For Yousra, getting a college education wasn’t just a goal; it was a family dream. Yousra is the first in her family to go to college. She faced the challenges of being a first-gen student, navigating the college application process without people in her family who understood the process. But her family’s support and her determination never wavered. “I’ve had to figure a lot out myself, but my family has always been there cheering me on,” she says.

After months of applications and interviews, she learned she had been selected as a finalist for the QuestBridge National College Match.

Now, she is going to Columbia University, her dream school on a full-tuition scholarship, to study neuroscience. Her passion grew from personal experiences, watching her mother struggle with a brain aneurysm and helping care for her autistic sister. “It’s still unreal to me, but I’m so grateful.”

As the oldest in her family, she took on the role of mentor to her younger siblings, helping them with homework and daily challenges. “They look up to me, and that keeps me motivated to set a good example,” she shares.

“Seeing how the brain affects behavior and health made me want to learn more,” she explains. “Now I can’t wait to dive deeper into that field.”

For her, the full-ride scholarship means freedom—not just for herself, but for her family. “It takes away the worry of loans and balancing jobs,” she says. “I’ll be able to focus on my education, and that’s a huge relief for us.”

“It’s a big change, moving to a new place away from Boston,” she says. As she prepares for what’s next, she’s excited, but also a bit nervous. “My siblings look up to me, and that pushes me to keep going. I’m excited for what’s next, and I know this is just the beginning.”

Yousra is a rock star, she is a shining example of hard work and determination. Yousra comes and hangs out in the counseling suite at Josiah Quincy Upper School with her Passport Coach Dani and it is a joy to see her work and help her friends along the way!