For DonorsFor Applicants
user profile avatar

Syedgull Noorali

1,055

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am a first-generation international student from Afghanistan studying at Oglethorpe University. My goal as a Civil Engineer is to make a lasting impact on my homeland. I aim to contribute to the development and progress of Afghanistan by rebuilding its infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its people. Being an international student has presented challenges, but it has also enriched my perspective and strengthened my determination. My vision is for Afghanistan to thrive with improved infrastructure and increased opportunities. Through my education and dedication, I aspire to be a catalyst for positive change in my country.

Education

Oglethorpe University

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Civil Engineering

Oglethorpe University

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Civil Engineering

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Civil Engineering

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      water skiing

      Club
      2015 – 20216 years

      Awards

      • 2nd place in state

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Equitable Dinners — participant
        2021 – Present
      Sunshine Legall Scholarship
      I was born to a poor family in a poor country torn by war. When I was eight or nine, I lost my leg in the war in Afghanistan. This tragedy brought me to America where I got a prosthetic leg, received an education, and had experiences that have changed my life. When I first got to America in 2011, I could only stay for three months. My host family, John and Zoe, had a son with cerebral palsy who introduced me to waterskiing. I wanted to try it so badly. Everybody was explaining how to waterski, and I didn’t know any English. When I got on the water, I skied like a pro. I came back to America in 2013. I had learned a little English. On the lake, I was ready to get into a ski but Robby, my coach, said I was going to ski on one leg. I thought, Is he joking, or am I misunderstanding him? With a little practice, I was up and skiing the inner course. As I was growing up, all my emotions were getting stronger, but my PTSD worsened. I was getting help from a psychologist, but skiing was helping even more. While I’m on the water, I don’t think about the wars, the stress, and my problems. I think about making good cuts, going around the buoys, and having fun. If I hadn’t come to America, I’d be in an arranged marriage at age 15. To support the family, I’d be working all day, looking after the animals, doing manual work. I have learned to be grateful that I lost my leg. I know that I have a lot more to learn about this world, but I have learned something important: to think for myself. Back in Afghanistan, I attended a mosque where I was taught by religious men, like the Taliban. They taught us things that kids should not have to know at my age. Not a lot of people in Afghanistan can read, so the Taliban read the Quran to them and translated it the way they wanted to. When I first came to America, I was skeptical about this modern culture that ate at different times, prayed differently, and wore different clothes. The Taliban told me all Americans were evil, and yet Americans took me in, gave me food, took care of me, and gave me a leg. I had to ask myself, How are they evil? As I grew up, I realized that the Taliban were the evil ones. I am going to college because I want to help my country and get my family out of poverty. I am the first in my family to get an education. I would like to study engineering. This might sound dramatic, but I would like to stop the Taliban from causing more violence in Afghanistan. This has been my dream. I would like to go back to my homeland and see peace. I would solve this problem through education. The Taliban brainwash kids to fight for them. If I build good schools, that would teach children how wrong the Taliban are. The Taliban use religion as a weapon against the Islamic people. If people are educated, I think they would see right from wrong. I say that from experience. When I came to America, I learned that everything the Taliban taught us was from the Stone Age and that we as humans need to adapt to the new ways of thinking. Only through education can we save the people of Afghanistan.
      Crenati Foundation Supporting International Students Scholarship
      I was born to a poor family in a poor country torn by war. When I was eight or nine, I lost my leg in the war in Afghanistan. This tragedy brought me to America where I got a prosthetic leg, received an education, and had experiences that have changed my life. When I first got to America in 2011, I could only stay for three months. My host family, John and Zoe, had a son with cerebral palsy who introduced me to waterskiing. I wanted to try it so badly. Everybody was explaining how to waterski, and I didn’t know any English. I was thinking, What the heck are you guys trying to say? Just let me get on the water already. When I got on the water, I skied like a pro. I came back to America in 2013. I had learned a little English. On the lake, I was ready to get into the cage, which is a seat attached to a large waterski, but Robby, my coach, said I was going to ski on one leg. I thought, Is he joking, or am I misunderstanding him? With a little practice, I was up and skiing the inner course. Water skiing distracted me from PTSD which I faced harshly throughout middle and high school. Back in Afghanistan, I attended a mosque where I was taught by religious men, like the Taliban. They taught us things that kids should not have to know at my age. Not a lot of people in Afghanistan can read, so the Taliban