Class of 2023
Major: Political Science
School: Delaware State University
“I am currently a high school senior on the verge of graduation, ready to learn more about how I can change and impact the world to make it just a little bit easier for those struggling. I’ve always had a passion for speaking against what was wrong in our systems, but now I’m ready to learn and apply it to the real world.”
Major: Criminal Justice
School: DeSales University
“My passions are towards service. I want to help as many people as I can. Right now, I am doing as much community service as I can to help others. I can’t wait to join clubs with people who have the same interests. At DeSales, there are so many opportunities to help the community and help others. I can not wait to participate in a lot of it. I am going to study criminal justice to become a police officer. As a police officer, I can help so many people in various communities. I want to show people that police officers are here to help whoever is in need of it. As well as just be a guide to anyone who needs a bright light in a time of darkness. Essentially, I am working to prepare myself to study criminal justice, be involved in as much community service as I can, and be someone people can talk to whenever something is bothering them. I plan to also get my master’s degree at DeSales. I plan on being a police officer for a while; after a certain period, I plan on joining the FBI. I want to expand the helping hand I can to people in more locations.”
Major: Accounting
Minor: Dance
School: Bucknell University
“Dance and entrepreneurship are my driving passions. I aim to build a dance business, merging creativity and business acumen. Studying accounting at Bucknell University will provide me with a solid foundation to manage and grow my business. I strive to create a space that nurtures talent and empowers dancers to express themselves. Additionally, I am deeply committed to my community, engaging in clubs and activities to give back and make a positive impact. I believe in the importance of unity and connecting with diverse groups. Looking ahead, I envision a future where my dance business becomes a pillar of support and inspiration. I also have a keen interest in real estate and aim to explore its integration with my entrepreneurial endeavors. Through constant growth and learning, I am excited to embrace challenges and opportunities, making meaningful contributions in the artistic and business worlds. With a thirst for knowledge, dedication to personal development, and a commitment to my dreams, I am determined to create a fulfilling future while positively impacting the world around me.”
Major: Environmental Engineering
School: Drexel University
“My identity has been a major factor in my desire for success. I am a black Muslim woman interested in STEM, which is rare to see. The amount of black women in STEM is minuscule; as a result, I am striving to be a part of the slowly growing population of black women in STEM. So far, I have participated in numerous internships and field excursions while learning in a diverse and collaborative community. Throughout my entire life, I have had the pleasure of learning within a community of people with vastly different life experiences from me. It was insightful to learn from them and have the ability to encourage creativity and performance among each other. I hope to have the same effect on others I meet in the future.”
Major: Exploratory Studies (STEM)
School: Drexel University
“As the child of immigrant parents, my ambitions have always been high, with the goal of redefining the stereotype of Hispanic/Latinx people. And now, thanks to the Herb It Forward Scholarship, I will be able to realize these goals and many more.
As my mother always said, “no se conforme por menos,” or “never settle for less,” and that is precisely what I aim to accomplish not only at school but throughout my life. Participating in student government, as I did in high school, exposing myself to other groups and organizations on campus, and broadening my horizons are just a few of the ways I want to apply this concept to my life. From my adolescence until the present, I have had a strong interest in medical sciences, particularly dermatology. And this desire will continue to grow throughout my undergraduate studies and into my graduate studies. The strange thing about science is that no matter how much you think you know, there is always more to learn. This truth serves as yet another reason for me to continue following my passions as I navigate my college and life journeys.”
Major: Nursing
School: Morgan State University
“After I graduate high school in the spring, I plan on attending college in the fall, majoring in nursing to eventually in the future become a pediatric nurse. Nursing is probably one of the most challenging majors to intake, and it requires a lot of dedication and hard work. I want to become a nurse because I want to be able to show others the compassion and strength that I wish I received a little more often throughout my entire life. What I plan on doing to become a nurse is doing internships in college and nursing school, of course. Some other passions I have are cheerleading and dancing because I’ve been dancing since I was in middle school, and I was a cheerleader throughout my whole high school experience. I definitely hope to either join cheer or dance again when I go to college in the fall.”
