Cyrilla Olapeju Sanni Scholarship Fund

From Monrovia to Medicine: Building a Future Through Resilience My family's journey to the US began with an escape. On June 1, 1990, my mother boarded the last international flight out of Monrovia, Liberia, 2 days before the airport was bombed and civil war erupted. A one-month escape turned into a 16-year displacement, and the greatest challenge my family faced upon arriving in the US was rebuilding our lives, while navigating the complexities of being African immigrants. My mother arrived with little support, facing a new culture, complex immigration, and financial strain. Leaving behind her home and family, she faced the daunting task of creating a new life for herself and her future children. She balanced college with work, worrying for family back in Liberia. She encountered prejudice and stereotypes, common hurdles for African immigrants striving to integrate into American society. Financial constraints loomed large. Linguistic challenges and unfamiliar academic expectations created obstacles. Securing aid and navigating the system proved difficult. Despite this, she persevered, earning her degree and creating a stable home. She instilled in me the value of education, hard work, and resilience. She showed me it was possible to thrive despite adversity. Witnessing her strength shaped who I am today. I appreciate opportunities others take for granted. As the child of an African immigrant, I connect deeply with the Cyrilla Olapeju Sanni scholarship, recognizing its focus on the unique hurdles African students face, compounded by cultural barriers and limited resources. Growing up, I saw the wide gap between the privileged few and the majority who lived on less than a dollar a day. My mother instilled in me a deep appreciation for what we had and a strong sense of responsibility to serve those with less. The combination of her example and the poverty around me instilled in me a commitment to equity and justice. That truth hit me hard in 2021, when I survived a near-fatal car accident in the U.S. I sustained a traumatic brain injury, fractured my spine, and suffered internal injuries. I spent six days in the ICU, dependent on a team of doctors and nurses for survival. If that accident had happened in Liberia, I likely wouldn’t be alive. That experience gave me clarity: I was given a second chance at life, and I intend to use it to help others. I am currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science, with plans to become a Sports Medicine Physician. My career goals are rooted in global service. I hope to work in both the U.S. and Liberia, advancing sports medicine, preventing injuries, and creating systems that improve access to care. My vision includes building a teaching and practice forum that allows U.S.-trained professionals to rotate through Liberia and train local practitioners. In addition to my academic path, I founded the Byrd Basketball Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring underprivileged youth through sports. In July 2022, I hosted our first fully-sponsored basketball camp in Liberia, free for all participants. My foundation is committed to teaching not just athletic skills, but leadership, education, and resilience. Like so many immigrants, I’ve also inherited the strength to push through barriers and build something meaningful. Receiving the Cyrilla Olapeju Sanni Scholarship would alleviate the financial strain on my education and honor the resilience of my mother. My story is still being written, but its foundation is one of survival, sacrifice, and the unshakable belief that purpose grows from perseverance. I want to build a better future, not just for myself, but for the communities I come from and the ones I will serve.

“Where you come from does not determine who you will be, but where you choose to be is who you will become." — Lydia Kai Adjetey These North Star words have been my guiding light, motivating me through my journey from a small town in Ghana called Beijing, to becoming an advocate and storyteller in the U.S. My name is Lydia Kai Adjetey, and I am a first-generation graduating undergraduate student from Ghana, studying Journalism at Stockton University. Coming from a low-income family, raised by a single mother, and as the last born of four girls, life has not been easy for my family. I only got the privilege of education due to a decision made by my grandfather, and that selfless decision was my gateway to access a tool as powerful as education. My grandfather, in exchange for a lifetime of education for the family lineage, gave his land to a man to build his school instead of receiving money. This was how I got free education from Kindergarten till Junior High School. I was able to continue to high school because the recent past president of Ghana ran a free education program at the time, and I benefited from that program, as my mother could not afford that. Four years ago, at the age of 19, I was a farmer and a teacher in a village called Ada in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. I saw my high schoolmates proceed to university, and I had to teach and farm to make ends meet. I saw my mother and my sisters on the farm with me, and seeing my mother work so hard often broke my heart and made me lose hope that I could ever even achieve anything in my life as my mother was here with me. But then one day, all of this changed, because I chose to dream and cause it to happen. Asa voiceover artist, I worked with blogger Kobby Kyei to amplify rural stories. I interviewed village chiefs, translated their narratives, and highlighted communities needing food, water, and shelter. That experience showed me how media can drive change. At Stockton, I’ve maintained a 3.90 GPA while working two jobs per semester. I became the first student to serve as a Resident Assistant directly from Ghana, mentoring 100+ students and promoting diversity and inclusion. I founded Stockton’s first Entrepreneurship Club and led “Success Pitch 2024,” a Shark Tank-style event that raised $850 and united students with local entrepreneurs. I also served as a Global Engagement Mentor for international students and interned at the Holocaust Resource Center, educating visitors on survivor stories. As a fellow with the South Jersey Information Equity Project, I interview community members and dignitaries such as County Executive Dennis Levinson and Mayor Marty Small Sr., publishing through Atlantic City Focus. My reporting work has taught me how to engage deeply and empathetically with community stories. I have been admitted to top journalism graduate programs, including Northwestern University, Syracuse, Boston University, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism among others, which offered me the most funding—yet I still face a $19,200 tuition gap, not including housing. This scholarship would help me take the next step in my journey. At Craig Newmark, I’ll pursue investigative and broadcast journalism. My long-term dream is to return to Ghana and build the world’s largest media house—complete with radio and TV stations, a training institute, podcast studios, youth centers, and more. I call myself “abnormal” because I don’t settle for less. I question systems, challenge injustices, and dream beyond limitations. Thank you for considering my application.