read the Quran to them and translated it the way they wanted to. When I first came to America, I was skeptical about this modern culture that ate at different times, prayed differently, and wore different clothes. The Taliban told me all Americans were evil, and yet Americans took me in, gave me food, took care of me, and gave me a leg. I had to ask myself, How are they evil? As I grew up, I realized that the Taliban were the evil ones. I am going to go to college because I want to help my country and get my family out of poverty. I am the first in my family to get an education. I would like to study civil engineering. This might sound dramatic, but I would like to stop the Taliban from causing more violence in Afghanistan. This has been my dream. I would like to go back to my homeland and see peace. I would solve this problem through education. The Taliban brainwash kids to fight for them. If I build good schools, that would teach children how wrong the Taliban are. The Taliban use religion as a weapon against the Islamic people. If people are educated, I think they would see right from wrong. I say that from experience. When I came to America, I learned that everything the Taliban taught us was from the Stone Age and that we as humans need to adapt to the new ways of thinking. Only through education can we save the people of Afghanistan.
      Adam Montes Pride Scholarship
      I was born to a poor family in a poor country torn by war. When I was eight or nine, I lost my leg in the war in Afghanistan. This tragedy brought me to America where I got a prosthetic leg, received an education, and had experiences that have changed my life. When I first got to America in 2011, I could only stay for three months. My host family, John and Zoe, had a son with cerebral palsy who introduced me to waterskiing. I wanted to try it so badly. Everybody was explaining how to waterski, and I didn’t know any English. When I got on the water, I skied like a pro. I came back to America in 2013. I had learned a little English. On the lake, I was ready to get into a ski but Robby, my coach, said I was going to ski on one leg. I thought, Is he joking, or am I misunderstanding him? With a little practice, I was up and skiing the inner course. As I was growing up, all my emotions were getting stronger, but my PTSD worsened. I was getting help from a psychologist, but skiing was helping even more. While I’m on the water, I don’t think about the wars, the stress, and my problems. I think about making good cuts, going around the buoys, and having fun. If I hadn’t come to America, I’d be in an arranged marriage at age 15. To support the family, I’d be working all day, looking after the animals, doing manual work. I have learned to be grateful that I lost my leg. I know that I have a lot more to learn about this world, but I have learned something important: to think for myself. Back in Afghanistan, I attended a mosque where I was taught by religious men, like the Taliban. They taught us things that kids should not have to know at my age. Not a lot of people in Afghanistan can read, so the Taliban read the Quran to them and translated it the way they wanted to. When I first came to America, I was skeptical about this modern culture that ate at different times, prayed differently, and wore different clothes. The Taliban told me all Americans were evil, and yet Americans took me in, gave me food, took care of me, and gave me a leg. I had to ask myself, How are they evil? As I grew up, I realized that the Taliban were the evil ones. I want to go to college because I want to help my country and get my family out of poverty. I am the first in my family to get an education. I would like to study engineering or become an ambassador. This might sound dramatic, but I would like to stop the Taliban from causing more violence in Afghanistan. This has been my dream. I would like to go back to my homeland and see peace. I would solve this problem through education. The Taliban brainwash kids to fight for them. If I build good schools, that would teach children how wrong the Taliban are. The Taliban use religion as a weapon against the Islamic people. If people are educated, I think they would see right from wrong. I say that from experience. When I came to America, I learned that everything the Taliban taught us was from the Stone Age and that we as humans need to adapt to the new ways of thinking. Only through education can we save the people of Afghanistan.
      Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship
      I was born to a poor family in a poor country torn by war. When I was eight or nine, I lost my leg in the war in Afghanistan. This tragedy brought me to America where I got a prosthetic leg, received an education, and had experiences that have changed my life. When I first got to America in 2011, I could only stay for three months. My host family, John and Zoe, had a son with cerebral palsy who introduced me to waterskiing. I wanted to try it so badly. Everybody was explaining how to waterski, and I didn’t know any English. I was thinking, What the heck are you guys trying to say? Just let me get on the water already. When I got on the water, I skied like a pro. I came back to America in 2013. I had learned a little English. On the lake, I was ready to get into the cage, which is a seat attached to a large waterski, but Robby, my coach, said I was going to ski on one leg. I thought, Is he joking, or am I misunderstanding him? With a little practice, I was up and skiing the inner course. I was growing up and becoming a teenager. All my emotions were getting stronger, but my PTSD kept getting worse. I was getting help from a psychologist, but skiing was helping even more. While I’m on the water, I don’t think about the wars, the