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Pictured left to right: Hermella, Khadra and Muna
Every year, Seattle Housing Authority awards at least two $1,000 Dream Big! Scholarships to students living in SHA subsidized housing. Scholarships are awarded by the SHA Higher Education Project committee to students who demonstrate great persistence, strength of character and growth through their high school and college careers. This year’s six Dream Big! Scholarship winners range from high school seniors to college juniors and all will attend college full time in the 2019-2020 school year. The recipients were honored at an SHA scholarship reception on August 27 at Red Cedar.
The 2019 Dream Big! Scholarship recipients are: Derrick, Hermela, Khadra, Mariam, Muna and Osman.
Congratulations to all of the Dream Big! Scholarship winners. Read more about the scholars below.
Hermella has volunteered for a number of programs and organizations including the COPE Health Scholars program at Swedish Hospital which had a profound impact on her. The program enabled Hermella to observe the different roles of a range of health professionals such as physicians, nurses and laboratory technicians. Hermella received Exemplary Scholar award through COPE. She is interested in studying biochemistry and would like to become a pharmacist.
Khadra has been recognized as an incredible student and inspirational leader at Rainier Beach High School. Her interest in medicine stems from her experience in her hometown of Mogadishu, Somalia where she became aware the lack of medical resources in her community. Khadra is interested in pursuing a degree in neuroscience or nursing at the University of Washington or Seattle Pacific University.
Muna is a hardworking and determined young woman who is unafraid of challenges and sees the best in those around her. A recent graduate of Garfield High School, Muna was accepted into the University Of Washington’s Neurological Surgery Summer Student Program which provides exposure to the field of neurosciences and to the neurosurgery profession for rising high school seniors and university undergraduates.
Despite financial struggles and various hardships, Derrick continues to shine bright. He is an International Baccalaureate student and a participant in the College Success Foundation. Derrick gives back to his community in ways often unnoticed and is able to connect with peers across all cultures. He is determined to achieve academic success and become an inspiration for his family and friends.
Determined and focused, Osman sought new challenges and prepared for college by participating in Running Start during high school. He is pursuing an International Business degree with a minor in Economics at the University of Washington. His goal is to earn a Certificate of International Studies in Business from The Foster School of Business and work as a financial analyst at the United Nations, supporting developing nations.
Mariam is an avid reader and excellent student who is currently enrolled in her first year at the University of Washington and plans to major in molecular biology in college before applying to medical school. Throughout her high school career she received numerous academic honors and was involved in Rainier Scholars, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad and so much more. Due to her dedication, curiosity, and strong work ethic, Mariam shows great potential for the future. Mariam hopes to pursue a career in the medical field, and we know that she will be a great addition to that field, her knowledge and skill will greatly impact her community.