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The Future is Brilliant

POSTED ON 
July 9, 2014
We are so excited that we’ve partnered with Girls Inc. of Alameda County to provide a $10,000 college scholarship to one of their organization’s standout members! And now we want you to meet the recipient of our first-ever Brilliant Futures Scholarship, Laila Mufty! Laila recently graduated from Holy Names High School in Oakland and will attend Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania beginning in the fall. She signed up for a computer science class hosted by Girls Inc. of Alameda County in fifth grade and has been involved in the organization ever since – that’s eight years! Her Girls Inc. family encouraged her to apply for a scholarship to Holy Names High School, where she enrolled as a freshman and thrived as a student. In addition to demonstrated academic excellence, she established an American Sign Language Club to bridge the gap between the deaf and the hearing communities at her high school, and completed intensive summer internships at local hospitals. Through her impressive involvement with various organizations, Laila’s realized that her two passions are in pediatrics and learning about international cultures, and plans to pursue a doctorate degree after her undergraduate career. In the future, she hopes that she will be able to assist her community in the same way her communities have supported her in achieving her dreams and goals. We sat down for a Q&A with Laila to see how she’s preparing for college this fall. Enjoy! Q&A Q1: You wrote about the ways being a member of Girls Inc. impacted your life and education here in Oakland. How do you believe your Girls Inc. experiences will continue to shape your experiences in college and beyond? A1: When I entered Girls Inc. I was discouraged, lost and above all, scared. However, after five years, Girls Inc. has given me some of the most vital tools I need to pursue a higher education. It is because of this amazing program that I now have the confidence I lacked, the strength I need and the knowledge that I am a strong, smart and bold woman. I have been coached to give 110% to every day and to step out of my comfort zone so I may expand my horizons. Girls Inc. has taught me to open windows when doors are closed and shown me that my future lies solely within my own hands. It is with these tools that I walk on to Gettysburg soil and excel in my classes because I am smart, always keep moving forward because I am strong, and take on leadership roles because I am bold. I thank Girls Inc. for making me the woman I am today and for always believing in me, especially when I didn’t believe in myself. Q2: How do you feel, being part of the first generation in your family to go to college in America? A2: I am incredibly proud to be the first person in my family to go to college in America! Growing up, attending college was my biggest dream and I have spent the last seven years chasing that dream. My parents have always worked so hard to give me my best chance at a higher education and a better life and I am so honored to be able to make them proud. As a first generation, low-income student of color, college seemed limited to community college or junior college but with the support of Girls Inc., Brilliant Ink and my community, I am able to attend a private liberal arts school in Pennsylvania. Q3: You are the recipient of the very first Brilliant Futures Scholarship! How will this scholarship help you in your future endeavors? A3: The Brilliant Futures Scholarship gives me the opportunity to attend a private liberal arts school without having to worry about tuition. While I am in college, my focus will not be on how to pay for my next semester of school, but rather on my classes and activities at Gettysburg. In addition, without large amounts of debt, I will be able to continue on to graduate school and complete my dream of earning a doctorate. Q4: You already have a history of giving, as well as identifying deficits and taking the initiative to make a difference - you’ve actively participated in numerous volunteer opportunities and even established a club at your high school to help bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing communities. What plans do you have to give back to your community in the future? A4: My community has played a huge role in my success over the last seventeen years. Organizations such as Girls Inc., Achieve, Brilliant Ink and Children’s Hospital Oakland have provided unique opportunities in which I have grown tremendously. Paired with my passion for health sciences and clinical research, I hope to return to Children’s Hospital Oakland and give back to the community that has given me so much. I also would like to fund a student’s education through Achieve and help create new curriculum and programs for Girls Inc. students. I plan on continuing to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities by starting an ASL club at Gettysburg and actively participating in ASL events across the globe. My community has made it possible for me to pursue a higher education and a better life and it would be an honor to return and give back in any way I can. We’d like to wish Laila all the best in her brilliant future ahead! Laila-Mufty-1

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