Adrin Ohaekwe Memorial Scholarship

Being a non-traditional college student shouldn't only be seen through the clouds of age. When I realized at the age of 29 that I wanted to return to school to pursue nursing, I was met with both negativity and deterrence from a few people around me (myself included), and positivity and encouragement. I knew that making such a drastic life change would be difficult, but it would be necessary in order to get to where I wanted to in life. At the time, I thought that it was the change that I feared, but instead it was the possibility of failure that kept me wide-eyed. Nonetheless, I made up my mind to take a chance on myself. As I began to place a plan into motion, the steps seemed to get shorter and the incline a bit less. I realized heading into this new chapter of my life that like a game of chess, it's a bit easier to succeed when aware of the possibilities. It is through chess that I learned that it is not only that one must remain constantly aware of their surroundings and of the possibilities that exist, but that premeditated action must be taken in order to increase the chances of success. For it is through these taken chances that we are given a greater and wider world view. To be a nurse, the world must be viewed through a lens of compassion and understanding. A lens with a strength to match the clear, up-close views that nurses get at humanities pains and triumphs. Growing up, I knew that helping people is what I wanted to do. When my grandma would get sick, I'd be up early to make sure she was okay. Though young, I would help with getting her cups of tea or coffee, food and medicine. Now, en-route to becoming a nurse practitioner and CRNA, I wish my grandma could see me. My goal is to help our community the way I wish I could've helped my grandma. A community that is beautiful and strongly cohered, yet has been riddled with poor health stemming from the inability to afford healthcare. As a nurse practitioner, I plan to offer free healthcare services to our border community to those who cannot afford to visit a doctor's office. I would also like to offer harm reduction services to members of our community who struggle with substance use disorder. In a country as great and prosperous as ours, not one person should go without having the ability to receive compassionate healthcare. Just as in a game of chess, I've taken a good look at who and what surrounds me. I've done all I can to plan ahead in order to ensure my survival on this path to becoming a healthcare worker. I've considered that what-ifs; what if i don't pass this class or what if my next move lands me in between a Rook and hard place? But also, what if I graduate top of my class or save a life? I've thought of as much as I could and have tried to prepare accordingly. But alas, we never truly know life's next move. When I look around and see all these different faces, all I could think is that we are all someone's child. Just kids who had to grow up and try to figure life out. I'll never pretend to have it figured out - life and all it encompasses, but I'm certain that my desire to help people will forever be a piece of the puzzle that makes me, me.

Growing up, I was always fascinated with the game of chess. I loved the strategic planning and critical thinking required to outmaneuver my opponent. As I continued to play, I realized that my love for chess could help me achieve my goals in the aircraft maintenance industry. In aircraft maintenance, attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential for success. These are the same skills that are required to excel at chess. The ability to analyze a situation, anticipate potential problems, and develop a plan to solve them are key components of both chess and aircraft maintenance. Playing chess has also helped me to become a better decision maker. In chess, every move you make has consequences, and it is essential to think through each move before making it. This requires critical thinking, analysis, and the ability to predict outcomes. The same is true in the aircraft maintenance industry, where the decisions you make can have significant implications for safety and efficiency. My experience with chess has taught me to consider all possible outcomes and to make well-informed decisions based on the information available. This skill will be invaluable in my future career as an aircraft maintenance technician. I am confident that my experience playing chess has prepared me to handle the complex challenges of the aircraft maintenance industry and to make sound decisions that will keep people safe and keep planes flying. Furthermore, chess has taught me patience and persistence, which are essential qualities for a successful career in aircraft maintenance. Aircraft mechanics and technicians often work on complex, time-sensitive projects that require a great deal of focus and attention to detail. My experience playing chess has prepared me to handle these types of situations and to remain calm under pressure. In addition to my passion for chess, I am committed to giving back to my community. I believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a better future for all. As an aircraft maintenance technician, I will have the skills and knowledge to mentor and support other low-income and underrepresented minority students who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation. Overall, my love for chess has taught me valuable skills and qualities that will help me succeed in the aircraft maintenance industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, and I am committed to using my education and experience to make a positive impact on my community. Thank you to the scholarship committee for recognizing the importance of supporting low-income and underrepresented minority students in the aviation industry.