In the future, Salma would like to pursue a career in a field where she can help people. This senior at John F. Kennedy High School in Anaheim, California has always been very passionate about biology and medicine and would love to contribute towards innovation in the field of science. She plans to follow the pre-med route in college before attending medical school and becoming a neurosurgeon.

What is something you are most proud of?

I am very proud of my work ethic. I strive to be the best I can be and never give up, regardless of circumstances.

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

Yes, I have experienced several challenges. Dealing with tough times can be very frustrating, but having the support from my family and friends is extremely helpful as is believing in myself. I have always told myself “everything happens for a reason” and this has helped me calm myself and realize that these times are temporary. Organization and time management have also helped me with school- and stress-related problems. Overall, I would say that having goals has kept me focused and determined to achieve success.

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

It is an honor because I am representing girls and the huge potential and success we are capable of.

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

I have always enjoyed helping others and have tried my best to be a part of organizations and clubs that do so. Being involved with this organization means that I am supporting a movement which is both helping our community as a whole and specifically helping girls in our community to be the best they can be.

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?

Having the opportunity to visit my prospective colleges will help me make an educated decision about where I attend college. Researching and reading about a college does not solely solidify the full experience. But, actually visiting and personally feeling and seeing the environment is what truly helps define a dream school — and this scholarship will help me do that.

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

I would like to visit Columbia and Dartmouth because both of these schools are very inspiring and have strong science programs. I would like to visit the campuses and experience the environment and the people who represent the school in order to find out if it is a good fit for me.