I started playing Minecraft when I was just a little kid in 4th grade. I got my first Xbox One and immediately downloaded Minecraft. I started playing alone at first exploring the vast worlds it had to offer. I built houses, farms, towers, and anything else I could imagine. There were no limits to the creative endeavors I could take on in this amazing game. When I started playing with my friends from school, things got a lot more fun. We got to join each other's world and help each other build vast cities and infrastructure. We formed little governments with courts and judicial systems governed by our rule of law in this little Minecraft world. We would go on adventures and explore our seemingly infinite world, whether going on long trips on the oceans with our boats and discovering islands inhabited by mobs, or going deep underground to explore the huge caves filled with ores and spiders. Tamed animals and started creating farms. We took on challenges like going to the nether and fighting the wither and then gathering all the materials we could to gather up and defeat the ender dragon. Some of the most fun times with my friends were spent doing challenges in Minecraft with my friends. But as I grew up more and more Minecraft became something completely different to us. As my friends and I entered our junior year in high school we became increasingly more busy with life. More homework, projects, clubs, sports, relationships, etc. and we didn't have time to hang out anymore. But every weekend, we had just a little time to get on Xbox, and that time on Xbox was spent playing Minecraft. But Minecraft wasn't about the adventures anymore. It wasn't about building a mini-government, defeating the wither in the nether, or getting to the ender dragon. It wasn't about who had the most diamonds or the biggest house. Minecraft had become something more than that, a sanctuary. A place where we'd all come to after a long week of dealing with school and people, and just hang out. A place where we could talk in peace and stay up late doing whatever random thing we wanted. A place where we could leave the real world behind for just a little bit and immerse ourselves in a world where there is no goal, no mission, no grades, no authority. Just us and our little world we could do anything in. As we grew older, nearing the time when we'd all have to leave for college, Minecraft became an important part of our friendship. We spent late nights talking about relationship problems, the meaning of life, and what we aspire to be in the future, whilst mining for some iron in caves. Minecraft served as a sanctuary for us. A special place we could spend time in and not deal with the problems of the real world. Minecraft played an important role in my life. And even now as I move on to go to college and will probably not play Minecraft nearly as much as I used to, Minecraft will always hold a special place in my heart. As the game that allowed us to be kids again in a time when the world was forcing us to grow up quickly.

Thank you for this amazing scholarship opportunity! I have submitted a brief video about me, my family, and our journey. I appreciate your consideration! - Shervin Zahem

Get on a plane and head into the unknown. That's how my life started. When I was 5 years my parents decided that they wanted their child to grow up free and away from the oppressive influence of the Iranian government. They saw the country around them and how it was plagued by radical ideology and tyranny and decided that their future generations were going to be living in freedom. Virtually every person told them that the asylum process that allows immigrants inside the US would be impossible to get passed, but they still chose to leave their lives and build anew in a land separated by ocean so wide it seemed endless. We left in 2010, and neither I nor my parents have ever been back since. It was hard for them to leave everyone behind. We left with the expectation that there would be many in our families that we'd likely never see in person again. We arrived in Turkey and started our new life in this temporary home of ours as we waited for the asylum process to be approved. 3 long years in this country shaped me as a person as I learned from the example of my parents what it means to work hard and achieve one's dreams and aspirations. I saw every ounce of effort they put into their goal of bringing their child to a country where he could live freely without a tyrant ruling over him. Where he can raise his children in the way he sees fit without the government determining what he should do. My parents taught me the value of hard work and advocating for freedom. They taught me to be kind and loving to the people around me so that I can be a positive influence on the world. My time in Turkey has forever profoundly shaped my character and even though it was extremely tough being in a position of ambiguity for so long, I could not be more thankful to my parents who decided to take a leap of faith and create a better future for their son. Having gone through happy and tough times, I learned the value of integrity and honesty, bravery and hard work, and willingness to be resilient. I seek to utilize the opportunity provided to me by my parents to learn as much as I can in the field of science and biology so that one day I can be a force of good in the world. Someone who can help those around them by contributing the ever-growing knowledge of science and its capability to help us live better, longer, and more fulfilling lives. I plan to pursue my bachelor's in biology and continue my education by pursuing a PhD in evolutionary biology. I want to learn as much as I can about the life that populates our planet and then go on to teach others and contribute to furthering the knowledge of humanity about its origins and its future potential.

