Omida and Mashid: Building What Comes Next
Students finding their direction often happens through the experiences they pick up along the way. A new position, a leadership opportunity, a certification, or a chance to serve others can help turn an interest into a goal. Omida and Mahshid are both continuing to build their futures through experiences that are giving them new skills and new ways to contribute.
Omida: Growing Through Healthcare and Leadership
Omida is gaining experience in both healthcare and leadership as she continues her education. She recently earned her Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification through the American Red Cross, with training provided by Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails.
She is also a Medical Assistant Apprentice at Simply Salud, where she is gaining practical experience in a healthcare environment. Alongside that work, Omida serves as Vice President of the Hokona Community Organization at the University of New Mexico, taking on a leadership role within her campus community.
From healthcare training to campus leadership, these experiences are giving Omida opportunities to develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. Each one is another piece of the future she is working toward.
Mahshid: Combining Leadership With Service
Mahshid is building her experience through a combination of campus leadership, community service, and mentorship. She was recently announced as Treasurer for the 2026–2027 Executive Board of the Pre-Health Professionals Club at the University of New Haven.
Her work outside of campus is just as meaningful. Mahshid serves as a Program and
Operations Coordinator with Elena’s Light and volunteers as a Dari-English Interpreter with Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS). She also mentors Afghan girls in STEM, helping younger students explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Through these different roles, Mahshid is developing professional experience while creating opportunities for others. Her journey shows how students can use their own experiences and skills to contribute to their communities while preparing for what comes next.
Helping Students Take the Next Step
Omida and Mahshid are both finding their direction by trying new things, accepting responsibility, and making the most of the opportunities available to them. Their accomplishments are a reminder that a student's growth does not happen in the classroom alone.
But access to these opportunities matters. Students need communities that can help them pursue their education, gain experience, connect with mentors, and take on new challenges.
Supporting our students means helping create more of those opportunities. Whether it is through education, professional development, leadership experiences, or community involvement, your support can help students continue moving forward and building the futures they envision.
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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