Major: Political Science
School: Penn State Brandywine Campus
“Since I was younger, I have seen many families, including my own, struggle with building a life in a new country in which they were labeled as “illegal.” I saw my family overcome that struggle; my parents created a whole new life and, with help, were able to achieve residency. After seeing my dad accomplish this, I knew I wanted to help other families in similar situations have a better life. I became more involved in my community, taking up volunteering in my church to help underprivileged kids in those same situations to grow as people while learning about their faith; I assisted in multiple coat drives to give Hispanic kids in need warmer clothing for the winter, and helped translate in my school for parents who only spoke Spanish. While I loved contributing to my community in this way, I knew I wanted to do more, so I will be studying Political science to go to law school and become an immigration lawyer. I want to enable families to get their residency and give themselves and their children a better life without worrying about it all being taken away.”
Major: Biology/Pre-Med
Minor: Business
School: Pennsylvania State University
“Being in the hospital with my mom after she had given birth to my little brother gave me the passion of wanting to be an OBGYN in the future. While I was in the hospital, I was fascinated by all the doctors who held my baby brother and took care of my mother. Since then, I knew that I wanted to be one of those doctors who care and delivers babies. I grew to have a passion for helping my own kind and giving them the medical needs and support that any other doctor would not be able to provide. I want to give women the most support and care that I can, and this also leads to my larger goal of wanting to open a clinic that provides medical care for women who cannot afford it. I want to leave a positive outcome in this world before I go. Seeing and making people happy gives me joy. I have hope in myself to accomplish all these goals that I have for myself.”
Major: Nursing
School: Howard University
Major: Nursing
Minor: Psychology
School: University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
“As someone who wants to be a nurse, I am determined to play a role in making the health field a place that everyone can wholeheartedly rely on. In order to change the situation, I would start by putting myself in a position where I can create an impact in the medical field. Throughout my experience as a nurse, I would try my best to gain knowledge of where health disparities reside within different ethnicities. First, I will use my education to become the best nurse possible. My immediate goal is to be able to attend a high-level college with scholarships. I will use my education to continue making my surroundings a better and safer environment. I have a multitude of interests and skills that will be a positive contribution to my campus community. In high school, I have become empowered as a community leader in art, education, and environmentalism. I have worked on numerous art empowerment programs, which resulted in community art or murals that address global issues. In my education, I have much more to learn about science, hands-on medicine, and leadership skills. I will focus on my education as the highest priority in my life in order to advance toward my long-term goals. I am skilled at teaching others, and as a refugee, I have a unique cultural perspective to share. I will continue to challenge myself as an active member of the college community and take every opportunity to develop as a healthcare professional.”
Major: International Business
School: Drexel University
“My passions encompass meeting new people, traveling, and using my business background to improve society. I am driven by a deep curiosity to understand different cultures and their interactions, as well as how these dynamics shape the global economy. To actively work towards my goals, I am currently participating in the National Security Language Initiative, which provides me with the opportunity to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea. By immersing myself in the language and culture, I am expanding my understanding of diverse perspectives and developing cross-cultural communication skills. Additionally, my internship at Valley Forge Financial Group allows me to gain practical experience in the financial realm, honing my business acumen and preparing me for future challenges. With my degree in International Business, I aim to channel my passions and expertise to make a positive impact on society. My ultimate aspiration is to pursue a career in a multinational company where I can leverage my unique cultural perspective to foster innovation and drive growth. By collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds, I believe I can contribute to creating effective solutions that address social issues and promote constructive change. I am committed to being a catalyst for innovation, working towards sustainable business practices, and influencing policy decisions that benefit communities on a global scale.”
Major: Information of Sciences and Technology
School: Pennsylvania State University
“I have a passion for Computer Science, and I am hoping to help build software or design a program where I can provide my community with the help they need. I have originally designed a prototype, but as I learn more coding, I will add to my ideas and prosper new ones. I intend to pursue my degree in Computer Science or IST to help design future websites and make my ideas available to everyone.”
Major: Kinesiology
School: Temple University
“In the past, I let myself and people close to me down by not being the best version of myself. In my Junior year, I returned to in-person school. At first, it felt new all over again, coming in as a “Junior” when in reality, you haven’t completed one full year of in-person learning. It was a different feeling, being an upperclassman so soon. It felt like freshman year was just yesterday. But stepping into a leadership role was easy. I returned back to the varsity basketball team. Practicing from 6-8 every day, games every other day, and possibly on the weekends was very time-consuming and took a lot of commitment. At home, I babysat my little brother almost every day, and on the weekends, I went to work to help provide for my family at just 16 years of age. While juggling all of these responsibilities, I was able to maintain my GPA throughout my Junior year and improve just how I said I would. COVID-19 tested my resilience; it tested how hard I would fight to get what I wanted. COVID-19 Shaped me into the person I am today. I learned that once you hit rock bottom, there is no place to go but up. I learned that giving up is never an option.”
