By Mohannad Rayani, Friends Scholarship Recipient
My name is Mohannad Rayani and I am majoring in Computer Engineering with a minor in Math at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I applied to the Friends scholarship during the Spring 2020 semester because of the financial burdens that come with getting a college education. As an international student, student loans are not an option due to credit history.
That said, I have paid for my college education so far with the help of my older brother Faical and with the help of my part-time job and scholarships I have received along the way. Receiving a scholarship is more than just being financially backed. It is a relief from worry, an opportunity to complete a degree that can change a lifetime.
I am grateful that scholarships like the Friends Scholarship exist. They help students change their destiny and fulfill the dreams they sought after when they started their higher education journey. Helping one person is like helping the entire world because of the ripple effects it creates.
If I could change one thing about higher education, it would be to lower the cost of tuition or provide a way for students to be able to afford it. A college education can help students escape poverty or even contribute innovation to the world. Personally, I plan on working as a software developer after graduation.
Using the financial power that comes with a full-time job, I plan on paying for my older sister’s dentistry education so that she can also have the same opportunity I had at completing her college education. I hope to eventually work as a Philosophy professor myself and create a scholarship of my own or donate to ones if the affordability of college continues to be an issue.
If I could tell people any one thing about my experience in life, it would be to seek help if you need it to succeed. Once you succeed, do not forget all the beautiful souls who helped you along the way because of their kindness and generosity. Remember that you are not solely the product of your own hard work and efforts and that it took a community to make you.
I will never forget the help I have received from the Friends scholarship and I am truly grateful for all that they and Students United does. Thank you.