stress, and my problems. I think about making good cuts, going around the buoys, and having fun. I take pride in improving all the time. If I hadn’t come to America, I’d be in an arranged marriage at age 15. To support the family, I’d be working all day, looking after the animals, doing manual work. I have learned to be grateful that I lost my leg. I know that I have a lot more to learn about this world, but I have learned something important: to think for myself. Back in Afghanistan, I attended a mosque where I was taught by religious men, like the Taliban. They taught us things that kids should not have to know at my age. Not a lot of people in Afghanistan can read, so the Taliban read the Quran to them and translated it the way they wanted to. When I first came to America, I was skeptical about this modern culture that ate at different times, prayed differently, and wore different clothes. The Taliban told me all Americans were evil, and yet Americans took me in, gave me food, took care of me, and gave me a leg. I had to ask myself, How are they evil? As I grew up, I realized that the Taliban were the evil ones. This might sound dramatic, but I would like to stop the Taliban from causing more violence in Afghanistan. This has been my dream. I would like to go back to my homeland and see peace. I would solve this problem through education. The Taliban brainwash kids to fight for them. If I build good schools, that would teach children how wrong the Taliban are. The Taliban use religion as a weapon against the Islamic people. If people are educated, I think they would see right from wrong. I say that from experience. When I came to America, I learned that everything the Taliban taught us was from the Stone Age and that we as humans need to adapt to the new ways of thinking. Only through education can we save the people of Afghanistan.
      Ahmadi Family Scholarship
      Winner
      I was born to a poor family in a poor country torn by war. When I was eight or nine, I lost my leg in the war in Afghanistan. This tragedy brought me to America where I got a prosthetic leg, received an education, and had experiences that have changed my life. When I first got to America in 2011, I could only stay for three months. My host family, John and Zoe, had a son with cerebral palsy who introduced me to waterskiing. I wanted to try it so badly. Everybody was explaining how to waterski, and I didn’t know any English. I was thinking, What the heck are you guys trying to say? Just let me get on the water already. When I got on the water, I skied like a pro. I came back to America in 2013. I had learned a little English. On the lake, I was ready to get into the cage, which is a seat attached to a large waterski, but Robby, my coach, said I was going to ski on one leg. I thought, Is he joking, or am I misunderstanding him? With a little practice, I was up and skiing the inner course. Water skiing distracted me from PTSD which I faced harshly throughout middle and high school. Back in Afghanistan, I attended a mosque where I was taught by religious men, like the Taliban. They taught us things that kids should not have to know at my age. Not a lot of people in Afghanistan can read, so the Taliban read the Quran to them and translated it the way they wanted to. When I first came to America, I was skeptical about this modern culture that ate at different times, prayed differently, and wore different clothes. The Taliban told me all Americans were evil, and yet Americans took me in, gave me food, took care of me, and gave me a leg. I had to ask myself, How are they evil? As I grew up, I realized that the Taliban were the evil ones. I want to go to college because I want to help my country and get my family out of poverty. I am the first in my family to get an education. I would like to study engineering or become an ambassador. This might sound dramatic, but I would like to stop the Taliban from causing more violence in Afghanistan. This has been my dream. I would like to go back to my homeland and see peace. I would solve this problem through education. The Taliban brainwash kids to fight for them. If I build good schools, that would teach children how wrong the Taliban are. The Taliban use religion as a weapon against the Islamic people. If people are educated, I think they would see right from wrong. I say that from experience. When I came to America, I learned that everything the Taliban taught us was from the Stone Age and that we as humans need to adapt to the new ways of thinking. Only through education can we save the people of Afghanistan.
      Elijah's Helping Hand Scholarship Award
      I was born to a poor family in a poor country torn by war. When I was eight or nine, I lost my leg in the war in Afghanistan. This tragedy brought me to America where I got a prosthetic leg, received an education, and had experiences that have changed my life. When I first got to America in 2011, I could only stay for three months. My host family, John and Zoe, had a son with cerebral palsy who introduced me to waterskiing. I wanted to try it so badly. Everybody was explaining how to waterski, and I didn’t know any English. When I got on the water, I skied like a pro. I came back to America in 2013. I had learned a little English. On the lake, I was ready to get into the cage, which is a seat attached to a large waterski, but Robby, my coach, said I was going to ski on one leg. I thought, Is he joking, or am I misunderstanding him? With a little practice, I was up and skiing the inner course. I was growing up and becoming a teenager. All my emotions were getting stronger, but my PTSD kept getting worse. I was getting help from a psychologist, but skiing was helping even more. While I’m on the water, I don’t think about the