College essays are one of the toughest things to write for a student and is a major deciding factor for most world renowned universities.
So, when 18-year-old Ziad Ahmed applied to Stanford University, he was asked: “What matters to you, and why?” – and only one thing came to his mind: #BlackLivesMatter
That’s what the high school senior wrote in his essay, exactly 100 times. He wrote the hashtag #BlackLivesMatters in the essay – and his risk paid off as he received an acceptance letter to the prestigious Stanford University.
“I was actually stunned when I opened the update and saw that I was admitted,” Ahmed said in an email to a foreign news publication.
“I didn’t think I would get admitted to Stanford at all, but it’s quite refreshing to see that they view my unapologetic activism as an asset rather than a liability.”
“Everyone who received your application was inspired by your passion, determination, accomplishments, and heart,” his acceptance letter read.
It added: “You are, quite simply, a fantastic match with Stanford. You will bring something original and extraordinary to our campus – a place where you can learn, grow, and thrive.”
Ahmed also tweeted a screenshot of his application on Twitter, which was liked and shared over 1000 times.
