Finding Their Way: Three Students Building Their Futures
For many students, college is a time of figuring out what comes next. Majors chnage and new opportunities appear unexpectedly, even personal interests that once seemed like possibilities can become real career paths. For our students, that process often comes with additional challenges, but it also comes with determination, curiosity, and a willingness to keep moving forward.
Mastura, Basira, and Emal each have been finding their own way this year, taking on new responsibilities and discovering opportunities that are helping shape their futures.
Mastura: Finding a New Direction
Mastura recently changed her major to a B.S. in Paramedicine, pursuing a field that connects her interest in healthcare with hands-on service. Alongside her studies, she has also taken on an on-campus position as an office assistant for the Provost, giving her valuable professional experience within her university.
Her involvement has continued beyond campus as well. Mastura recently began volunteering as a Program and Operations Coordinator with Elena’s Light, adding another opportunity to develop leadership, organizational, and community-focused skills.
She was also recently announced as part of the 2026–2027 Executive Board of the Pre-Health Professionals Club at the University of New Haven, where she will serve as Executive Assistant.
Each of these experiences represents another step in Mastura's journey. She is exploring her interests, building experience, and taking on responsibilities that can help prepare her for the career she hopes to pursue.
Basira: Expanding Her Opportunities
Basira has also been making important changes as she continues her college journey. She recently added a second major, pursuing both Accounting and Finance. Her decision to expand her studies reflects the ways students can discover new interests and possibilities as they progress through college.
Outside of the classroom, Basira is gaining experience through both an on-campus position and a new off-campus job at a department store. Balancing academics with employment requires time management, responsibility, and persistence, while also giving her opportunities to develop skills that will be useful beyond college.
For Basira, growth has meant continuing to explore what she wants her future to look like while building the academic and professional experience to support those goals.
Emal: Opening Doors Through Aviation
Emal is exploring a different path through his new volunteer role with Women in Aviation. Through the program, he helps introduce girls ages 8–18 to aviation through hands-on activities, STEM education, aircraft, and opportunities to learn about aviation careers.
His involvement gives him the chance to encourage young girls to see possibilities in fields they may not have considered before. At the same time, he is gaining experience in leadership, programming, and community engagement.
It is another example of how students can grow through opportunities that connect their interests with service to others.
Their Growth Is Made Possible Through Community
Mastura, Basira, and Emal are each taking different paths, but their stories have something in common: they are moving forward because they have opportunities to learn, work, lead, and participate.
That support matters.
For students building a future while navigating the challenges of starting over, having access to education and a community that believes in their potential can make a meaningful difference. A job opportunity, a volunteer position, a leadership role, or the ability to continue pursuing a degree can become an important part of a much larger journey.
Our students are finding their way one opportunity at a time. When you support them, you help create access to those opportunities and give students the room to explore what they can become.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of donors like you.
Your support gives them the chance to step back into a classroom and onward into their future.
If you want to help more students reclaim their education and chase their dreams, please consider donating today.
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