Major: Electrical Engineering
School: Drexel University
“From an early age, I have always been captivated by how electricity and technology have shaped our lives. The endless capabilities of electricity, from powering smartphones and electric vehicles to driving robots, have always fascinated me and served as a driving force for my passion for electrical engineering. During high school, I have sought ways to continue gaining experience with engineering. I got involved with my school’s robotics team in my first year of high school, working with other students to build, wire, and code robots. Over my high school summers, I would participate in programs such as ASM Materials camp to get a feel of materials engineering and Girls Who Code to learn the basics of programming. I plan to get my undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and go to graduate school for my master’s in biomedical engineering. Through my innovations, my goal is to leave a positive impact on the world, whether it be saving lives or inspiring girls to pursue STEM.”
Major: Film Production
Minor: Theatre Arts
School: Rochester Institute of Technology
“When I started filmmaking in my Sophomore year of high school, I never knew how much it would change my life. It gave me something that I could be truly passionate about. More than that, it helped me gain a level of maturity and understanding within myself. I found my love of teaching and leadership through the responsibilities of being a director and producer. I had amazing teachers who understood the importance of connecting with the students. I certainly hope to make them proud. As a filmmaker of color, I want to be a positive force for our community. Diversity is underappreciated and lacking in our field. While that will, unfortunately, remain true for quite some time, I want to be able to give POC more opportunities in front and behind the camera. I want to tell stories that lift us up and show us as people and not just inspirations. I can’t wait to share my work with you!”
Major: Exercise Science: Pre-Physical Therapy
School: Immaculata University
“I am a first-generation Hispanic at Immaculata University. I’ve been able to manage my time as a student and as an athlete. Currently, I am a member of the cross country, indoor, and outdoor track teams for IU. My experiences as a volunteer, student, and athlete opened the world of medicine for me. I’ve needed physical therapy multiple times. I was welcomed with open arms and felt motivated to get physically better. I decided that becoming a physical therapist was the right fit for me. I would be able to help my patients get back to their activities with fewer to no restrictions. It would be lovely to connect with my patients and be able to minimize their pain in all ways. It is important to keep in check someone’s mental health because without their mental health being good, they will not want to proceed to get physically better. It is more than just helping a patient get in and out of the clinic, but also preventing future injuries and helping them gain more knowledge. With the help of God and high hopes, I hope to get my doctoral degree and open my clinic someday. I’ll make sure my clinic won’t discriminate against anyone. It will allow anybody to be assisted both mentally and physically. Anywhere I help, I’ll make sure everybody is getting treated right. My end goal is just to help people mentally and physically and do it all for God.”
Major: Computer Engineering
School: Villanova University
“I started my tech journey by applying to Girls Who Code. I spent my summer building projects, including a personal website, a personality quiz, and a tic-tac-toe game. I completed a dual enrollment course called Intro to Computer Science at the Community College of Philadelphia, and I’m eager to go to college to study computer science and help educate people about the power of technology. I want to network with people and gain new experiences in college. I would then like to work in the industry to fix, implement, and improve technologies. Since then, I have applied for many opportunities to explore my interests. I am interested in becoming a software engineer because I want to make a change in the world by utilizing technology. Gun violence has plagued the city of Philadelphia, and it is time to change that. The best technology that we have now is cameras, which are not enough. We need something more innovative. Better technologies like smart gun technology and human interaction technology could prevent or cause someone to change their mind before killing someone. There will be a fingerprint and identification reader on the gun to stop unauthorized users from utilizing a gun. I would code this by using if and while statements to return an error if the gun does not recognize the fingerprints which will stop the gun from firing.”
Major: Computer Science & Economics
Minor: Sociology
School: Harvard University
“I aspire to use the intersection of computer science, business, and sociology to address our world’s pressing issues, starting with equitable education for all. My background as a woman of color in STEM from an under-resourced school has shown me the inequities of our country’s education system. Coming from an immigrant and single-parent household, I understand the value of opportunity. I hope to use my education to travel and assist other young people of color interested in STEM. Growing up, I didn’t have much representation in my fields of interest, but interacting with others through virtual computer science programs ignited my passion to change this narrative for future generations. The technology industry holds much potential in advancing toward a more equitable society. In collaborating with like-minded individuals, prioritizing community needs, and incorporating my passion for computer science, I plan to leverage this industry to address our world’s most pressing needs. With experiences in software engineering and artificial intelligence during my undergraduate journey, I am excited to explore the multitude of opportunities that the technology space has to offer. My ultimate mission is to have different careers in my lifetime to unveil new passions and maximize the impact I can make for a better and brighter tomorrow.”