The first spark of life in this universe was started in the ancient oceans of the earth. The oceans have been the foundation of all life on earth and without them, this precious thing we call life may have never come about. Even as our ancient ancestors evolved over millions of years left their primordial homes in the oceans and took their first infantile steps on the earth, they still depended on the vast seas behind them for millions of years. In this present age, we may not think much of the oceans as we have transformed the earth around us to suit our needs. But, we are just as dependent on them as our ancestors were countless millennia ago. The regulation of the climate is heavily dependent on the well-being of our oceans. The water cycle and carbon cycle, two of the most fundamental natural systems on earth, are influenced primarily by the oceans. Phytoplankton, dwelling in the oceans numbering in the trillions, provide more than half of the world's oxygen supply, which we so desperately depend upon. The destruction of these essential marine organisms would be equivalent to puncturing a hole in one's oxygen tank when scuba diving. The destruction of the oceans would have a catastrophic impact on numerous sources of economic wealth. Fishing, tourism, transportation, and energy production would be immensely negatively impacted by the deterioration of the oceans. Contributing 3 trillion to $6 trillion annually, the oceans are an essential part of the global economy that is fundamental to the continued functioning of modern human society. When thinking about the future of humanity on Earth, the well-being of our oceans should be of utmost importance. With 80% of all life located in the oceans, they hold such important history about the incredible development of life on earth. The evidence of evolution and extinction of countless species that have existed on this planet of ours waiting to be discovered under the vast amounts of water that hide them. The oceans give us a look back into the incredible history of life and help us understand our origins better. With an estimated 85% of the oceans unexplored, there is an endless amount of beauty and an awe-inspiring number of creatures and structures to be found. The oceans help us scientifically understand the origins of life and the incredible mysteries that evolution holds as we discover so many animals that seem like they're from another world. The vast amounts of beauty in the oceans, whether it's the colorful coral reefs or the majestic schools of fish swimming around, are worth protecting. They serve as a testament to the incredible journey life has taken in diversifying through the process of evolution. I intend to use my degree in biology to obtain a better understanding of the origins of life and how they relate to the oceans. Learning more about the incredible evolutionary journey that life has taken, starting from the depths of the oceans and moving up to the highest mountains. Using this knowledge obtained through my educational journey toward my degree in biology, I will educate the public about incredible scientific information through short and long-form videos online. Through these educational videos, I will emphasize the importance of the oceans in the development of life all over the globe, bringing a deeper level of appreciation to the general public about the amazing influence of the oceans on life as we know it today. I appreciate any support to achieve this goal of mine. Save the oceans, save humanity.

I've watched many anime throughout my life, starting my journey in 7th grade with Naruto. I became fascinated with this new form of entertainment. As I grew up I learned that anime is not just for kids, but for people of all ages, I learned that anime has many lessons to be learned. This became apparent when I started watching Attack on Titan. When I first watched Attack on Titan I immediately became captivated by how mature and dark the anime was. Every other anime I had watched in the past had never had this level of impact on me just from the first episode. Even in the first episode, the audience becomes familiar with Eren and Mikasa as characters. The audience feels a personal and deep connection with the characters throughout their normal lives. This all ends in an unexpected and shocking ending in the first episode as Eren's mother is eaten alive by a blonde titan. I felt such an immense sense of dread and hopelessness along with the characters, being just as confused as every other person living within the walls. My curiosity was overflowing and my mind was racing with questions, "How did humanity build the walls?" "Where do the titans come from?" As I continued to watch the series, I had one question answered as three more were created. The series does a great job of keeping the audience curious while still answering their questions, and that's my favorite part of this series. The mystery of what's going on and what'll happen next keeps you engaged and curious. I love that at the end of this beautiful story, the audience receives all the answers to their questions and is left baffled by how complex and amazing the show was. This mystery is exactly why rewatching the show is so amazing because the foreshadowing that you never even knew would hint at a major event, later on, becomes so apparent. The world-building of the story is also another amazing aspect of the show. The world, even though small, for the majority of the show as the characters we see are trapped behind giant walls, is amazingly explained. We get a thorough understanding of how the society within the walls operates, how the walls are structured, etc. All this amazing world-building helps the audience engage in the story meaningfully. The amount of detail that goes into how the world works in AOT builds this special relationship between the audience and the characters as we all feel trapped in this small part of the world for the majority of the show. Finally, the lessons, oh how amazing the lessons and real-world connections in Attack on Titan. AOT shows the human condition, how humans act under pressure, human morality, and who is right or wrong in a unique way. One example is the character of Eren. As the show progresses we grow alongside Eren and his friends, and we grow fond of these characters whom we watch go through so much hardship for just a taste of freedom, we see many of our beloved characters die in front of our eyes and feel the loss in our hearts. So when Eren starts murdering and committing genocide to get revenge we don't know what to feel as one side of us sympathizes with Eren and the pain he experienced, but the other feels horrible for all these innocent people being killed. Attack on Titan is an amazing anime series due to its captivating story, mysterious plot, well-developed characters, and the valuable lessons it teaches throughout the show.

