When graduating senior Sanaa Parran looks back on her time at Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, Maryland, she says she is “especially proud” of her efforts to assist families facing temporary housing crises in Howard County.
She and a group of students created “Boxes for a Better Future” that provides non-perishable food, utensils, napkins, and plates for people in temporary housing, and those waiting to be placed in more stable living situations.
“This project meant a lot to me because it went far beyond simply donating items,” Parran said in a statement she prepared for her high school. “We handled every aspect of the project ourselves: planning, coordinating, fundraising, shopping, assembling, and delivering the boxes.
Parran and five other students worked with Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center – which offers free, 24-hour crisis intervention, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and emergency shelter based in Columbia, Maryland – to assemble and distribute the boxes.
Participating in a program called Leadership U, a Howard County initiative for juniors to design and lead service projects to benefit the local community, Parran said she and her fellow group of students “recognized that poverty and homelessness were invisible yet very real issues in our area.”
“One of the most rewarding moments was hearing how these boxes would directly support families in our own community,” she said. “It was an unforgettable experience that taught me the power of teamwork and meaningful service.”
Parran said transferring to Elizabeth Seton during her sophomore year was “a turning point in my personal growth journey.”
She said the new environment “opened doors to opportunities I never had access to at my previous school, whether that’s different sports and programs, exploring unfamiliar subjects, or connecting with other girls from different walks of life.”
While at the all-girls school sponsored by the Daughters of Charity, Parran said she “discovered new interests and passions that grew beyond the classroom” which had an effect on “how I spent my time and how I viewed my own potential.”
“Through these experiences, I came to realize that I am capable of achieving much more than I thought if I'm willing to put in the needed effort,” she said. “Since then, I've pushed myself harder, taken on new challenges and pursued my goals with more determination. This newfound mindset continues to shape who I am and how I walk through life.”
While at Seton, Parran was a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and participated in Elizabeth Seton’s annual golf tournament. She volunteered at Little Friends for Peace, which offers peace-building experiences and opportunities; Our Daily Bread, a multi-denominational outreach; and Bread for the City, a Washington, D.C.-based program to assist low-income persons.
She said she tries to be “someone others can count on, whether they are my close friends or not.”
“I’ve always made it a point to be a positive presence … Kindness and simply just showing up for others can have a larger impact than people realize,” she said.
She said one of her favorite opportunities at Seton was to participate in the Young Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, a multi-year course of study focusing on business strategy, innovation, financial literacy, and marketing.
“This program has helped me grow, not only in problem-solving skills and professionalism, but also in my confidence,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to connect with other inspiring entrepreneurs, visit colleges with strong entrepreneurship programs, and help plan several school events.”
She said the program has been “a great experience that has opened the door to so many exciting opportunities and helped me grow in many ways.” Parran plans to pursue future studies in business and marketing.
