Aman and Meelod Waheed: The Shared Scholarship Experience of Two Brothers
Aman Waheed, a 2017 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, and Meelod Waheed, a 2022 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, share their experiences of receiving the same undergraduate transfer scholarship a few years apart and how it shaped their educational and career journeys. The brothers also reflect on how being part of a close-knit scholar community strengthened their bond and allowed them to support each other in unique ways.
Meelod Waheed (left) and Aman Waheed (right) eating in a local restaurant in Paros, Greece.
How did receiving the scholarship impact each of your educational and career journeys? Did it shape your paths in similar or different ways?
Aman: Truth be told, I did not strongly desire to go to college. My goal was to start working after high school without having a specific field in mind, scattering to find my fit.
I first heard about community college (CC) as an option in high school from a local CC counselor and became convinced it could be a viable option. Worried about financial implications, this counselor also assured me the low cost and affordability that wasn't shared while I was in high school. He also taught me about the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship which gave me a greater purpose and reason to excel.
Once winning the scholarship, I became convinced that any school in which I continue my four-year journey will be attainable. The stress of applying to scholarships and financial distress left my body completely. Most of my time began on productive, experiential, and career implicating tasks such as applying to internships, networking, and even studying aboard. None of these would have been possible if I had to prioritize paying off any student debts.
Meelod: I remember for me, it was a huge burden off my shoulders. My brother and I differ in that I wanted to go to college, but we didn’t have the money to fund it. I had to reject offers and acceptances at some universities because the cost of tuition was much higher than we could afford. From that, I decided to enroll at community college and take as many classes as I could.
Getting the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship was always on my mind since seeing my brother win it years before, so when I got it, I was thrilled. It ended up covering my entire tuition at Pomona, so I could focus on my classes and apply for jobs and internships.
Furthermore, the bigger value came from the Cooke network where I had Alumni working in fields I aspired to be in one day.
What was it like to see your sibling go through the scholarship process after you had already received it? Did you offer any advice or share experiences?
Aman: Watching my brother go through the scholarship process was somewhat stressful and somewhat comforting. Let me explain: I had the experience and understanding of what makes a good application and how to eloquently share your story that shows authenticity while highlighting your strengths. I gave my brother the EXACT same advice I offered anyone else who asked me for help: Be authentic, highlight your impact in local community, and show your accomplishments!
I was proud to see my brother already take the initiative to complete his entire application without seeking guidance. He had such a powerful story to tell himself, and he didn't hold back when it came time to put the ink on the paper.
In what ways did being part of the scholar community strengthen your bond as brothers? Did it create new opportunities to connect with each other?
Aman: I have a deep affinity for the Scholar community. My brother being a part of such a special group adds a synergy that brings it to another level for us.
Meelod and Aman at Scholars Weekend 2022.
My brother and I have friends across some Scholars, and we both have a unique perspective to help and add to that community -- whether it be career advice, school advice, or simply connecting. We are in fact the lucky ones.
Meelod: Being part of the Scholar community definitely strengthened our bond as brothers. It gave us a shared experience that went beyond just being family—we became part of something bigger. The challenges we both faced allowed us to connect on a deeper level, whether it was offering each other advice or celebrating our individual successes. It also opened up new opportunities for us to collaborate and share insights, especially as we navigated different stages of the process. Ultimately, the community created a space where we could grow, both together and individually, while helping each other along the way.
How do you think your experience as brothers within this close-knit scholar community differed from other scholars’ experiences?
Aman: I am fortunate my brother is a scholar because of this rare experience we share. We can talk to each other about similar topics, add to any important Scholar discussions, and bounce ideas off each other to help the scholar community. It's one thing to be a Cooke Scholar but it's another thing to be able to talk to a family member about it. I believe it adds more color to my perspective of the community, and it just plain feels good.
I do feel that I learn from my brother, and that unique opportunity does help alter my mindset on how to approach the next generation of Scholars and how to add value to the Foundation.
Meelod: Our experience as brothers within the Scholar community was unique because we had an inherent support system built into our journey. While other Scholars might lean on friends or mentors, we had the advantage of sharing a bond that was both personal and academic. We could openly discuss our challenges and successes with someone who truly understood, and we were able to help each other navigate the process with a shared perspective. That connection added an extra layer of support and motivation, which may not be as common for Scholars who don’t have family members in the same community. In many ways, it made the journey feel more collaborative and even more rewarding.
Looking back, what role did your sibling relationship play in helping you both navigate challenges and successes throughout your scholarship journey?
Aman: None. Someone has to figure it out first, haha!
Meelod: I definitely benefited from having Aman go through the process before me. His experience gave me valuable insight, and his guidance helped me navigate the challenges with more confidence. Knowing I could turn to him for advice made the journey feel more manageable and less daunting. His support was key in helping me succeed.
What advice would you give to other siblings or family members who might receive the same scholarship?
Aman: My advice is simple: Take advantage of the opportunity.
It's rare to have siblings experience such an amazing life-changing opportunity, so it's important to use that as an advantage to help propel you both. Use the resources, network and connect with others, and learn from each other.
Meelod: My advice would be to embrace the journey together. Use each other as a resource—share experiences, offer guidance, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Having a family member who truly understands the process can be incredibly valuable, so lean on that support. But also, recognize that each of you will have your own unique path, and it’s important to respect and learn from those differences. Ultimately, the shared experience will bring you closer and help you both succeed in your own way.
What are the key things they should keep in mind to make the most of their experience?
Aman: Just show up. It's hard to commit to everything, but I feel this unique group of dedicated Scholars are folks to learn from. Learn and make connections from the events, and don't be afraid to speak up!
Meelod: The key is to be proactive and take full advantage of the opportunities the scholarship provides. Stay connected with the Scholar community—network, seek mentorship, and participate in events. It’s also important to stay open to learning from others, especially those who have gone through the process before you. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. Lastly, remember to give back when you can. Supporting fellow Scholars and contributing to the community will enrich your experience and create lasting connections.