I am Seth Khammassi, first and foremost I would like to thank the Terrell L. Bruce Memorial Fund for helping fund my education.  It truly means a lot in my early life, my father was an immigrant.  Him being an immigrant gave me an understanding of how to achieve goals, since he came to the United States when he was 18 years old knowing nothing about the world to becoming an owner of two successful pizza stores.  Getting where you want to go requires a set of goals and my father's example showed me that I could do anything in the world. 

Overall, my goals require action and determination.  The company SpaceX is an outlet for me because they are dedicated to interstellar travel.  It provides me an opportunity to be part of the start of their journey, and I believe in it.  I chose to serve others and be an example to others to benefit society.  Educating myself and my fathers influence has taught me that anything is possible, and if you do something significant, you are able to inspire others to continue your journey.  As Malcolm X said “Education is a passport to the future as for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” 

Terrell L. Bruce Memorial Fund not only is helping me pay for my college, it almost contributes to a full paid semester at Penn State. And for that I am thankful.  I will be the first Khammassi in college.  It truly means a lot to be an example for the future generations. Also I would like to thank the Philadelphia Education Fund for making this all possible.  I appreciate it 

​​- Seth Khammassi (Excerpts from personal statement)

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Nathaniel M. Kirkland Scholar: Seth Khammassi