Coming from humble beginnings, Tariq was instilled with the virtues of gratitude, selflessness, and conviction very early in life. As one of three children raised by a single-parent, he was forced to confront obstacles that most people would consider premature for his age. However, with growth and maturity, Tariq has learned to embrace each trying experience as a challenge—none too arduous for him to conquer.
Tariq has proven the benefits of hard work and determination by excelling academically throughout grade school and high school. In 2004, he graduated as the top-ranked student of a class of 405, and as a recipient of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Tariq was been named an AP Scholar, a National Achievement Scholar, and a Horatio Alger National Scholar. Tariq was equally committed to several activities outside of the academic setting as well. In addition to holding a part-time job all for years of high school, he also served as both Vice-President and President of his school’s Student Government Association, and as a member of the National Honors Society, National Art Honors Society, the Marching Band and his school’s Mock Trial Team. Tariq also swam for his school’s varsity swim team, and was named to the Academic All-American team his senior year.
Innately reserved and soft-spoken as a child, Tariq has used the many opportunities that his school and community have afforded him to develop attributes of a very promising leader. He attended the Maryland Association of Student Councils Leadership Conference and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference where he participated in various seminars, which helped to strengthen his public speaking and leadership skills. During the summer of 2003, Tariq also participated in the LEAD Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The program introduced him to the different aspects of business careers, and as result, Tariq still strongly considers a career in financial services industry.
Tariq is currently a student at Harvard University, concentrating in Social Studies, with a focus in Developing Societies. Upon entering college, Tariq has maintained an equally strong commitment to both academics and his greater school community. He is actively involved in several student organizations on campus including, ranging from cultural organizations, to student publications, to community service groups. Although Tariq does hope to one day obtain a respectable career and financial security, he also realizes the obligations he has towards the community that has helped him in so many ways. Tariq recognizes the contributions that many people have made towards his life, and he lives to create the same positive effect each day.
