My Grandfather was the most hardworking man I know. He raised 11 kids and put them all through college, even when certain people and economic groups looked down upon college. He always said, "I don't care how God made my child. They deserve and need to have access and opportunity to be educated." His death shaped my life significantly. He always valued education. He saw education as the key to improving the world we live in today. My Grandfather lived in Kuwait. He was a part of the minority group in Kuwait of people fleeing Lebanon during the war In Kuwait. Women going to college were looked down upon. Also, Children who didn't meet a certain grade threshold in high school were limited in the careers they could pursue after high school. And some were entirely denied opportunities to go to college. But he didn't let the Kuwaiti system stop his children from getting educated. He sent some of his kids to Europe, India, Lebanon, America, and Canada. He was determined to educate his kids, although he was uneducated. His death, legacy, and memory have profoundly influenced my perspective on education. I don't measure my success by grades; I measure it by the knowledge I gain. If I score 100% in a class but learn nothing, I consider it a failure. This shift in focus has opened my eyes to the true value of education. His determination to educate his children has also shaped my understanding of family and my future role as a parent. He gave everything to his family-every dime, every cent, every waking moment. The challenge of putting 11 kids through college while working a minimum wage job in Kuwait was a testament to his unwavering commitment. His story resonates with me, reminding me of the importance of family values and the sacrifices we make for our loved ones. This accomplishment showed me that no matter what it is, you can do anything with hard work and determination. That's why I've spent every waking moment working toward my passion, which is using technology to improve the mental health field. As he grew older, he never lost his memory, but some of his relatives began to lose theirs. It deeply affected him, and I want to dedicate my career to improving our understanding of the brain and its associated diseases. He will forever be my idol and my hero in this life and beyond.

However, my unique viewpoint on medicine, particularly mental health, distinguishes me from other applicants. I'm' quite enthusiastic about this subject, and we're handling it in ways that may be better. While traditional medicine has made significant advances, we sometimes ignore the power of holistic medicine and natural healing. Our bodies are brilliant—they adapt and evolve in ways that are sometimes beyond our comprehension. We see this in large-scale evolution and more diminutive, everyday examples, such as how our tolerance to certain substances increases the more we are exposed to them. I believe that by integrating this understanding into our approach to mental health, we can make a significant impact on the field. This flexibility is one of the reasons I doubt the broad use of pharmacological medications in mental health care. While these drugs might give temporary comfort, they frequently fail to address the underlying causes of mental health issues. Instead, they create dependency and tolerance, requiring higher doses over time to achieve the same effect. This cycle can ultimately do more harm than good. I believe there's a better way—a more natural and holistic approach that considers the body and mind as interconnected systems. By addressing the underlying issues through holistic healing methods, we can achieve more sustainable and meaningful improvements in mental health. Holistic medicine seeks to treat the complete person rather than just the symptoms. It considers physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, resulting in a more holistic approach to treatment. Mindfulness, therapy, adequate diet, exercise, and community support can all have a significant impact on mental health while avoiding the hazards associated with long-term pharmaceutical usage. For example, I've' witnessed how mindfulness and therapy may help people manage their anxiety and sadness efficiently. Incorporating these strategies with contemporary medicine can give a more long-term and meaningful approach to mental health improvement. My passion for mental health and belief in holistic healing drive me to want to make a difference. With this scholarship, I'll be able to pursue my education and work toward a future in which mental health care is more efficient, compassionate, and comprehensive. I want to be a part of the transformation that redefines how we think about and treat mental health, ensuring that care is accessible, sustainable, and effective for everyone.

