In memory of Zeineb Bouali, who embodied perseverance and determination, her daughters and husband are creating a scholarship to honor her legacy and support current students at George Mason University, as she was pursuing her Master's Degree in English at the time of her passing.

Earning her Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature in 1995 from the The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Tunis, Zeineb was passionate about teaching English as a second language and was a high school professor for many years. After immigrating to the U.S. with her husband and having kids, she put her career and educational aspirations on hold to raise her two daughters. When they were both in high school, Zeineb was finally able to start applying to school again to get her Master's; her goal was to earn a Ph.D. After almost three years of hard work converting credits, translating her transcripts and degree, and taking qualifying exams, Zeineb was finally admitted to GMU. Bursting with happiness, she loved every minute of her time in class. While Zeineb suddenly and tragically passed before she completed her degree, George Mason awarded her a Master's in English in memoriam.

This scholarship is dedicated to those who, like Zeineb, have had to pause their educational goals or have been displaced and are returning to fulfill their dream of obtaining a degree. The goal is to raise $25,000 to support 5 years of scholarships that will be awarded to several GMU students. Any size donation is welcome and appreciated!

Read more about the scholarship in this article written by a dear friend, Holly Mason Badra, from the GMU English Department where Zeineb was pursuing her Masters Degree in English: https://english.gmu.edu/articles/21002

Zeineb Mrad Bouali viewed everything in her life as a work of art. She was an artist and avid creator. A teacher and lifelong learner, a reader and writer, a loving mother, a caring wife, a best friend, the most effortlessly-amazing chef and baker and, above all, a pure and genuine soul. Below is an excerpt from her website; she writes about her truest self and reveals more than I could ever describe. This is Zeineb:

"Le Kram, Tunisia. That’s where I'll be taking you today:

A Summer Morning Breeze by the Mediterranean Sea

Mmmm, the smell is delicious, warm, excruciating even! I try to open my eyes, and there it is. The heavenly warm chocolate croissant swinging like a clock pendulum from right to left, left to right. My mom is holding the heavenly piece few inches from my nose. As I open my eyes to see her beautiful smiling face, and smell the warm croissant, all traces of sleep vanish. My mom is good, really good. She knows what ticks me, and what’s dear to my heart; both her beautiful face and chocolate croissant. Not that I’m comparing or anything, but eating such a scrumptious delicacy while sipping a perfectly brewed and concocted cappuccino next to my mom is one of of the best ways I can spend my precious time. The added bonus is where we spend that precious time. No other than the beautiful Mediterranean shore. My native place, where I grew up, and inhaled the ocean smell. Every little drop of it runs in my veins and through my bloodstream. It’s where my soul flies freely with ease, grace, and joy."

Read the rest of Zeineb's blog at: https://zmcreations.weebly.com/my-magnificent-blog/december-07th-2014

Thank you for donating to this important cause!