Educational Goal by Shahed

Educational Goal by Shahed - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

My next big educational goal is to gain my Master’s degree in Computer Engineering. I have come a long way in my journey to advance my education. I lived overseas until I was sixteen years old. English was not my native language. Although I could understand it, it was difficult for me to read and write English. I was lucky enough to continue my high school career in the United States. I completed my last two years here, before I embarked on my college career.
It was not an easy adjustment. To be transparent, I struggled with the fact that I couldn’t understand everything that was being taught to me due to the language barrier. I was an honor roll student prior to my emigration to the States. I immediately felt my self-esteem suffer, and I knew I had to do something to get ahead of my feelings. I started to take advantage of different programs that helped teach English. I sourced out help from my family members so I can become keener on the language. I would only want them to speak in English to me, while I would only respond in the same manner. I took English classes at the local Community College. I did everything in my capacity to enhance my language expertise, and I feel like it finally paid off. When everyone witnessed my struggle, they doubted my ability to get into the College of Engineering. They told me it would be too hard on me, and that they felt I wouldn’t be up for the challenge. Aside from the discouragement, I was able to prove them wrong. Not only did I set myself up for success, but I am thriving! I was able to land an internship this year and built a network that connects me to future engineers all across the United States. I’ve maintained an Honor Roll GPA, and I’ve made the decision to further my education and complete my Master’s degree. I’m looking forward to building on my success and achieving my education goals. I aspire to make a sustainable difference in the world with the direct work I will be doing as an Engineer. I truly cannot wait to give back to the community that helped shape me into who I am today.