Her name means sunrise, and in this time of uncertainty Sawera Farooq thinks it’s a name that truly fits.

“It is start of a new day. I know that I have something better waiting for me.”

That something better is college. Sawera will join the freshman class at High Point University this fall.

“I don’t have to worry about any financial problems, and it’s my top choice; what more can anyone ask for?”

The High Point Central senior was awarded the Say Yes Guilford scholarship to which covers tuition, fees and books at HPU.

A self-describe service-learner, Sawera has volunteered at the High Point Library and as a tutor for High Point LEAP. “I’m interested in the medical field,” Sawera says.  “When I went to tour HPU I got to meet one of the success coaches, I knew that there were a lot of people who could help me.”

Her parents are her biggest cheerleaders. They moved to the US from Pakistan in 2001, so that their three children would have the chance for a better education.

“It was a dream come true for all of us,” she recalls of her acceptance at HPU.

With coronavirus threatening to cancel her high school graduation, Sawera sees the bright side.

“I’m the kind of person who always likes to stay positive. To know where I’m going feels so good. I know I’m going to be in a great place for the next four years.”