Scholar Films
Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia
Scholar Spotlight
A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
Nasra G. Nimaga
“We have the power to choose not to surrender to the circumstances in which we find ourselves.”
- Program: 2008 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: San Diego, CA
- Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
- Age: 22
- Community College: San Diego Mesa College
- Four-year College or University: University of California, Los Angeles
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Architecture, Design, Engineering, Languages, Urban Design / City Planner, Architecture, Architectural Engineering
- Other Interests: Architecture, Environmental Science, Film / Photography, Foreign Languages / International Study, Honor Society, Languages, Model UN, Nonprofits, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work
Biography
PROFILE: Nasra Nimaga’s interest in architecture began in her hometown of Nairobi. “I was inspired by the breathtaking architecture of hotels, high-rise buildings, and beautiful homes in the wealthier parts. However, the depressing and sometimes windowless shacks in the poorer neighborhoods saddened me. My goal is to learn about and take back efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective building methods to Africa, where I feel they are needed most.”
Born in Hong Kong, she was two years old when her parents divorced and her mother took her and her sisters back to Nairobi. Her mother started a small business, traveling to Bangkok, Cairo, and India to buy merchandise as a supplier for a store. After the store closed, her family often struggled. “Sometimes, we would miss up to a month of school because we were sent home for unpaid fees.”
With hard work and the support of family and friends, she managed to graduate top of her high school class and never lost hope of attending college. In 2003, “a small miracle happened when one of my sisters won the green card lottery and moved to the United States.” This made it possible for Nasra to come to the US and begin her studies in architecture.
INSPIRATION: Nasra’s biggest inspiration is her mother. “The strength that my mother showed as we were growing up made me and my four sisters strong.” She was also inspired by a lecture based on the Al Gore slide show featured in An Inconvenient Truth.
ASPIRATION: Nasra hopes to get LEED certified once she becomes an architect, so she can help develop energy efficient, environmentally friendly building methods. She also hopes to teach at an institution of higher learning.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Nasra has held the positions of President, Vice President and Secretary of her college honors club. She helped organize a number of successful on-campus events, including the climate change presentation that so inspired her.
ACCOLADES: Nasra graduated valedictorian at San Diego Mesa College. She was a member of the All California First Academic Team and was named 2008 Distinguished International Student Graduate.
INTERESTING FACT: Nasra speaks Swahili, English, “passable French and a little Arabic.” Maya Angelou is one of her favorite poets.
Other Scholars Like Nasra
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Graduate Scholar
Yale University
Brad Buran
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Sarah Neal
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Joseph Burnett
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Tufts University