wars, the stress, and my problems. I think about making good cuts, going around the buoys, and having fun. I take pride in improving all the time. If I hadn’t come to America, I’d be in an arranged marriage at age 15. To support the family, I’d be working all day, looking after the animals, doing manual work. I have learned to be grateful that I lost my leg. Back in Afghanistan, I attended a mosque where I was taught by religious men, like the Taliban. They taught us things that kids should not have to know at my age. Not a lot of people in Afghanistan can read, so the Taliban read the Quran to them and translated it the way they wanted to. When I first came to America, I was skeptical about this modern culture that ate at different times, prayed differently, and wore different clothes. The Taliban told me all Americans were evil, and yet Americans took me in, gave me food, took care of me, and gave me a leg. I had to ask myself, How are they evil? As I grew up, I realized that the Taliban were the evil ones. I want to go to college because I want to help my country and get my family out of poverty. I am the first in my family to get an education. I would like to study engineering or become an ambassador. This might sound dramatic, but I would like to stop the Taliban from causing more violence in Afghanistan. This has been my dream. I would like to go back to my homeland and see peace. I would solve this problem through education. The Taliban brainwash kids to fight for them. If I build good schools, that would teach children how wrong the Taliban are. The Taliban use religion as a weapon against the Islamic people. If people are educated, I think they would see right from wrong. I say that from experience. When I came to America, I learned that everything the Taliban taught us was from the Stone Age and that we as humans need to adapt to the new ways of thinking. Only through education can we save the people of Afghanistan.
      Disney Super Fan Scholarship
      Disney is more than just a perfect escape for me—it's a realm where I can truly leave behind the pressures and worries of the real world. As I step through the gates, a wave of enchantment washes over me, immersing me in a world of pure wonder and joy. Every aspect of Disney's carefully crafted environment is designed to transport me to a place where happiness reigns supreme. The moment I enter, I am greeted by a symphony of upbeat music that fills the air. The melodies are infectious, instantly lifting my spirits and setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. The sound of laughter echoes around me, intertwining with the playful chatter of fellow visitors. It's as if everyone in the park shares a common purpose: to create and savor moments of pure bliss. The tantalizing smells wafting from the various eateries are impossible to resist. The aroma of freshly popped popcorn, delectable treats, and mouthwatering cuisine beckon me to indulge in a delightful culinary adventure. Each bite is a burst of flavor that adds to the sensory tapestry of the Disney experience. What truly sets Disney apart is the way people walk around the parks. Everywhere I turn, I witness smiles on the faces of strangers and friends alike. The carefree expressions and sparkles of excitement in their eyes reflect the genuine joy that envelops the atmosphere. It's a contagious energy that instantly uplifts my mood and fills me with a sense of peace and contentment. In the midst of this vibrant and spirited environment, I become fully engulfed in the Happiest Place on Earth. Time seems to stand still as I lose myself in the immersive storytelling, awe-inspiring attractions, and magical encounters with beloved Disney characters. It's a place where dreams come to life and where the boundaries of reality seem to blur. Disney means more to me than just an escape; it's a haven where I can momentarily leave behind the cares and worries of everyday life that most of us have to deal with. It's a place where I can rediscover my inner child, rekindle my imagination, and create cherished memories with my friends and family that will last a lifetime. Disney holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the importance of joy, wonder, and embracing the magic that exists not just within us but also all around us. This is what Disney means to me.
      Dreamer's Midpoint Scholarship
      I was born to a poor family in a poor country torn by war. When I was eight or nine, I lost my leg in the war in Afghanistan. This tragedy brought me to America where I got a prosthetic leg, received an education, and had experiences that have changed my life. When I first got to America in 2011, I could only stay for three months. My host family, John and Zoe, had a son with cerebral palsy who introduced me to waterskiing. I wanted to try it so badly. Everybody was explaining how to waterski, and I didn’t know any English. I was thinking, What the heck are you guys trying to say? Just let me get on the water already. When I got on the water, I skied like a pro. This sport helped me get through my hardest challenge which was and is PTSD. I came back to America in 2013. I had learned a little English. On the lake, I was ready to get into the cage, which is a seat attached to a large waterski, but Robby, my coach, said I was going to ski on one leg. I thought, Is he joking, or am I misunderstanding him? With a little practice, I was up and skiing the inner course. If I hadn’t come to America, I’d be in an arranged marriage at age 15. To support the family, I’d be working all day, looking after the animals, doing manual work. I have learned to be grateful that I lost my leg. I know that I have a lot more to learn about this world, but I have learned something important: to think for