I immigrated alongside my mother and father out of Iran when I was just 5 years old. We left as asylum seekers and waited in Turkey for 3 years for our application to be approved for the US. The process of immigrating was a hard and extensive journey that took so much effort and energy on the part of my mother and father. My family struggled financially throughout the entire journey but we kept going and never gave up. During this time my mother did her best to homeschool me and provide me a fighting chance when I came into US schools. When we first came to the US getting by was rough. My mother and father worked full-time while I went to school. Starting in 4th grade after having very limited education for 3 years affected my mental health heavily as I constantly fell behind the kids in my class who've lived in the US their entire lives. Just last year, my father passed away suddenly from a heart attack which devasted my mother and me, as we felt lost and hopeless in a country we were still new in. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for the work my mother and father put in to bring me into a country where I can receive a proper education and further my career goals. I want to pursue a career in healthcare and help people through my work. I want to make my mother and father proud by furthering my education and becoming a son they can be proud of as I use the opportunities they provided me to help others and make the world a better place.

My mom selflessly decided to leave her home country so that I could have countless educational opportunities. My mother understood the importance of securing a future for me so she chose to leave Iran. Throughout our journey, my mom always encouraged my growth and development. She supported my dreams. Made sure I had access, to top-notch education, which allowed me to excel beyond what I expected. My mother has always set the example of the perfect lifelong student and as someone who is always eager to learn more about the world. Even with her difficult situation in Iran where it was extremely difficult for women to pursue a high-level education, she pursued her bachelor's and remained open-minded even when the society around her had closed their minds to every learning opportunity. She has always set an example for me and remained the best role model as someone who is always learning and moving forward no matter the challenges that arise. Since I was little she has played a role in nurturing my love for learning by giving me age-appropriate books to improve my reading skills. She did her best to homeschool me in Turkey as we waited to be accepted into the US as asylum seekers. She purchased online learning programs such as IXL Learning and helped me to move through the courses so that I might have a fighting chance when I started my schooling in the US. She lovingly and caringly encouraged me every day to continue learning and never to give up on my learning journey. As a child, I learned how learning constantly is the key to making an impactful change in one's character as an individual and as a result, making a positive impact on the world. Through these years of schooling through middle school and high school, it has become more difficult to focus on the tasks at hand and enjoy the learning process but my mother has always been present and ready to provide me with the fundamental support I need to continue as a student and keep pursuing my goals of becoming a medical professional who can help others through the medical profession. If not for my mother supporting me throughout my educational journey ever since early childhood to now nearing the end of high school, I would not be where I am now. She has played such an immeasurably significant role in helping and assisting me reach my educational goals that I don't believe I could ever thank her enough. I hope to build a future where I'll be able to help those around me and show my mother that all the hard work she put into raising a curious and competent son has paid off and has helped the whole of humanity.

Leaving my home forever was scary. When leaving Iran I was just a little kid, not knowing where I was going to end up I held my mom's hand as we got onto the plane. I was only 6 years old when we became asylum seekers in search of a safe country to call our new home. 3 long years in Turkey awaiting our acceptance into the US felt like an eternity. When we were finally accepted we had to learn to face new challenges. A whole new language to learn, go to school and sustain ourselves financially. throughout this journey my mother and father stayed strong and did their best to work and provide for our small family here I'm this unknown land. Year after year we were doing well and growing until it all suddenly came to a crash. With a single phone call, my mother and I were reduced to tears. My father was in the hospital. He had suffered from a heart attack and the doctors weren't sure if he'd make it. day after day we waited to hear an answer from the hospital on the condition of the health of my father. When we heard the news, our world crashed. My father passed away from a heart attack in October 2022. Being a small family in the US with no other relatives to support us, my mother and I felt alone and helpless. I was only 16 years old when it happened and immediately got to applying for jobs in order to help my mother financially. Daily life became much harder and the future became an unknown sea that we had to navigate without a captain. Through these trials and unfortunate events, my mother was always there for me and taught me to be resilient, and persistent, and to never give up on my dreams. My mother instilled in me the values of someone who chases after their dreams no matter what obstacles they may face. She always set an amazing example of a hard worker and continued to further her education in order to provide for us. She taught me to be persistent in everything I do and not easily give up when the going gets tough. As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a doctor, and my mother helped instill in me a passionate courage to chase my dreams. Now I want to pursue my education and make sure that all of my mother's efforts are not in vain. I want to be someone who is able to help everyone close and far. My mother has been the single most important person in my life and has helped me overcome so much, and instilled in me a sense of persistence, courage, and resilience.

