2008 Scholar Update

Meet four of our "Live the Dream" Scholars who are excelling at the University of Washington and continuing to give back through the Dream Project.

Joshua (Yoshi) M.

2007 Live the Dream Scholar

My transition to the UW was beautiful. Through the Dream Project, I already had a handful of good friends on campus and a community that assured me leadership opportunities as well as the support of a large network. At my first Dream Project meeting, I was invited by another student to check out the campus Hillel, an organization for Jewish students. Since then, I have been able to become quite involved with Hillel through social justice work, religious services, and Jewish cultural activities. This has been the other main network of support that I have found to nestle my identity within the huge UW campus.

Throughout my adjustment to university life, the Dream Project has continually been a positive inspiration to me as a demonstration of commitment and work ethic. I've relied on my personal friendships through the Dream Project to advise me on classes, housing, study habits, and even good campus food. Currently, I plan on studying Computer Science and Jewish Studies, engaging my two interests in computer graphics technology and Jewish historical life as well as contemporary engagement of the wider Jewish community. I am slowly becoming more involved in Dream Project leadership through the steering committee and planning events. The Dream Project has been nothing but the strongest support for me through all of my challenges and achievements.

Oscar C.

2007 Live the Dream Scholar

Being a part of the Dream Project in high school, as a UW freshman, and now currently as a sophomore, has been a great learning experience for me. It made the transition from high school into college a smooth one, and even though I am a sophomore now, it still continues to make my college experience even more valuable because I am able to help younger students, just like the Dream Project helped me through the admissions process a few years ago. It's my way of saying thanks to those who made this scholarship possible and to all the past and current Dream Project members for making my dream of pursuing a higher education come true.

Jessica B.

2008 Live the Dream Scholar

Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with the size and the intensity of everything at the UW, but I am so happy to be here because I know that I am furthering my education and I have people here who can help me if I need it. My transition to college has been smooth because of the network of Dream Team students. Since I've come to the UW I still don't know what area of study I want to pursue, but I have taken on leadership positions which have been very rewarding for me. Being involved in the Dream Project has given me the ability to lead high school Dream Scholars to success, and it's a good feeling to know that I am helping other people through the college admissions process by going back to my high school as a mentor.

Abdul I.

2008 Live the Dream Scholar

The Dream Project had a big role in making my transition to the UW an excellent one. I believe that I would not have been accepted to the UW without the guidance of the Dream Project. Since I became a UW student, I have enjoyed the increased responsibility and the chance I've had to create a new life and prepare for a successful future. I feel that, as a UW student, I have the tools to become whatever I want. This university has broadened my interests greatly. I plan on majoring in civil and mechanical engineering.

I want to eventually utilize my engineering skills to play a role in helping to rebuild the Somali community where I once lived, which has been devastated by wars and atrocities. I would like to teach other Somali students about engineering and technology and inspire them to have hope for their futures. I am involved in many activities in the UW community, including the Muslim Students Association, the Somali Students Association, the Spiritual Club, and the African Students Association. I also created my own soccer team, recruited players, and now coach the team. For the Dream Project, I call students to remind them about Wednesday meetings and take care of our t-shirts. It feels good to be a Dream Project mentor after the program made my dreams come true.