<aside> 💡 At Afara, we are redefining what’s possible for young people. We believe that every bold transformation starts with a single moment, one idea, one act of courage, one audacious dream. The Bridge Program is the gateway for those who dare to challenge the norm and create meaningful change.

We don’t just want to know what you have done; we want to understand who you are. There are no right or wrong answers, just an opportunity for you to reflect deeply on your journey, the experiences that have shaped you, and the people who have influenced your path. Be authentic. Be bold. Be aspirational (you can go as far as 150 words for short essay questions and 400 words for the long essay question).

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Guidelines to Answer

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Short Essays (Max 150 words)

1. Please tell us about a moment  you made someone extremely proud about

This essay invites you to reflect on a moment when your actions made someone deeply proud of you. It could be a personal achievement, an impact you had on others, or a time when you rose to an unexpected challenge. We are not just looking for what happened, but why it mattered—to you and to the person who felt proud. At Afara, we believe that purpose is often shaped by moments of recognition and affirmation. These experiences reveal our values, strengths, and potential to create change. Whether it was a teacher, a mentor, a family member, or a peer, their pride in you likely reflected something deeper about who you are becoming.

As you craft your response, consider:

• What was the moment? Describe the situation and your role in it.
• Who was proud of you, and why? What did they see in you that made them feel that way?
• Why did this moment matter to you? How did it shape your sense of self, responsibility, or ambition?
• How did it affect your future actions? Did it inspire you to take on new challenges or reinforce a value you now hold deeply?

Be authentic and specific. it’s not about choosing the “biggest” achievement but rather sharing a moment that truly meant something to you**.**

1. Describe a situation when you faced your toughest challenge

This essay invites you to reflect on a moment when you encountered your most difficult challenge and how you responded to it. Challenges shape our character, test our resilience, and push us to grow in unexpected ways. At Afara, we believe that true leadership is not about avoiding obstacles but about embracing them with courage and perseverance.

We are not just looking for what the challenge was, but how you navigated it, what you learned, and how it shaped your mindset and actions moving forward. Whether it was an academic hurdle, a personal setback, or an unexpected responsibility, your response to the challenge is what truly defines you.

As you craft your response, consider:

• What was the challenge? Provide context—what made it difficult?