My voice

 Essay 1 (Leadership) – 350 words

During my internship at Nassau Day Training, I unexpectedly stepped into a leadership role when my supervisor had to leave due to an emergency. I led a mock interview session for 20 unemployed individuals, facilitating with confidence and compassion. I ensured every participant practiced answering common interview questions, providing real-time feedback, highlighting strengths, and refining communication skills to boost confidence.

To make the session meaningful, I designed a lesson plan focused on what employers value: punctuality, professionalism, communication, and teamwork. I incorporated role-play scenarios and group discussions to create an interactive and practical experience. By guiding participants through exercises, I helped them translate preparation into self-assurance—a skill they could carry into real-world opportunities.

I also worked with high school students on building professional skills, including resumes and cover letters. Many were unfamiliar with the application process, so I broke each component down clearly and accessibly. I helped students identify strengths, experiences, and goals through one-on-one guidance, transforming them into compelling professional narratives.

Recognizing that documents alone were insufficient, I developed lessons on interviews, covering body language, confidence, and common questions. I organized mock interviews and provided constructive feedback in a supportive environment, empowering students to present themselves professionally.

Through these experiences, I honed a leadership style that is proactive, empathetic, and hands-on. I learned that leadership is not just directing others—creating growth space, fostering confidence, and equipping individuals with practical tools for success. Watching participants gain confidence and clarity reinforced that a leader’s role is to empower others, guide them with purpose, and inspire them to believe in themselves.

Essay 2 (Proudest Achievement) – 350 words

One of my proudest achievements is working with the Safeena Foundation, a nonprofit supporting students with disabilities in accessing IEPs, accommodations, and academic resources. As a social worker, I help clients discover their strengths and advocate for the education they deserve. Education is transformative, yet access remains unequal—especially for students with disabilities. I strive to ensure all students receive the support they need to thrive.

This work is deeply personal. Living with a disability, I navigated self-doubt and institutional barriers. I channeled that experience into empathy, encouraging clients to express themselves—through art, advocacy, and writing—because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful self-expression can be.

I founded my blog, The Shining Star, to explore topics such as educational inequality, refugee rights, gender roles, and cultural identity. Readers from Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia, Poland, France, and the U.S. have engaged with my writing, proving that one authentic voice can connect across continents.

A major milestone came when Goodwill Caravan published my article, Educational Inequality – by Sarah Elgohary, on July 30, 2025. I examined how disability, poverty, and cultural barriers intersect to limit educational opportunities, blending personal insights with calls for equity. Seeing my work on an international platform validated my vision and motivated me to continue advocating.

My greatest challenge was trusting my voice. I often wondered whether my writing mattered. Working with clients at Safeena and receiving recognition from Goodwill Caravan demonstrated that connection and impact are real. Now, I am committed to guiding others in finding their voices—through writing, advocacy, and self-expression—while continuing to amplify my own.

This journey taught me that true achievement is measured not only by personal milestones but by empowering others to discover their potential, embrace their voices, and confidently step into the world as advocates for change.

Essay 3 (Disability Issue) – 350 words

Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” For students with disabilities, a quality education provides the freedom to learn, grow, and explore the world. Yet educational inequities persist, rooted in systemic failures that can—and must—be addressed.

One major challenge is the shortage of qualified special education teachers. Over the past decade, the U.S. lost 17% of its special education workforce, even as the population of students with disabilities remained stable (PBS). Improving teacher training, increasing resources, and retaining skilled educators are essential to closing the equity gap.

Schools also need proactive observation and intervention programs. Early screening and individualized support prevent unnecessary placement in restrictive programs. Equipping teachers to identify and address diverse learning needs fosters a more inclusive system where students are supported before they fall behind.

This issue is personal to me. As someone with a physical disability and as a social worker advocating for students with disabilities, I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of inequity. One student failed a test—not from lack of understanding, but because accommodations weren’t provided. Experiences like this fuel my commitment to dismantling barriers in education. Self-advocacy is essential for ensuring students receive the respect, resources, and support they deserve.

At the Safeena Foundation, I work to ensure every student has a voice and the chance to succeed. Addressing disproportionately, reforming assessment methods, and investing in special education resources can create a system that truly empowers all learners. Laws like IDEA are vital, but they must be implemented and reinforced effectively to make a real difference.

Educational inequality is complex, but with awareness, policy reform, and proper support, we can build an inclusive system. Every student, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to prepare for the future, achieve their potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. By focusing on equity, advocacy, and empowerment, we can ensure education fulfills its promise as a tool of liberation and opportunity for all.