This scholarship would help me pay for college and significantly reduce my family's financial burden. Receiving this scholarship will not only allow me to focus more on my academics and less on financial stress but also provide relief to my family by ensuring that their financial duties are shared. This would allow me to flourish academically and achieve my goals without hesitation. However, my unique viewpoint on medicine, particularly mental health, distinguishes me from other applicants. I'm' quite enthusiastic about this subject, and we're handling it in ways that may be better. While traditional medicine has made significant advances, we sometimes ignore the power of holistic medicine and natural healing. Our bodies are brilliant—they adapt and evolve in ways that are sometimes beyond our comprehension. We see this in large-scale evolution and more diminutive, everyday examples, such as how our tolerance to certain substances increases the more we are exposed to them. I believe that by integrating this understanding into our approach to mental health, we can make a significant impact on the field. This flexibility is one of the reasons I doubt the broad use of pharmacological medications in mental health care. While these drugs might give temporary comfort, they frequently fail to address the underlying causes of mental health issues. Instead, they create dependency and tolerance, requiring higher doses over time to achieve the same effect. This cycle can ultimately do more harm than good. I believe there's a better way—a more natural and holistic approach that considers the body and mind as interconnected systems. By addressing the underlying issues through holistic healing methods, we can achieve more sustainable and meaningful improvements in mental health. Holistic medicine seeks to treat the complete person rather than just the symptoms. It considers physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, resulting in a more holistic approach to treatment. Mindfulness, therapy, adequate diet, exercise, and community support can all have a significant impact on mental health while avoiding the hazards associated with long-term pharmaceutical usage. For example, I've' witnessed how mindfulness and therapy may help people manage their anxiety and sadness efficiently. Incorporating these strategies with contemporary medicine can give a more long-term and meaningful approach to mental health improvement. My passion for mental health and belief in holistic healing drive me to want to make a difference. With this scholarship, I'll be able to pursue my education and work toward a future in which mental health care is more efficient, compassionate, and comprehensive. I want to be a part of the transformation that redefines how we think about and treat mental health, ensuring that care is accessible, sustainable, and effective for everyone.

Showing up to school was challenging this year. In popular news were attacks on Lebanon and being Lebense myself. I lost many family members, people who were some of the closest to me, and waking up every day to lousy news became a devastating routine. It felt like my world was crumbling, sending me into a downward spiral that was hard to recover. Everything around me was being affected. Friends. Grades. And especially my health. I couldn't sleep because of the time zone difference between the USA and Lebanon, and I had to know what was happening to rest easily, knowing my family had a chance of being okay. Adapting to this new reality was especially hard because this was my first year in college. It was already a time of significant transition, and having to balance the weight of such heavy loss while navigating a new academic and social environment made things almost unbearable. I often questioned how I could move forward, let alone stay focused on my education. There were days when the pain was so overwhelming that showing up to class and being engaged felt like an impossible task. The pain and tremendous strain of beginning a new chapter in life made showing up to class and being engaged a massive challenge. Despite these obstacles, I resolved to persist. The most helpful thing I did was use positive psychology techniques such as mindfulness, gratitude journaling, and cognitive reframing to restore my mentality and concentration. Instead of doing nothing about the loss and pain, I chose to focus on my strengths in the hopes that everything would eventually fall into place. Initially, this approach was not straightforward, but it gave me a sense of purpose and direction when I felt utterly lost. One of my greatest strengths has always been fitness. I've been active my entire life. I knew returning to the gym would provide an outlet for my emotions and give me a sense of control and accomplishment. Working out became a form of therapy for me, a way to channel my grief into something productive and empowering. Similarly, I began taking on more hours at work. I've always been good at working hard and keeping focused on things, and immersing myself in my work helped me reclaim a feeling of regularity and security. Slowly, when I focused on these areas, I discovered that concentrating on academics became easier. I learned to compartmentalize my sadness and direct my focus to places where I might excel. This momentum spilled over into my academic life. Showing up every day was an act of resilience. It's a source of pride for me, a testament to the importance of perseverance and inner strength.

