Receiving an acceptance letter from a desired college is a thrilling experience for any high school senior. An even better surprise is being awarded a full-ride scholarship.
Aghader Yassen attends Greensboro’s Triad Math and Science Academy (TMSA Triad). She has been accepted on a full-ride scholarship to Harvard University, a first for the TMSA school network. Aghader’s $400,000 scholarship will cover her tuition, meals, books, and dorm costs for her four-year undergraduate education at the university.
“I feel like for many students Harvard is like a goal they don’t think they could possibly achieve,” Aghader said. “I mean for me everything was kind of focused on UNC and when I got in I was like oh this is where I’m going to go, this is it. Then Harvard came along and completely changed my plans for the future. It’s just great.”
In 2008, TMSA Triad first opened its doors. According to Principal Fatih Kandil, the public charter school focuses on college prep and STEAM subjects. He hopes Aghader’s achievement will serve as a beacon for all students.
“She is an independent learner herself,” Kandil said. “Aghader, is actually very hard working, very committed and she has been working towards a particular goal since the very beginning. Of course, as educators around her, we have been doing our best to support her from all avenues possible.”
Aghader will not only receive her high school diploma but also an associate degree from Guilford Technical Community College when she graduates in a few weeks. She enjoys reading books and volunteering at her school when she is not studying.