A 19-year-old aspiring engineer from Sophia, Georgetown, Moriah Hamilton, has been offered a partial scholarship to Howard University in the United States (US) but needs some additional support to cover the cost of her attendance.
Explaining her journey at a recent press conference, Hamilton related that she applied for several scholarships until finally, Howard University responded favourably. At this university, she plans to pursue a major in civil engineering and a minor in communications.
With her partial scholarship only covering some of her costs, the young woman and her family are aiming to raise the additional US $20,000 to cover her tuition and housing costs.
Previously, Hamilton attended Mae’s High school where she scored six Grade One passes and six Grade Two passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) examinations. Subsequently, she attended Queen’s College where she sat both years of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).
Importantly, at the end of the first year of CAPE, Hamilton topped the entire Caribbean in the subject area of Green Engineering; after year two, she scored the fourth position in the Caribbean.
Hamilton also detailed that she has volunteered with the Youth in Natural Resources initiative, she was a climate change youth ambassador with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and she is a part of the Girl Build Girl Foundation.
She, however, said that her academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities were fraught with challenges. In fact, she related that she was homeless twice and that made her goal of attending university seem virtually impossible.
Still, that did not deter her from excelling.
“My achievements have enabled me to stand as a proud anomaly, a symbol of diversity in the STEM field and a beacon for individuals who strive to reach their fullest potentials despite the communities or identities that are ‘supposed’ to determine the extent of your success.
“I actively propel this narrative through my volunteerism and activism, in a series of groups and initiatives which encourage youths like myself, to invest in sustainable futures,” she emphasised.
She also highlighted that she has had a solid support system including her mother, two brothers, friends, teachers and her family of supporters who have helped her along the way, one way or another.
Persons interested in assisting Hamilton can contact her on telephone numbers: 688-3670 and 689-8572. Persons can also visit Hamilton’s Go Fund Me page at: https://gofund.me/d63fe5d4