Major: Political Science
School: Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg Campus
“Growing up, I always had an interest in helping those around me, but I didn’t know how I’d help them. Law has always been an interest of mine, so when I had the chance to explore it in high school, I was excited. I was accepted to go on a trip to visit the U.S. Circuit Courtroom and to sit and watch a federal case. I also visited the Abolitionist Law Center in Downtown Philadelphia and learned what can be done about America’s mass incarceration issue. The most important thing I learned from all of this is that people have more power when they understand the law and can fight for what they believe in. That is why I seek to learn more about the law to protect myself and others. However, I will have to overcome a system that doesn’t seek to help my people. Political Science can be deaf to the needs of the black community in its curriculum. My goal is to make a change in as many lives as possible, and even though Political Science may discriminate against those it aims to help, I will not.”
Major: Psychology
School: University of Pennsylvania
Major: Environmental Science
School: La Salle University
“Being able to have a relationship with my dentists since I was very young gave me the insight to see how they perform, their care, and their positive attitudes. As I get older, I find myself wanting a career in dentistry, too. With a large amount of research and feedback from other dentists, I can see myself aligning with the work and life of a dentist, and that is why I chose La Salle University to fulfill my undergrad. Majoring in Environmental Science, I hope to learn about the interrelationship between humans and the environment while also covering concepts that are required for dental school, such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy. Although pursuing dental is a tedious and long process, my admiration and dedication have not allowed me to be deterred in any way. This is because I know that this career is rewarding for me in terms of being able to do what I enjoy and also helping my patients, and to also give back to others. In the future, I wish to combine my degree in environmental science and dental to create something that will combine the two since dental and health careers are contributors to tons of plastic waste and environmental problems every year. Being able to receive this award and be part of HIFF really helped me financially, and to know that a part of my community supports my decision to continue my education is something that will keep pushing me.”
Major: Political Science
School: University of Pennsylvania
“With a great love for service, I have worked for at least three different community organizations. I am currently employed at a community alliance, 215 People’s Alliance, where I connect with community leaders and gain mentorship. Through these opportunities, I have learned that my passion stands with my community, fighting for language access, immigration reform, and anti-discrimination policies. My intention is to receive a degree in Political Science and use it to work for an international social service organization. I will use my college years to explore in depth how I can utilize my knowledge. Currently, I do interpretation and document translation. I want to grow my skills and possibly use them in my future career. I envision myself fighting for greater wages, homeownership opportunities, education, and mental health resources for all. I want a career that will allow me to create a positive impact in people’s lives through activism and service.”
Major: Kinesiology
School: Pennsylvania State University
“I am passionate about helping athletes and people who have been injured to further learn about their bodies and how to prevent injuries. I want to become an athletic trainer or a physical therapist. Now, I am a lifeguard, a dancer, and a Girl Scout. With these extracurricular activities, I have learned so much about working with others, myself, and how to navigate my surroundings. I plan on earning my doctorate degree so that I have the ability to treat people who have been injured.”
Major: Computer Science
School: Drexel University
“Coming from an immigrant background, I lacked the luxury of readily available resources for success. Nevertheless, I persevered and proactively sought opportunities. Along this path, I encountered remarkable individuals who guided and shaped the person I am today. These experiences instilled in me resilience and determination, showing me that my background was not a limitation but a source of strength, enabling me to adapt to challenges.”
Major: Criminology (Undecided)
Minor: Biophysics
School: University Of Pennsylvania
“I have always been fascinated by the legal field since childhood and have dedicated a significant amount of time to studying it. During my high school years, I even joined a Mock Trial club to gain experience as a lawyer and hone my skills in research, writing, and public speaking. My ultimate career goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree related to law and then attend law school to earn my law degree. My hope is to use my skills and knowledge to help advance society in a positive way, whether that means working toward criminal justice reform, advocating for underrepresented communities, or fighting for the rights of those who have been wronged. While I am still exploring various career paths in the legal field, I am excited about the many opportunities that lie ahead and am confident that my passion will lead me toward a fulfilling and impactful future.”
