How Cayman Islands’ student Zara Majid earned a place at Yale Young Global Scholars.

From an early age, Zara aligned her ambitions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, using them as a framework to guide both her learning and her actions. Through robotics, climate advocacy, competitive chess and youth leadership, she has built a path that connects curiosity with impact. Since 2021, she has also been part of the TechCayman community, where access to mentorship and hands-on programmes helped strengthen both her confidence and technical interests. Today, as she prepares to step into a global academic environment, she carries with her a perspective shaped by both local experience and global ambition.

We asked Zara a few questions to learn more about her journey.

A: From as early as I can remember, I have been fascinated by science and technology, but what shaped that interest more deeply was being introduced to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I recognised in them a reflection of my own values, and since then every aspiration I have pursued has been driven by a desire to contribute to real-world solutions. At three years old, I was exploring turtle anatomy and was featured by the University of the West Indies. At seven, I grew my first plant from a seed sent through a newspaper, and it ended up taller than me. Later, in Trinidad, I received awards for academic achievement in STEM and completed the ABE Endorsed Kids MBA, where I developed a product-based business idea. Science has never felt abstract to me. It has always felt like something I could explore, apply and use to make a difference.

A: When my parents told me we were relocating to the Cayman Islands, I was genuinely nervous about starting over. When we arrived, opportunities through TechCayman gave me both a foundation and a sense of belonging. I joined the Machine Learning Robotics Immersion Camp in 2021, where I met mentors who nurtured my interest in engineering in a welcoming and supportive environment. That experience motivated me to give something back, so when I was asked to mentor in robotics camps, I accepted immediately. One of the most defining moments came when I was asked to step in as keynote speaker at the TechKYouth Conference with just one hour to prepare. It challenged me, but it also showed me how much others believed in my ability. More recently, I was able to pitch a food security idea to the TechCayman team, and we are now working on developing it into a solution that could benefit the local community.

A: Mentorship to me is built on trust, belief and the willingness to walk alongside someone as they grow. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to have mentors across education, technology, chess and climate action who have each played a meaningful role in shaping who I am. From school leaders who encouraged me to take on leadership roles, to mentors who supported my development in engineering and connected me with opportunities, to coaches who helped me represent the Cayman Islands internationally in chess, each has contributed to my growth. Their guidance has taught me resilience, confidence and the importance of continuous learning. Every meaningful step I have taken has been supported by someone who believed in me, often before I fully believed in myself.

A: Giving back feels like a natural extension of everything I have received. In chess, I founded Queens of Tomorrow, a programme that supports girls across the Cayman Islands in developing their skills and confidence. I also collaborate internationally through initiatives that promote access to chess for girls in other communities. In science and climate action, I continue to volunteer with the National Trust and contribute to sustainability-focused projects, while also taking on leadership roles that allow me to advocate for environmental responsibility. For me, it is important that the opportunities I have been given do not stop with me, but instead create pathways for others to grow and succeed.

A: My science fair projects have focused on environmental topics such as solar radiation and ocean acidification, because I am deeply passionate about the issues they represent. What truly interests me about energy and the environment is that they are not abstract scientific concepts, they are the defining challenges of my generation. Every day, I see the effects of climate change across the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean, from coastal erosion to threats to marine ecosystems. These are not distant problems, they are part of our lived reality. What excites me most is that energy and environmental challenges sit at the intersection of science, policy and human behaviour. Solving them requires not just knowledge, but leadership, collaboration and innovation. I am not only interested in understanding these issues, I want to be part of developing solutions that can make a meaningful difference.

A: Applying to the Yale Young Global Scholars programme was a decision that felt both exciting and intentional. I was drawn to its focus on global challenges, interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration with students from around the world. The application process pushed me to reflect deeply on my experiences and connect my interests across science, climate action, technology and leadership into a clear sense of purpose. Being accepted and awarded a full scholarship was an incredibly meaningful moment. I am incredibly excited to bring the perspective of a young person from a small island nation to those global conversations, because I think that voice is often missing, and it matters. For me, the opportunity is not just about attending a programme, but about contributing to conversations that shape global solutions, while representing perspectives that are often underrepresented.

A: When I received the acceptance, I had to read the letter twice. I was overwhelmed with emotion and felt an incredible sense of gratitude. As an expat student, opportunities can sometimes feel uncertain, so receiving a full scholarship made the moment even more significant. I also felt a real sense of responsibility. Being accepted means I now carry the opportunity to represent not just myself, but young people from the Caribbean and small island nations who rarely see themselves in spaces like Yale.It felt like a collective achievement, shaped by the support of my parents, mentors, teachers and community. At the same time, it motivated me to approach the opportunity with purpose and to make the most of the platform I have been given.

A: I plan to apply to universities soon and hope to study chemical engineering, with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy. Small island nations rely heavily on non-renewable energy, and I want to be part of developing solutions that support both growth and environmental protection. I also plan to continue representing the Cayman Islands in chess, expand my mentorship initiatives and remain actively involved in environmental work. My goal is to build a path that combines science, leadership and long-term impact.

A: Do not wait for the perfect moment before taking the first step. Many of the opportunities I have had came before I felt fully ready, but each one helped me grow. Being from a small island is not a limitation. I have been able to compete internationally, collaborate with global programmes and now take part in opportunities like Yale, all from here. The world is more connected than ever, so seek out opportunities, stay curious and trust that your perspective matters. Mentorship has been one of the most important factors in my journey, so do not be afraid to reach out to people who inspire you. The Cayman Islands needs its next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators, and I believe they are already here.