle the barriers that hinder progress for underrepresented students.

Imagine the symphony of change when the One Lawyer Can Change the World Scholarship joins the ensemble. Like a grand crescendo, this scholarship would inject a burst of energy and resources into my journey, amplifying my impact and creating ripples of transformation. With $10,000 towards my 1L tuition, the financial burden would be lightened, freeing my spirit to soar higher, delve deeper into my studies, and engage in meaningful extracurricular activities.

Together, let us play a transformative melody, forging a society where education transcends boundaries, where equity prevails, and where the crescendo of change reverberates for generations to come.

My goal is to be a catalyst for change by utilizing the dynamic blend of law and education to foster a society that is more inclusive and equitable. I am fueled by a profound passion to uplift marginalized voices, embrace diversity, and break down systemic barriers in the pursuit of justice. My background in business combined with my studies in law will enable me to succeed on this path. Through advocacy, policy reform, and entrepreneurial endeavors, I seek to continue positively impacting the world around me.

I chose Columbia Law School because it offers an array of exceptional opportunities that align with my career goals and interests. For example, the Davis Polk Leadership Initiative presents a unique platform to develop leadership skills and foster social impact, while the 1L Advocates Program provides valuable practical experience in advocacy and client representation. Additionally, the Human Rights Internship Program at Columbia Law School resonates with my passion for promoting human rights and making a difference on a global scale.

Furthermore, Columbia Law School’s prime location in New York City provides unparalleled access to entrepreneurial communities, allowing me to engage with like-minded individuals and contribute to innovative initiatives that intersect law and entrepreneurship. The city’s vibrant ecosystem offers numerous networking opportunities and the potential to collaborate on ventures that drive social change.

Overall, Columbia Law School’s robust academic curriculum, coupled with its diverse and inclusive community, will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to pursue my career aspirations and make a meaningful impact in law, entrepreneurship, and human rights.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, Mama and Papaji, whose unwavering support, love, and guidance have been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today. They left everything they knew in their home country to provide a better future for my siblings and me. The opportunity to pursue my dreams and aspirations would not be possible without their sacrifices and encouragement.

I am also immensely grateful to my siblings, Hania and Deem, whose constant support and belief in my abilities have motivated me to strive for excellence. Their unwavering camaraderie has been a source of strength throughout my journey.

I extend my gratitude to my professors and mentors for their expertise and dedication. Their guidance and mentorship have been invaluable in shaping my academic and professional growth.

I am deeply appreciative of the collective impact that my parents, siblings, professors, mentors, and many others have had on my journey. None of what I have achieved would be possible without them.

Winning this scholarship would be a transformative moment in my academic and professional journey. It would provide me with the financial support needed to pursue my legal education at Columbia Law School with reduced financial burden, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies, engage in meaningful extracurricular activities, and explore impactful opportunities such as the Davis Polk Leadership Initiative, the 1L Advocates Program, and the Human Rights Internship Program.

Beyond the financial aspect, winning this scholarship would serve as a validation of my dedication, hard work, and commitment to creating positive change through law and education. It would fuel my motivation, instill confidence in my abilities, and further affirm that my chosen path is valued and recognized by esteemed organizations.

Moreover, winning this scholarship would amplify the impact I can make in the field of law, education, and social justice. It would empower me to continue advocating for underrepresented voices, celebrating diversity, and dismantling barriers that hinder progress for marginalized students. With the scholarship’s support, I would have the resources and freedom to pursue my goals with renewed vigor, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Overall, winning this scholarship would be a tremendous honor and privilege, opening doors to opportunities that would further advance my career goals and enable me to create lasting positive change in the realm of law, education, and beyond.