myself. Back in Afghanistan, I attended a mosque where I was taught by religious men, like the Taliban. They taught us things that kids should not have to know at my age. Not a lot of people in Afghanistan can read, so the Taliban read the Quran to them and translated it the way they wanted to. When I first came to America, I was skeptical about this modern culture that ate at different times, prayed differently, and wore different clothes. The Taliban told me all Americans were evil, and yet Americans took me in, gave me food, took care of me, and gave me a leg. I had to ask myself, How are they evil? As I grew up, I realized that the Taliban were the evil ones. I want to go to college because I want to help my country and get my family out of poverty. I am the first in my family to get an education. I would like to study engineering. This might sound dramatic, but I would like to stop the Taliban from causing more violence in Afghanistan. This has been my dream. I would like to go back to my homeland and see peace. I would solve this problem through education. The Taliban brainwash kids to fight for them. If I build good schools, that would teach children how wrong the Taliban are. The Taliban use religion as a weapon against the Islamic people. If people are educated, I think they would see right from wrong. I say that from experience. When I came to America, I learned that everything the Taliban taught us was from the Stone Age and that we as humans need to adapt to the new ways of thinking. Only through education can we save the people of Afghanistan.
      Dr. Andy Nieto Memorial First Generation Opportunity and Excellence Scholarship
      I was born to a big and poor family in a poor country that is and was torn by war. When I was eight or nine, I lost my left leg in the war in Afghanistan that was fought between the Taliban and the American marins. This tragedy would evnutally bring me to America where I would get a prosthetic leg, received an education, and had experiences that have changed my life forever. When I first got to America in 2011 by the help of the American marines and other organizations in Afghanistan, I could only stay for three months. My host family, John and Zoe, had a son with cerebral palsy who introduced me to waterskiing. I wanted to try it so badly. Everybody was explaining how to waterski, and I didn’t know any English. I was thinking to myself, What the heck are you guys trying to say? Just let me get on the water already. When I got on the water, I hate to brag; I skied like a pro. I returned to Afghanistan with my new leg for about two years. I came back to America in 2013 with he help of my host family. I had learned a little English while staying in a secret school for girls in Afghanistan. On the lake, I was ready to get into the cage, which is a seat attached to a large waterski, but Robby, my coach, said I was going to ski on one leg. I thought, Is he joking, or am I misunderstanding him? I had never seen anyone ski standing up never the less skiing with one leg, but With a little practice, I was up and skiing the inner course. as I was growing up in America I was in a safer environment, I had time to think and this triggered my ptsd. I did not know what to do. It disrupted my sleep which affected how I did in school. I could not sleep, I would constantly be thinking about the wars and the fighting. Every time I laid down in bed, I would be seeing all the violence I had witnessed and I had terrible dreams about my family being killed in Afghanistan. All my emotions were getting stronger, but my PTSD kept getting worse. I was getting help from a psychologist, but skiing was helping even more. While I’m on the water, I don’t think about the wars, the stress, and my problems. I think about making good cuts, going around the buoys, and having fun. I take pride in improving all the time. If I hadn’t come to America, I’d be in an arranged marriage at age 15. To support the family, I’d be working all day, looking after the animals, doing manual work. I have learned to be grateful that I lost my leg. I know that I have a lot more to learn about this world, but I have learned something important: to think for myself. Back in Afghanistan, I attended a mosque where I was taught by religious men, like the Taliban. They taught us things that kids should not have to know at my age. Not a lot of people in Afghanistan can read, so the Taliban read the Quran to them and translated it the way they wanted to. When I first came to America, I was skeptical about this modern culture that ate at different times, prayed differently, and wore different clothes. The Taliban told me all Americans were evil, and yet Americans took me in, gave me food, took care of me, and gave me a leg. I had to ask myself, How are they evil? As I grew up, I realized that the Taliban were the evil ones. I want to go to college because I want to help my country and get my family out of poverty. I am the first in my family to get an education. I would like to study engineering. This might sound dramatic, but I would like to stop the Taliban from causing more violence in my home country, Afghanistan. This has been my dream. I would like to go back to my homeland and see peace. I would solve this problem through education. The Taliban brainwash kids to fight for them. If I build good schools, that would teach children how wrong the Taliban are. The Taliban use religion as a weapon against the Islamic people. If people are educated, I think they would see right from wrong. I say that from experience. When I came to America, I learned that everything the Taliban taught us was from the Stone Age and that we as humans need to adapt to the new ways of thinking. Only through education can we save the people of Afghanistan.