Wiingy Future STEM Leaders Scholarship

Chloe Luna

Colorado State University | TX, USA

Determination is Key. I moved from a government school to a private school during my last two years of high school. This, to me, was the biggest struggle I had encountered. The main reason this was the biggest struggle is that I had to learn the main science and math subjects in English, while I had only been taught basic English when I was in the government school. The science and math subjects were taught in Arabic. My English during that time was not fluent. It is safe to say that I struggled a lot trying to become accustomed to my new school. I had to adapt to a new language that I barely spoke and learn new concepts and ideas that felt impossible to grasp at that time. The teaching method was more advanced in the private school, which I was not used to. Having said that, I took it upon myself to learn how to accustom myself to my new school. My biggest motivation was to score high grades in these subjects so that I could apply for scholarships abroad and, hopefully, get accepted. I talked to both my Chemistry and English high school teachers, who both recommended and advised me on different aspects. My Chemistry teacher advised me to use the textbook and look through old exams to score well. My English teacher told me to read newspapers instead of books, as they have short articles that I would not get easily bored reading through. Consequently, my English improved. She mentioned that old TOEFL exams online could be of further assistance if I wanted to practice my English and simultaneously know what to expect when taking the TOEFL exam for college admissions. It was a tough journey, but I made sure to start early, a year early to be exact. I did my research and saw that it can take up to a year or two for a person to become fluent in a new language. I did, however, know English but not fluently like my peers in the private school I attended. My chemistry and biology classes started to take a toll on me during the second half of the semester. The use of scientific terms that I had never heard before was extensive in class, and I was experiencing stress like never before. The stress I faced came from the pressure to succeed so that I could acquire scholarships to attend university after graduation. The universities in my home country are expensive and would require financial support if you come from a lower to middle-class family. I remember that the biggest help I found was learning scientific concepts, mostly from online videos like those from Khan Academy. Certainly, I pushed through high school with consistent studying and preparing for exams, which led me to where I am today - in Germany, pursuing my Master's in Materials Engineering.

Madison Galich

Dakota High School | MI, USA

Growing up as a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was undeniably a trying time in my life. From the earliest days of my education, I struggled to focus, sit still and meet the expectations of a world that often seemed designed for children without this condition. It felt as though I was constantly swimming against the current, struggling to keep up with the flow of life around me. However, it was through these challenges and the perseverance they demanded that I discovered a strength within myself and how the experience of having ADHD helped shape my future. As a young child, I remember waking up in the middle night with night terrors for no reason. I often found myself standing out for all the wrong reasons. I couldn't sit still in class, my mind wandered during lessons and I was the student who frequently heard phrases like, ""Pay attention!"" and ""Sit down!"" Yet, no matter how hard I tried, my brain was wired differently. I couldn't control the racing thoughts and impulses that accompanied my condition and I grappled with being labeled as ""lacking focus"" and the ""daydreamer."" Throughout my elementary school years, I faced setbacks and moments of self-doubt. There were countless late nights of studying and it often felt like I had to put in twice the effort just to keep up with my peers. However, it was these struggles along with medication and strong parental support that pushed me to develop resilience and a strong work ethic. My parents’ hugs, support, encouragement and just being there for me at those time showed me I was not alone. Hence, I became adept at managing my time, breaking tasks into smaller more manageable pieces and finding strategies to stay on track. In essence, ADHD made me a problem solver, analytical and always seeking innovative solutions. Around the same time, I discovered my love for sports and video games. Soccer and golf, in particular, became my outlets for excess energy and a means to hone my focus. Soccer matches required strategic thinking and quick decision-making on the field, skills that benefited from the improved attention medication provided. Golf, on the other hand, demanded precision and concentration, skills I had to develop and nurture over time. These sports became not just hobbies, but also tools for self-improvement. As I entered middle school, I began to see significant improvements in my academic performance and social interactions. Medication dosage was being gradually lowered as I needed it less and less. By the time high school came around medication was no longer needed as I had developed a strong sense of self-confidence and determination. I continued to play soccer and golf, not only for the physical benefits, but also for the emotional and mental balance they brought. Through these formative years, I learned that ADHD didn't define me, it was just a part of who I am. While it presented its unique set of challenges, it also brought strengths like creativity, resilience and a zest for life. My journey from a young child struggling with ADHD in elementary school to a high school student who had learned to manage it effectively was not easy. It required patience, support from my family and healthcare professionals and the dedication to improving myself.