Here's my joyful narrative about my experience interviewing for The McNair Scholars Program and my thoughts on the day I found out that I was chosen to be in the program -
November 17th 2020:
I am so proud of myself. I just had a very successful interview with a prestigious scholarly program.
It went even better than I could have ever anticipated. Their committee was honored to meet me and the praise, validation, and recognition I received was phenomenal.
I have been working tirelessly for over six months preparing my application for this program. I want to take this moment to say how amazing I am and how fantastic it is that I have made it so far. If I am accepted into this program it will change my life and open so many doors. And it will empower, prepare, and strengthen my journey to a PhD and beyond.
Everyone told me I couldn't go back to school on my own. To that I say, "tell me I can't one more time, and watch me graduate with highest honors." And that I did. And I will continue to soar like an eagle to a better future for myself and for humanity. I am here to help heal a wounded world. And that world will change forever - for the better.
December 4th 2020:
I am pleased and proud to announce that I am now a McNair Scholar. I received my letter of acceptance from the director this morning. I have been on pins and needles since my interview. I worked hard preparing for this accomplishment. It is an honor and privilege to join such an amazing, talented, and remarkable group of individuals!
In my personal statements I told them my story and I showed them my pain. It terrified me to be so honest about my disabilities and hardships, but I did it. I demonstrated my determination to turn my pain into a power that heals. And to share that power through my work in theoretical neurophysics. It felt marvelous to be seen in my field.
This triumph will carry me towards excellence and give me the support I need to continue moving forward to my PhD. I will succeed because I believe in myself. Per aspera ad astra!
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”
- Stephen Hawking
