Brehm Scholars Program: Our Scholars
Our Scholars
Fordson Class of 2026
Dorrah Abdo
How has being admitted to UM and receiving the Brehm Scholarship helped you in your desire to reach your goals?
"Ever since I was a child, I have admired the bold maize and blue colors of the University of Michigan; it has always been a constant source of inspiration. As I grew older, I realized it was the perfect place for me to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a doctor, allowing me to serve and support my community in the way I can. When I was awarded the Brehm Scholarship, it not only boosted my morale but also deepened my sense of responsibility to be someone others can look up to, reaffirming that I am on the right path. It strengthened my determination to work hard in college and to continue striving toward my goals while remaining an inspiration to both myself and my community."
Farah Ahmed
What do you hope to do after college graduation and/or how do you want to use your degree?
"I hope that after I graduate, I will continue my education and earn a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology. From that point forward, I see myself helping those who feel alone and scared find their voice and feel heard, valued, and supported. I want them to know that someone is in their corner fighting for them. As I move forward in life, I hope to open my own clinic in Dearborn. I want it to be a safe haven for those in need and a place where people can learn more about mental health. My greatest dream is to raise awareness about mental health and help improve the lives of others."
Fatima Awada
Why did you decide to matriculate to Michigan?
"The freedom to pave my own path is what initially drew me to Michigan. My interests lie at the intersection of computer science, business, and medicine. The research opportunities Michigan presents will allow me to explore these interdisciplinary fields. Furthermore, I am interested in creating and testing new devices that could potentially help improve many lives. Beyond academics, I was also drawn to Michigan’s diverse campus as I hope to make connections with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds who can help shape my journey through college and my future endeavors. Ultimately, I chose Michigan because it offers reassurance in the face of uncertainty, allowing me to discover unimaginable opportunities that will allow me to make a meaningful impact."
Miriam Rihan
What advice do you have for Fordson high school students who wish to be selected for the Brehm Scholarship?
"My biggest piece of advice for being selected for the Brehm Scholarship is to focus on your own path and work as hard as you can. Everyone's success looks different, and everyone has their own journey, so don't waste your time comparing yourself to others. Instead, focus on building your own path and setting goals that matter to you. Set your goals, stay consistent, and give your best in everything you do. Most importantly, pursue the things you genuinely enjoy and have fun along the way. If you stay true to yourself and put in the effort, everything else will fall into place."
Fordson Class of 2025
Zahra Chehade
What advice do you have for Fordson high school students who wish to be selected for the Brehm Scholarship?
"A Brehm Scholar demonstrates three qualities: academic excellence, exceptional leadership, and a deep commitment to their community. My biggest piece of advice is to work hard in all areas of your high school journey. Be a leader—take initiative and start something you’re passionate about. Be someone who genuinely enjoys the process of learning and isn’t afraid of asking questions. Give back to our community, connect with people, and work to pay it forward. This will DEFINITELY be hard at times, but just keep reminding yourself that your future success is so much more important than short-term struggles. Make your four years at Fordson memorable AND fulfilling."
Mustafa Harajli
What classes are you really looking forward to taking or major do you hope to pursue?
"The major that I hope to pursue is mathematics. I absolutely love math and solving problems. I also can't wait to take higher level math classes which will help reinforce my basics and make my computational skills faster. I would also like to improve my calculus skills because it is my favorite branch of mathematics. I love solving derivatives and integrals. I know that pursuing a math degree at the University of Michigan will help me learn a lot more math and improve my already developed math skills."
Rewa Harb
Why did you decide to matriculate to Michigan?
"I decided to enroll in University of Michigan because of a few different factors. For one, the university is the top public university in many different fields of study. The College of Engineering, the one I am in, is one of the best in the country. Michigan is also very close to home, so I am only a drive away. It makes the transition to college less daunting. Having the Brehm helped me focus on my education without any other factors getting in the way. It solidified my decision to go to the University of Michigan."
Ayat Sohoubah
What advice do you have for Fordson high school students who wish to be selected for the Brehm Scholarship?
"I was genuinely surprised when I got the email that I was chosen as a Brehm Scholar. No one ever told me why I was chosen. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian were also selected, and while we didn’t have much in common on paper, I was good friends with the two of them, and we shared one key trait: a genuine love for learning.
The reason the criteria is so vague is because there is no cookie cutter way to be selected for the scholarship, trying to mold yourself to fit someone else’s path misses the point. What really matters is putting yourself into your work because you enjoy the process of whatever it is you do. It’s not about your GPA, SAT, or hyper-competitive extracurriculars; Umich already has plenty of students with those. Just do what you do best, and do it to the fullest extent to which Fordson will let you. If you love the process, you’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be."