Cocoa Diaries Scholarship

Varying types of adversity have shaped me to become the person I am today and although the hardships felt insurmountable at the time, they all substantially contributed to my growth as an individual. One of the most prominent hardships in my life that I have faced is being the most disrespected person in this society, a black woman. Growing up around people that did not look like me I constantly felt out of place. My self-confidence was minimal, self-expression was stifled, and there was the looming thought of needing to be twice as good to be considered just as capable. This feeling only grew when I transferred to UC Irvine. I faced a lack of social support since I moved hours away to a school where I was part of the 2% of students that looked like me. Instead of allowing it to be a hindrance, I used it as a way to make new friends and network. I joined clubs such as: the Nigerian Student Association, the Minority Association of Pre-medical Students, and became a board member for the Black Psychology Student Association. These experiences allowed me to turn my fears into productive solutions which also helped future students find their place. Although I questioned whether I was capable of juggling all my responsibilities, I found solace in knowing that being a second-generation student and a racial/ethnic minority were more so stepping stones that allowed me to develop the grit I needed to find solutions and persevere. My desire is for undergraduates who are pursuing a degree in Psychology to know there is a space for them to learn and flourish and so far I believe my club is taking the steps to do this for our peers. We have hosted meetings and I created/moderated a panel that essentially analyzed the implications of being black and how to remain informed and motivated despite any barriers we may experience. I also spoke during an event in which I informed black individuals on campus about mental health resources and ways they can preserve their inner peace as they face personal tribulations. My club hosted a panel for black students, especially black women, on campus about safe/consensual sex. Our voices are often stifled and we felt that it was important for black women on campus to have a space where they felt safe, heard, and can seek help if necessary. Being a part of this club has given me the humbling opportunity to help other students in their personal growth and educational journey, which in turn has helped me become a better leader and advocate for black individuals.