I'm Still Here by Hameedah

I'm Still Here by Hameedah - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

My parents were informed by the doctors at one point in time that my chances of survival were very low. They were advised at the time to turn off the machine that was helping me live at the time. Although I don't remember everything when I was younger, I am still vividly able to picture the tubed taped around my nose; the large wheelchair which was far too heavy for my small body; and the long hospital hallways my mom wheeled me through because I wasn't strong enough to walk on my own. I was ill many times throughout my childhood.
As I grew older, I started to understand what I experienced. That understanding proved to be one of the hardest mental and emotional challenges I've had to face. The fact that there was a time in my life where my life was about to end before it even started. This really caused me to consider the significance of my life and the responsibilities that came with it. These hardships created motivation because this made me want to grow up to work towards an impactful life not just for myself, but for all those people who cared for me when I was unable to care for myself.
Throughout school and daily life, I have experienced tiredness, pressure, and self-doubt. Balancing academics, after-school clubs, and working hasn't always been easy. Sometimes the weight of expectation is overwhelming. Whenever I'm feeling this way, I remember my first challenge: surviving. Giving up was never an option for me back then, and it is still not today. The issues I face may not be life-threatening, but they do require dedication. I overcome them by reminding myself that my existence here is not an accident. My life was fought for, and I will continue to carry out responsibility to make sure I remember that.
This is where my interest in information technology began when I saw how helpful technology can be when it supports those who need it. I experienced how problem-solving might have a direct impact on another person's ability to function and succeed. I realized that IT is more than computers and systems. It's about helping others, providing service, and ensuring a positive important connection with my own past, where medical systems and technology were vital to my survival.
My life began with uncertainty, yet it is still continuing with purpose. I want to use my information technology degree to help others through hard times, solve problems with a purpose, and to give back. I hope to continue progressing, not just to benefit me but everyone who had faith in me before I could.