Ragaa Abdulmoniem

College attending:University of Mary Washington

High School activities: Volunteering at her Community Center, Interact Club, Model United Nations, Yearbook, Speech and Debate, Future Business Leaders of America, Harvey Hall Tutoring Program with the Harvey Hall Youth Alliance

Career goals:Psychology and Biological Science; to work with children

Essay excerpt: “Through working with children on a professional level, I hope to give back to my community, which has given so much to me and my family."
“This scholarship money would most definitely help my parents with their financial struggle to educate their four children. My personal resources are limited to money that I have earned and saved as a babysitter, desk clerk and camp counselor. Currently I am in the process of securing a part-time job at Babies ‘R’ Us to earn money towards my college tuition.”

Community essay excerpt: “I was born in Sudan, a country not recognized either for supporting academic achievement or providing assistance to its people. In Sudan I had not been exposed to a culture of volunteerism. The prevailing viewpoint there is that only students who engulf themselves in schoolwork are capable of achievement and reward. I now know that the feeling of ‘being rewarded’ can come through the avenue of helping others…”

Recommendation excerpts: “Ragaa’s high level of maturity, reliability and conscientiousness will undoubtedly help her to achieve great success as she pursues her college education.”
“She enjoys the subject matter in my Geography class and has particular interest in Sudan and the Darfur genocide, as she was born in Sudan. She cares deeply about international affairs and is always asking deep and thoughtful questions about the role of the U.N. and U.S. in international conflicts.”