Hope

 https://goodwillcaravan.com/educational-inequality-by-sarah-elgohary/During my internship at Nassau Day Training, I was unexpectedly given the opportunity to step into a leadership role when my supervisor had to leave due to an emergency. I took the initiative to lead a mock interview session for a group of 20 unemployed individuals. Drawing on the training I had received, I facilitated the session with confidence and compassion, ensuring that each participant had the chance to practice answering common interview questions. I provided real-time feedback, highlighted each individual’s strengths, and helped them refine their communication skills to boost their confidence.

 In addition to leading the mock interviews, I created a lesson plan focused on what employers typically look for during interviews. I designed the session to be interactive and informative, covering key topics such as punctuality, professionalism, communication, and teamwork. I used role-play scenarios and group discussions to make the session engaging and practical. This experience not only allowed me to strengthen my leadership and teaching skills, but also empowered participants with the tools and knowledge they could carry into future job opportunities.

I also had the opportunity to guide a group of high school students in building their professional skills by helping them create resumes and cover letters. Understanding that many of the students were unfamiliar with the job application process, I took the initiative to break down each component of a resume and cover letter in a clear and accessible way. I worked one-on-one with students to identify their strengths, experiences, and goals, helping them translate their stories into compelling professional documents. 

Recognizing that writing documents was only part of the job search process, I developed a series of lesson plans focused on what employers look for during interviews. These interactive lessons covered key topics such as body language, communication skills, confidence, and common interview questions. I designed mock interview activities and provided constructive feedback to help students practice in a safe and supportive environment. Through this hands-on and thoughtful approach I empowered the students to present themselves professionally and confidently, preparing them for real-world opportunities and reinforcing professional values while teaching them self advocacy.

One of my proudest accomplishments is working with the Safeena Foundation, a nonprofit that helps students with disabilities access services such as IEPs, accommodations, and academic support. As a social worker, I help clients discover their strengths and learn to advocate for the education they deserve.

This work feels deeply personal to me. Living with a disability, I have navigated self-doubt and institutional hurdles. I channeled that journey into empathy and began encouraging clients to express themselves through art, advocacy, and especially writing because I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful that outlet can be.

I founded my blog, “The Shining Star,” to share my perspectives on topics such as educational inequality, refugee rights, gender roles, and cultural identity. Through my blog posts, readers from as far as Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia, Poland, France, and the U.S. have engaged with my writing, proving that one voice, when shared authentically, can connect across continents.

A significant milestone came when Goodwill Caravan published my article "Educational Inequality” on July 30, 2025, which recognized youth perspectives on global issues. In the piece I examined how disability, poverty, and cultural barriers intersect to limit educational opportunities, weaving in personal insights and calls for equity. Seeing my words on an international platform validated my vision and encouraged me to keep speaking up.

My greatest obstacle was learning to trust my voice. I often wondered whether my writing would be read or if it mattered. However, working with clients at Safeena and receiving validation from Goodwill Caravan showed me that connection and impact are real. Now, I’m committed to guiding others in finding their voice whether through writing or finally allowing my own voice to be heard.

A significant issue impacting the disability community is disproportionality in special education. Disproportionality refers to the overrepresentation of certain racial and socioeconomic groups in special education programs. Research shows that students of color and students from low-income backgrounds are more likely to be labeled with disabilities and placed in restrictive educational settings. Rather than receiving individualized support, these students are often segregated in ways that limit academic growth and future opportunities. Socioeconomic factors also influence disability diagnoses. People with disabilities have conditions that are often not treated seriously or not diagnosed for many years. As a result, children are often diagnosed with conditions such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety when they don't really have them. Sadly, the way people diagnose disabilities depend on the type of resources they have. One big resource is insurance suggesting the role of external pressures and implicit bias.

 Educational inequality cannot be understood without examining race, school funding, assessment practices, and power dynamics. Tracking systems, which sort students based on perceived ability,sometimes as early as kindergarten, often rely on narrow evaluations that fail to capture the full potential of students with disabilities. These practices reinforce stereotypes and restrict access to rigorous academic pathways.

Realistic solutions must focus on systemic reform. Schools should adopt more holistic assessment methods that consider academic performance, classroom engagement, and multiple forms of intelligence. Early screening and intervention programs can provide support before students fall behind, reducing unnecessary placement in restrictive settings. Additionally, addressing the national shortage of special education teachers through better training, compensation, and retention is essential to improving outcomes.

This issue is deeply personal to me. As someone with a physical disability and a social worker at the Safeena Foundation, I have witnessed students struggle not because of ability, but because accommodations were denied. These experiences reinforce my belief that self-advocacy, proper implementation of IDEA, and investment in inclusive practices are crucial. Educational inequality is not inevitable; with awareness, accountability, and resources, we can build a system that truly

 empowers all students.