As a first-generation college student, Nazira D. has already conquered a number of hurdles to achieving her education dreams — before her undergraduate classes even begin! The 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship winner is excited to continuing charting her own path at Barnard College where she plans to study human rights and anthropology.

What is your professional dream?

My professional dream is to become a human rights diplomat.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

I plan to use the scholarship to purchase textbooks and materials for my college courses.

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

This scholarship will allow me to take advantage of the academic opportunities my college has to offer without having to worry about financial obstacles. With the opportunity of getting an education, I will work towards my dream career.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I would not have gotten this far if it were not for the support and guidance of my mentors.

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

I experienced firsthand how incredibly daunting the college application process is for first-generation students who face extra challenges due to systemic barriers and socioeconomic limitations. I couldn’t turn to my parents or siblings for help because applying to college was utterly foreign to them. I even had to fill out the FAFSA and decipher tax documents on my own at 16 years old. With the help of TeenSHARP, a community-based organization, I was able to get guidance through this process and get to where I am today.

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

I’m starting my first year of college and am super-excited about it! A goal of mine is to build relationships and network with other students and professors in the fields I’m interested in and make the most out of the resources and opportunities offered.