Scholarship / "What excites you" question. Does the answer reflect values, inclusivity and tapping into potential? [3]

EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY MASTERCARD SCHOLARSHIP

1.We want to hear what excites you and what you are passionate about. Please write about a topic that is important to you and how this reflects your personal values.

Word limit: between 50 and 250 words.

Autism, Down syndrome, Albinism and many more disabilities are largely ignored and yet prevalent. A person born with such defects is considered a curse and subjected to a life of finger pointing, exclusion and stigma. They are simply that kid. A kid who, by means out of his control, is locked in his own prison. The lack of education and many superstitious beliefs that are there does nothing better to alleviate the situation.

Over the past few years I have been with special need children at the Mchombe Play Center. Specifically helping them integrate them ordinary kids so as to give them a holistic and normal child upbringing that any child deserves in the world. I, wanted to include them in this amazing phenomenon called life. I helped them interact better with their peers and develop their communication skills.

It is undoubtedly a sad reality that children remain some of the most marginalized people in this modern era. Worse if you a minority with a minority, you are simply out of the picture.

Hence with our differences and disability comes uniqueness that is often overshadowed by the many societal norms. With patience and time, their behavioral pattern had made a significant improvement a testimony that they too are capable of anything .

Undergraduate / I am answering the why NYU Abu Dhabi question. Will it catch the attention of the admissions officer [3]

Is this essay specific and does it reflect my aspirations to those of the university?

NYU Abu Dhabi is a dream come true

Tall palm trees, round shaped tops and heaven reaching skyscrapers, a combination of the Arabic and the modern picturesque and a revelation of the commitment the university has to integrating the diversity of the world.

Being amongst the most diverse group of peers at NYU Abu Dhabi will not only enable me to interact with many cultures but also learn about the various problems in the world. The will in turn help me shape my views and transform my perspectives to become a better global citizen. (Something I had learned during the door to door campaigns I conducted in my home village-that our actions affect others either in a bad way or a good way) who is engaged and knowledgeable about the world.

The biochemistry courses that I will take as chemistry major will help better understand the interconnection of multiple disciplines so as to apply the vast broad knowledge into solving today's problems. They will be a backbone in my field of interest of drug discovery and eventually pioneer the field of ''Made in Africa' 'Drugs. This will be in collaboration with the state of art research facilities available at the university.

I look forward to work in the Dore laboratory with Professor Timothy Dore. Developing innovative tech that will help us understand better our biological systems especially the brain, an interest I developed while working with autism children.

In addition, I am passionate about of issues of children. Having worked with them in various fields, I see myself working and partnering with the global TIES children to help improve the vulnerability of children in the poorest parts of the world where I happen to come from. Hence exposing them to a better future and enable they reach their full potential.

I really want to spread the knowledge of science around the world and Africa in specific. So being part of the Fikret Science Club will be a perfect opportunity help spread the joy of science.

NYU Abu Dhabi is dreams come true. I imagine myself laying down on the highline holding conversations that are diverse, or quietly reading a book at the rooftop amphitheater at a place I will come home for the next transformative four years of my life