Malkiya F. has already taken strides far outside her comfort zone — to positive effect — as a biology student at Winston Salem State University. This 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship winner knows the value of embracing confidence and quieting negative thoughts — and inspires others to do the same.

What is your professional dream?

I want to be an anesthesiologist.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

The scholarship will go toward my books for the upcoming semester.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream?

Knowing that 1DF is willing to pay for something as important as my books allows me to focus on learning throughout the year. Being able to learn — and only focus on learning — will put me in a safe space for what want to do with my future.

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

I encourage younger women to pursue whatever they want and not let anything, or anyone, stop them. There may be times when giving up is the easiest solution, but it will only take you three steps back instead of forward. You may be seen as a minority when it comes to specific careers, but that’s okay. You can be the beginning of that change. You could be the one to make women the majority in that career field. Always keep going.

​Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

There have been times when I have failed a test which led to my grade dropping. I had to take a step back to see what I needed to change — and what I could keep doing. Doing things differently when you are used to another way will get you far. Sometimes change is necessary for you to do better. By the end of the semester, my grades were A averages.

Failing a test has not been my only issue. I am trying to overcome my anxiety, too. College is a place where you have to step out of your comfort zone, and I have been doing this. I have been joining clubs that require me to speak first and be a leader. Sometimes that can be hard because I tend to question myself. I am learning to be stronger than my negative thoughts. I am more than what my negative thoughts want me to be.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

After I graduate from undergraduate school, I plan on attending medical school. While in undergraduate school, I want to become as involved as I can. I want to do medical research, join clubs on campus, do internships, and volunteer.