Writers Studio Awards Scholarship Worth $1500 Toward Common App

To say that 2020 has been a tumultuous year is an understatement. Every single day of 2020, we've heard bad news. That said, the family that runs Glendale Heights-based Writers Studio also knew that it takes just one person to do something kind, to make the world a slightly brighter place. It was with this intention that the "Pathway to Success" scholarship was launched.

Writers Studio (www.writersstudio.us) is honored to announce that two Glenbard West High School seniors, Ms. Laiba Khan and Ms.Fatima Shahid, were selected for its inaugural "Pathway to Success" scholarships, a combined value of $1500. Both students have also been accepted to their first choice of university, with scholarships. The Pathway to Success scholarship is intended for minority students who face incredible personal challenges and continue to strive, and even thrive, academically. Each academic year, two awardees will be chosen.

“With most colleges receiving more applications than they have seats, the college essay is the student’s chance to put a personal face to the grades and scores. Given all the events of 2020, offering professional guidance on college application essays, via such a scholarship, made perfect sense,” says Writers Studio CEO, Naazish YarKhan. “The college essay has the potential to sway an admissions committee when candidates are identical in every other respect, or even when your scores aren’t of the same caliber.”

“Mrs.YarKhan’s kind-hearted spirit and unwavering support transformed the chaotic college admissions process into an amazing learning opportunity. I can’t imagine going through this journey without her,” said awardee, Laiba Khan. She will be attending University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. At Glenbard West, Ms. Khan has served as a member on the Principal’s Advisory Board, as Student Equity Council Member and as President of the Muslim Student Association. She plays Varsity Girls Badminton and is a member of Best Buddies and National Honors Society, just to name a few achievements, all while working at Buona Beef and Kumon Math and Reading Center throughout high school.

Fatima Shahid will be attending University of Kansas and aspires to be a nurse. At 18 years of age, she already has two years of work experience as a dental assistant. At Glenbard West, she was a member of the Muslim Students Association, South Asian Nation, Best Buddies, Eco Club and STEM club. She also played Badminton at West for 3 years. She currently works at It'Sugar, a candy shop in Oakbrook Mall. She also continues to volunteer with Al-Maghreb Institute, an endeavor she first embarked on alongside her family, when just seven years old.

"Mrs. YarKhan's... immense help and genuine involvement made the college decision and admission process less stressful and uncomplicated, especially with the pandemic," said Ms. Shahid. "It's been very hard for a lot of students to do this on their own. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to work with Writers Studio and not go through this alone. Thank you so much for this opportunity, Mrs. YarKhan."