December Alumni Spotlight: Thafhim Siddiqua, (Montgomery Blair High School)

Hoping to offer her a better environment and future, Thafhim Siddiqua’s parents decided to send her to the United States from Bangladesh in 2004, just in time for her to start 8th grade. Five years later, she graduated from Montgomery Blair High School with an innately strong drive to learn and do good in the world. This is Thafhim Siddiqua’s story with Liberty’s Promise and beyond.

Thafhim’s Journey:

“Back in Bangladesh, I learned to read and write in English, but my speaking ability wasn’t great and was something I struggled with initially. My parents hoped that, by coming to the United States, I would study and make something of myself. Looking back, it was thanks to meeting Sarah (her Liberty’s Promise program officer) and Bob (founder of Liberty’s Promise) that I had the opportunity to do so.

I remember running for student government at Blair, and I needed to create a resume. I called Sarah and asked her, ‘how do I do this, can you help me through it?’ She told me to meet her at Starbucks so we could work through it. I really appreciated that because I knew that if I needed anything she was the person I could call.

Sarah was also the one who nominated me for the Posse Scholarship. She believed in me thoroughly and that gave me the confidence to set forth on a path that I was incredibly hesitant to take. Furthermore, my family was reluctant for me to apply given that it meant I might move away from home.

After passing the written portion, I called her questioning my decision to follow through with the interviews. Then, before the final interview, I frantically called her, seriously considering backing out. She always comforted me and humbled me with the fact that I might not even be selected! But most importantly, she reminded me that earning the scholarship opened a door, and being afforded the opportunity to make a decision based in reality was essential. Having their knowledge of the American school system as a resource was a game changer. But more so, knowing that Liberty’s Promise believed in me gave me the confidence to believe in myself.

As a Posse Scholar, I decided to attend Lafayette College in Easton, PA. I found a passion within learning about various chemical elements, their regulation, and their relationship to my home country. This interest in learning about a developing country’s water systems and infrastructure and their relationship to climate change inspired me to study civil and environmental engineering.

I now work at a company called Arcadis, which focuses on water resiliency. My current project is to build a flood wall to protect Lower Manhattan. In doing so, I work with different teams to make sure all regulatory requirements are met. I feel grateful because working with environmental matters and their regulation is the exact type of work I am interested in.

The advice I’d give to current students is to soak up every opportunity you get and reach out to people! You don't know who might help you out. Start early, look for local connections and opportunities, and ask for the possibility of a job shadow. Be an advocate for yourself; inform yourself about what is available. This will help you decide which path you want to take.

It is hard as an immigrant or first generation student because oftentimes this skill is not taught, but take this first step because you never know what the outcome could be. If I hadn’t met Sarah or Bob, I would not have applied to the Posse Scholarship or gotten into my career. It is because they believed in me that I obtained the confidence to pursue my dreams. They truly became my extended family.

Once you get to certain positions you forget about the struggles you went through and the people along the way that helped you get there. Remembering that grounds you. Everybody got help and mentorship from someone, so find that person to get you there.”

Thafhim offers sage advice for those feeling discouraged to ask questions and reminds us that there are resources at your fingertips if you look for them! We are thankful to her for asking these questions and reminding us what powerful tools knowledge and connections can bring. Thank you for being a part of Liberty’s Promise, Thafhim!

Thank you to our community for your ongoing support. Donate today to help us continue empowering youth to achieve their full potential.

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October Alumni Spotlight: Stephane Yonli, (West Potomac High School)