Major: Astrophysics
Minor: Computational Physics
School: Lycoming College
“I am a rising Sophomore majoring in Astrophysics and a minor in computational physics at Lycoming College. My passion in life is to be able to provide meaningful contributions to the astrophysics field. To start this, I am doing an internship with a professor at my college during the summer, and I hope to continue it into the school year. I also have a lifelong interest in giving back to the community that I am a part of. They were there when I needed them most, and I want to be able to be there when someone else needs them the most. One of the ways I am doing this is by learning how to use a ham radio so that if there is ever a disaster near me, I can assist in local rescue operations. My current hope after my undergraduate is to attend graduate school for a Ph.D. in High-energy astrophysics. When I am not in college, I work as an Engineer designing equipment for a local company. In my free time, I am an avid fan of chess, personal engineering projects, and coding.”
Major: Psychology
School: Drexel University
“I have been in places in my life where I have witnessed people suffering from the damage of mental health issues. Having been in dark places before, I have made it a mission of mine to make the world a brighter place. I believe that everyone deserves community; building community is one of the best ways to change one’s life. When someone knows they are seen, loved, heard, and valued, they can be inspired to do amazing things. They can create, love, serve, and give. In high school, I helped lead an Asian cultural club for three years. I’ve been working with an organization that supports Southeast Asian immigrants and their descendants since my sophomore year of high school. In the future, with my degree, I hope to one day become a clinical psychologist. I want to create an organization of my own that can help build a community for Queer and POC folks. I want to be able to help people address their traumas and create joy as well.”
“As I stepped from high school to college, almost every person I interacted with questioned me what will be my major. The answer comes naturally, ‘Business and Tourism.’ The experience of moving from one country to another has been life-changing for me, so I want to inspire others to travel, whether by just exploring the place they are living in or studying abroad. I am working on my plan to operate a travel business where the guests are entertained and have rich, valuable experiences that positively impact them and possibly inspire them to inspire others. My first step is that I must travel more. So now I am taking a gap year to do far-from-home various activities, both domestic and abroad. Then, starting college to enrich my travel experiences by growing my knowledge about business and tourism, and effectual my plans.”
Major: User Experience and Interaction Design
Minor: Graphic Design
School: Drexel University
“Growing up, I have always cherished art and technology. There was a connection between the two that I was able to find and expand on with digital design! I aspire to be a website designer (UX/UI) who will continue to create experiences that captivate. I want to be able to design experiences that connect and inspire users everywhere. As I continue my college journey, I strive to gain the skills needed and to develop my mindset to make this goal come true. We watch technology continue to advance before our eyes, and I want to make sure we can advance right along with it. I hope I can contribute to making technology more accessible, more enjoyable, and easier for everyone to use. I want to design the future, one experience at a time!”
Major: Computer Science
School: Rowan University
“I’m delighted to have received this scholarship since it perfectly fits my goals and desires to give back to my community. I have a great chance to follow my ambitions and have a beneficial impact thanks to this scholarship. I have continually sought out hard coursework that is compatible with my dedication to the engineering field and have consistently maintained a strong academic record throughout my academic career. This has helped me get a solid grasp of the material and improve essential skills like problem-solving and decision-making. I actively participated in extracurricular activities and community service projects outside of the classroom, which formed my character and grew my ideas. These encounters have helped me to understand the value of teamwork, leadership, and empathy. I have participated in several food drives and charity activities where I have genuinely impacted the lives of people. With this grant of money, I would be able to dedicate all of my attention to my studies and fully engage in the research, internships, and experiential learning opportunities that will help me reach my objectives. I truly appreciate your attention, and I am sure that my motivation, commitment, and drive for greatness make me a great choice for this award. I’m dedicated to succeeding academically and using my degree to give back to society in a significant way. Thank you for taking a look at my application and helping kids like myself who want to make a difference in the world.”
Major: Business
School: Morgan State University
“First and foremost, I am completely honored to have been chosen for this scholarship. I will use this scholarship funds and experience, along with my college education, to build a career in real estate and, hopefully, eventually run my own real estate company.”
Major: Legal Studies
School: Temple University
“While I may have initially applied as a Journalism major, I’ve decided that legal studies as a pre-law is more suitable for me. That being said, I intend to find some more community service opportunities and join on-campus clubs (for example: Model Un, sorority, debate, etc.). I believe that with the help of this foundation and my personal drive, I will be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a lawyer. In particular, criminal law interests me most because I’ve been a witness to a lot of false accusations and innocent people being arrested in my community. I hope to defend those that are innocent and make the world a more honest place.”