While Inaiyah S. isn’t quite sure what she’ll study in college yet, she has a strong interest in art and creating things and has also discovered a love for writing. Not only does this Girl on the Rise look forward to continuing her education, she is dreaming about the opportunity to travel to different states and countries to learn and experience even more.

What is something you are most proud of?

My work ethic — both inside and outside of academics. I’ve had to push my limits for the things I aspired to have.

Have you gone through any tough or challenging times? If yes, how did you deal with those challenges?

I think everyone’s had their trials and tribulations, and i’m definitely not outside of that category. When I go through situations, it’s so easy for me to let the bad outweigh the good. But I try to find comfort in the saying, ‘Everything happens for a reason,’ and that whatever I’m going through is for my greatest good in the end.

I’m big on planning things and being organized in my life, but the one thing I can’t plan for is what happens in my life. So it helps me a lot to just think about challenging times as things to be proud of that I’ve gotten through — because you wouldn’t be able to appreciate the good moments without the bad ones.

What does it mean to you to be selected as a Girl on the Rise?

It honestly feels like the missing puzzle pieces are finally being put in place in what I’ve desired for myself. I feel really honored to have been chosen out of all the applicants and happy that I decided to participate in this.

What inspired you to want to be involved with Girls on the Rise?

My mentor recommended the organization to me, initially I wasn’t sure if I would apply just because I wasn’t sure if I’d be chosen but i’m the end I decided that I shouldn’t let my fear of failing determine what will happen.

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? In other words: Why is the opportunity to visit your prospective colleges important to your journey?

I don’t come from tremendous financial freedom, so taking trips to visit colleges was something I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to do. Being able to visit the colleges I want gives me the opportunity to visualize myself not only being a student there, but also as a resident in whatever state I’m in.

What schools will you use the funding to visit, and why?

I’m interested in visiting Texas Southern University and Spelman College because they’re HBCUs. I’ve been interested in attending an HBCU ever since I was a kid. I was made aware of these colleges by different people in my life and also became interested in what they have to offer. I’m also wanting to experience the different lifestyles that these states have to offer and learn more about where I could be living!