I firmly assert that maintaining a stable and healthy mental state ranks as my utmost priority. A sound mental state ensures my preparedness to confront daily challenges, regardless of their complexity, while simultaneously navigating academic commitments and external obstacles. My mental health is crucial, in keeping me motivated while I go about my tasks. When I feel overwhelmed I have a tendency to withdraw temporarily. My strong dedication always pushes me to keep improving and moving forward. Over the years, I have encountered several instances in my life when my mental health faltered. The transition from Iran marked a challenging and unfamiliar chapter, characterized by discordant household dynamics and frequent relocations due to financial constraints during our stay in Turkey. As a child, I spent a significant portion of my days in solitude, awaiting my parents' return from work. This prolonged isolation significantly impacted my childhood mental health, as I grew up in an environment characterized by limited family interaction and structure. Each day presented new challenges as we faced an uncertain future while awaiting approval for entry into the United States through the refugee program. After I arrived in the United States I faced new challenges when it came to forming connections because of my limited English ability and social anxiety. Having a hard time making new friends and communicating had a significant negative impact on my mental health. However, I made a decision to prioritize my well-being And started on a path of personal growth. To proactively nurture my mental health, I began expanding my social interactions and fostering connections within my community. My tenure as a lifeguard provided opportunities to connect with regular pool-goers, engage in conversations with parents from diverse cultural backgrounds, and learn about global cultures. Cultivating these connections bolstered my self-confidence and significantly enhanced my mental well-being. Furthermore, I sought solace and support within my local church community. Attending church services provided a sense of belonging and security, fostering a profound sense of unity and kinship. Every Sunday Mass offers a sense of being part of something greater, and it has transformed my life positively. In conclusion, I strongly believe that taking care of my well-being is crucial. It helps me overcome challenges reach my goals and create a future, for myself and my family. Even though I faced difficulties that had an impact on my health I persisted and came out stronger, with a renewed sense of well-being and resilience.

I am currently a senior, in school at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Virginia. I take pride in being a first-generation immigrant from Iran. Over the 8 years, I have made the United States my home. Have grown to appreciate its diversity and liveliness. When I first arrived in the U.S. starting in grade 4, it was a period of adjustment and challenges as I adapted to a new culture and educational system. However, throughout my time one thing has remained constant. My desire is to help those around me. Since I can remember I have always had an inclination towards assisting others. Whether it was comforting children on the playground who had lost their parents or lending a hand with household tasks for my family I consistently showed compassion and helpfulness. This natural instinct to impact people's lives fueled my childhood dream of pursuing a career in healthcare. Some of my memories from those years involve playing doctor with friends and family willingly taking on the role of patient. This early interest in healthcare solidified my passion for the field. Motivated me to pursue it as a path. As time has gone by my dedication, to helping others has only grown deeper. I firmly believe that everyone regardless of their background or circumstances deserves access, to high-quality healthcare and unwavering support. My ultimate aspiration is to pursue a profession where I can make a contribution to the well-being of others. Choosing a career in healthcare is not a decision for me; it's a calling, a way for me to give back to the community that has welcomed me as one of its own. This deep desire to provide care and hope to those in need arises from experience. Tragically I lost my father to a heart attack one year ago. This heartbreaking incident has reinforced my determination to alleviate the suffering of others. I understand the pain that comes with losing a loved one and recognize the role played by healthcare professionals during such difficult times. When reflecting on my journey I consider my growth and resilience in facing challenges as my significant achievement. Starting my education in the United States during grade 4 meant feeling academically adrift. However, over time, I discovered my potential to exceed expectations and achieve more than I had ever imagined. Through perseverance, I developed study habits. Nurtured the determination required to overcome obstacles. Each hurdle became an opportunity for growth reinforcing my belief, in the power of resilience and hard work. To sum up, my desire to assist others and my commitment, to pursuing a healthcare profession fuel my ambitions. I'm not just a senior in school; I'm a person who is excited about making a positive difference in the lives of those who require assistance. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant has taught me the significance of compassion, empathy, and unwavering devotion, to building a future for all where healthcare serves as a source of hope and recovery.