[Heading (with date and address)] January 2, 2019 Mrs. Anita Ramsey University of Texas Scholarship Committee 74 Learning Drive Dallas, TX 75238 [Formal address (use “Sir” or “Madam” if unknown)] Dear Mrs. Ramsey, [Introduction (and your background)] Growing up as the child of immigrant parents, I learned to take on vital responsibilities from a young age. Being from India, my parents only spoke Urdu and Hindi but made sure to enroll me in an English-speaking school so that I could have more opportunities. My tri-lingual status meant that I acted as their translator in almost every situation. They opened a little restaurant downtown and I was often called away from my schoolwork to interact with customers on their behalf. Over the years, they learned some English, but I still take on this duty from time to time. The more I help people communicate, the more confident I become in my future aspirations. Despite having no education themselves, my parents always pushed me to make my education a priority. Hearing about their respective upbringings in Bihar, India, fostered a sense of gratitude and tenacity in me. My Father always said, “apane dil ka paalan karen lekin apane mastishk ko le jaen,” which means “follow your heart but take your brain.” And that’s exactly what I aim to do and what I want to inspire others to do. [Your academic record (with extracurricular activities and meritable traits)] Once I was in highschool, I became determined to create more opportunities for myself and others, even founding my school’s first Hindi Culture Club when I was only a freshman. And as an ambitious sophomore, I created The India Reads Foundation (IRF), which sends donated English books to the poorest states so people can have a leg-up should they decide to emigrate. The IRF spread to all the schools in the metroplex and I was nominated for the Dallas Youth Do-Gooders award. Heading these activities sharpened my leadership skills and opened my eyes to the fact that I can make a real difference in people’s lives. [How you’ll benefit (why you should get the scholarship] I’m truly passionate about helping others learn and communicate, and that’s why I aim to study Education and International Diplomacy. The dual-degree program at the University of Texas would not only allow me to teach but allow me to learn about different cultures and the struggles people face. I’m applying for the James Borderless Scholarship because not only will it financially help me, but it will give me even more drive to work hard and achieve my goals. I also hope to use this scholarship when applying to study abroad, where I can have hands-on experience in various cultures. [Career goals] After achieving both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, I hope to work as a professional translator either at the American Embassy in New Delhi or at points of entry in the United States so I can help immigrants navigate various legal procedures. And someday I’d like to start my own traveling English language school serving impoverished cities in South Asian countries. [Restate why you deserve the scholarship] I believe I deserve this scholarship opportunity because I am driven and passionate about my future. And if my parents have taught me anything, it’s that I have the power to make my own future a reality. Like my Dad always said, apane dil ka paalan karen lekin apane mastishk ko le jaen. [Closing statement] Thank you for your consideration with this prestigious opportunity. Sincerely, Anika Acharya