Academic Resources:

As a first-generation student, applying to graduate school has felt like one of my biggest challenges yet (I cannot even begin to imagine what being in grad school will feel like). Not only am I a first-generation graduate student, the first in my family, but I am also the only living member of my family to get an undergraduate degree— rest in peace to my older sister, who passed this incredible hurdle before I did and inspired me to take on the challenge. I know that my sister would be ecstatic to know that her little sis is about to take on the journey of getting her doctorate, and I look forward to fulfilling that obstacle with an incredible angel by my side. With that said, I could not have gotten into graduate school without the guidance and inspiration of great mentors and community members who continuously pushed me to thrive beyond what I felt I was capable of doing.

Many unbelievably amazing people went above and beyond to guide me on this journey, from providing me with example statements, giving me invaluable advice, reading my ideas over and over again, listening to my worries and anxieties, and having one-on-one meetings to discuss my future in research and my capabilities as a scientist. One thing that I will never forget is the support of my mentors, friends, and family. That support is what I hope to reciprocate to the others like me, first-generation students, women in STEM, Arabs, and other underrepresented students in the academy who need someone to support them in this immensely intimidating and rough journey.

I will share a list of resources, webpages, and videos that I found helpful during my application process. I will also share my essays, both personal and research statements, which I used to apply to graduate school in hopes that they will help others like me in their endeavors of starting a graduate degree. Graduate school can feel so far fetched for many of us, but many people do want to see you succeed despite the few who voices diminish our spirits. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are not worthy! If they try to (almost always someone will), prove to them who you are and just how capable you are! We are all more than qualified, and able to fulfill our dreams—we deserve our shot at success! I am 30 years old and about to start a PhD program after graduating undergrad at 28. Many people told me I would never finish my undergrad, yet I am about to embark on my most powerful and enlightened journey in my lifetime. I hope that my statements might help you. I am forever grateful for my teachers who led me to believe in myself, and I will do my best to share that guidance and encouragement for you.

“The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and lovingness.
If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.” - Gibran Khalil Gibran