Fatma Ali
Biography: Fatma Ali is a determined trailblazer who courageously moved from Egypt to America at just six years old, carrying all her family’s hopes and dreams with her. Despite facing many challenges with the transition, Fatma’s thirst for learning burned bright, fueled by her natural curiosity about numbers and quantitative subjects. Each academic success was hard-earned through her perseverance and tireless effort. Now a rising senior majoring in Economics with a Math and Statistics minor, Fatma is pursuing her passions for finance and data science. She currently has a work-study job at the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center, analyzing research protocols that could potentially help save the lives of many patients. Additionally, Fatma serves as the Finance Director for the USAC Internal Vice President’s office, meticulously managing finances and funding. Her goals go beyond personal achievement. Fatma wants to uplift her community and create positive change by combining intellectual abilities with emotional intelligence. She has set her sights on future careers in banking and private equity, eager to make a lasting impact on the world.

 

Future Plans:  After graduating from UCLA, Fatma plans to work in corporate finance for 3-4 years to gain invaluable hands-on experience and save up enough money for her next goal. This initial career phase will provide her with a strong foundation in financial operations and allow her to accumulate the necessary resources to fund her journey to business school. Fatma intends to then pursue a Master’s in Quantitative Economics or Data Science, knowing this advanced degree will equip her with comprehensive business expertise. Her vision is to combine theoretical knowledge from graduate studies with practical corporate experience. This powerful combination will position Fatma to emerge as a leader spearheading transformative initiatives across the corporate world. While starting in finance, Fatma has great ambition to continue climbing to higher levels of success and impact through further education and career advancement.

 

What this scholarship means to me: This scholarship represents far more than just financial aid; it is a lifeline that has pulled me up from the depths I was drowning in. For years, I juggled the overwhelming demands of full-time work and academics, forced to sacrifice the normal college experience. Study sessions were traded for shifts, while social events gave way to overtime hours just to make ends meet. I was crushed under the immense weight of my responsibilities.  

But this gift has changed everything. The financial burden has been lifted, allowing me to refocus solely on my studies without the persistent undercurrent of money worries. For the first time, I can fully immerse myself in learning and embrace subjects I once loved before they became unaffordable luxuries. More than that, I can finally experience the vibrant life of a typical college student. 

 I can join clubs, attend events, and forge lifelong connections – relishing all the joys that define these formative years. No longer will I be an academic machine; I can breathe freely as this scholarship opens doors to rediscover my passion for learning while experiencing the treasured normal life of a college student. I am eternally grateful for this profound opportunity.