I am a first-generation immigrant; my family moved from Lebanon and Kuwait. Born in the USA, I moved to Qatar when I was four years old. Qatar is home for me. Almost all of my childhood memories, friends, and life are there. Leaving Qatar was a big and emotional change. To this day, the USA has never felt like home. I am writing this essay from home, comfortably in Qatar. When I am in the US, I consider my life there as a job, and it has significantly influenced my education. The switch to the American educational system made me despise school entirely. My biggest fear was being forced to socialize in an environment where people would not understand me. The very thought of being misunderstood is spooky. My first two years in the American education system were an academic disaster. I struggled to understand the social norms, expectations, and standards of the American educational system. They gave me a B+ when I felt I deserved an A. The whole idea of rubrics didn't make sense to me. Group projects proved to be quite a struggle for me since, for the longest time, the concept of collaboration and working together was a hurdle. Meeting the challenge of adopting a new educational system and culture was overwhelming. I often felt isolated or out of place and unable to catch up with my peers. This sense of alienation affected my academic performance and my self-esteem. I was used to the educational environment in Qatar, which was more familiar and comfortable. The sharp contrast between the two systems left me feeling lost and discouraged. However, over time, I began to view these difficulties as lessons. I realized that these very experiences put me in an entirely new light to view and understand the world around me and human behavior and learning. This realization sparked my interest in knowing why people think, react, and learn differently in different cultural contexts. Understanding the human brain and its functions became something of a wonder to me. Out of conquering these challenges, I developed an unwavering passion for behavioral neuroscience. I desired to understand why people behave the way they do and how their brains influence their actions and decisions. This new interest completely shifted my career focus from engineering to behavioral neuroscience. I was determined to explore this field and contribute to our understanding of the human mind. My journey has taught me resilience and adaptability. I learned to embrace change and regard challenges as opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. Despite the difficulties, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. I am excited about behavioral neuroscience and understanding the complexities of human behavior and cognition. My background and experiences have given me a unique perspective that I believe will be very valuable in my studies and future career.

I aspire to epitomize a profound understanding of the intricate intersections between neuroscience, engineering, and psychology, with the potential to reshape the treatment landscape for neurological and psychological disorders. My ambition to pursue a PhD in neuroengineering is rooted in a critical assessment of traditional invasive surgical methods, recognizing their limitations and inherent risks. By advocating for the integration of engineering principles and cutting-edge technologies into neurosurgical practices, I aim to revolutionize the field, making procedures less invasive and more accessible. My vision encompasses a transformative shift towards innovative surgical techniques that prioritize patient well-being and long-term outcomes. I aspire to lead research endeavors aimed at refining and advancing neurosurgical interventions, exploring novel methodologies and technologies to streamline procedures, minimize complications, and optimize patient recovery. With my expertise in neuroengineering, I envision contributing significantly to the evolution of neurosurgery, driving forward advancements that enhance treatment efficacy and improve the lives of patients worldwide. Simultaneously, my ambitions extend into the realm of behavioral neuroscience within the industry, reflecting a deep-seated passion for understanding the complex interplay between neurological and psychological phenomena. As a behavioral neuroscientist, I envision leveraging insights from neuroscience, psychology, and related disciplines to develop innovative interventions for individuals grappling with neurological and psychological challenges. My holistic approach to addressing the complexities of human cognition and behavior underscores my commitment to making meaningful contributions towards improving mental health outcomes. I envision myself at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations, working alongside experts from diverse fields to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications that positively impact individuals' lives. My overarching goal is to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications, driving innovation that addresses the diverse needs of individuals with neurological and psychological disorders. However, I recognize the financial barriers associated with pursuing advanced education, acknowledging the importance of securing scholarships and grants to support my academic endeavors. By actively seeking out opportunities like this scholarship, I demonstrate my determination to overcome these challenges and pursue my academic and professional aspirations with unwavering dedication. With financial support, I will be better positioned to focus on my studies, research, and industry engagements, ultimately realizing my potential to drive positive change within the fields of neuroengineering and behavioral neuroscience. In summary, my multidisciplinary approach, coupled with my unwavering dedication and commitment, positions me as a future leader in the integration of neuroscience, engineering, and psychology. My vision for advancing less invasive neurosurgical techniques and developing innovative interventions in behavioral neuroscience reflects a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in neurological and psychological disorders. With this scholarship, I am poised to embark on a transformative journey that will not only enrich my own academic and professional pursuits but also contribute significantly to the advancement of these critical fields, ultimately benefiting countless individuals worldwide.