My Journey Back to Education When my older brother and I moved to the United States as young immigrants, our dream was clear—we would pursue an education and build a better future. However, that dream was put on hold when my father was diagnosed with cancer back home in Nigeria. The financial burden of his illness was overwhelming, and every dollar that had been saved for school was redirected toward his medical expenses in the desperate hope of saving his life. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. His passing left not only an emotional void but also a financial struggle that forced me to put my education aside for survival. For years, higher education was no longer an option. Instead of attending school, I focused on working to support myself and help my family as we navigated the challenges of losing my father and rebuilding our lives in a new country. As an immigrant, without financial stability or access to immediate support systems, every step forward felt like an uphill battle. However, through sheer resilience and determination, I never lost sight of my dream. I knew that education was the key to breaking the cycle of struggle and opening doors to a better future. When the opportunity finally came to resume my education, I seized it. Despite the years lost, the challenges endured, and the responsibilities I carried, I enrolled at Baltimore City Community College (BCC) and worked relentlessly to earn my Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Balancing school and personal responsibilities was not easy, but I refused to let my circumstances define my future. Now, I am set to continue my academic journey at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) to further my education in Cybersecurity—a field that fuels my passion and aligns with my vision for the future. The hardships I endured have not only strengthened my resilience but have also instilled in me a deep appreciation for education and personal growth. I approach my studies with an unyielding sense of purpose because I understand what it means to be without access to education, and I do not take this opportunity for granted. My journey has taught me self-discipline, perseverance, and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity—qualities that will serve me well in both academia and my future career in cybersecurity. Beyond my personal ambitions, I am committed to giving back to my community. I have used my experiences to educate others by conducting cybersecurity awareness training in my local church community and sharing knowledge that helps people stay safe online. Additionally, I actively participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, cybersecurity conferences, and networking events, continuously striving to expand my skills and make meaningful contributions to the field. The greatest challenge my family faced—losing my father and sacrificing education for survival—has shaped me into the resilient and ambitious individual I am today. While I had to pause my academic journey for years, I never abandoned my dream. Through perseverance, I have fought my way back to education, and now, nothing will stop me from achieving my goals. This scholarship would provide the financial support needed to continue my education without the burden of financial stress, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and career aspirations. My story is one of determination, sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that no matter how difficult the journey, dreams can still be realized. I am ready to turn my dreams into reality—not just for myself, but as a testament to the power of resilience for all who face similar struggles.

When my family decided to move from Nigeria to the United States in 2017, it was out of necessity. The corruption and instability in our home country made it clear that we needed a fresh start to pursue the American dream. However, the journey to that new beginning was not easy. My parents had to make immense sacrifices. We sold everything we had—our homes, our jewelry, and all of our possessions—to gather the resources needed to leave. The decision was so difficult and risky that we couldn’t even inform our extended family members until the week before departure, for fear of the trip not being successful due to bad intentions people might have. Arriving in the United States brought its own set of challenges. Although we were finally free from the corruption that plagued our lives in Nigeria, the financial struggles didn’t disappear. My parents took on multiple jobs to meet our basic needs and ensure we had a roof over our heads. The demands of their work meant that we saw less of each other as a family. This could have been a source of division, but it had the opposite effect on me. I learned to value the hard work my parents put in, which instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and independence. The experience of watching my parents sacrifice so much has become a driving force in my life. Knowing they gave up everything to provide a better future for me and my siblings motivates me to work hard and make them proud. I am determined to achieve my goals, not just for myself, but to honor their sacrifices. This determination is why I am so passionate about my education and my future career in law. I want to ensure that their efforts were not in vain and to create a legacy that reflects the strength and resilience they have shown. Although our family dynamic has changed and we are all busier and have less time to spend together, the bond we share is stronger than ever. My parents’ example has taught me the importance of perseverance, and it is this lesson that fuels my ambition. I know that the road ahead won’t be easy, but the challenges we’ve faced as a family have prepared me to tackle whatever obstacles come my way. My ultimate goal is to become a Supreme Court Justice, a position where I can work to reform the criminal justice system and ensure that others have the opportunities my family fought so hard to secure. In the meantime, I continue to lead the Build-A-Home club at my school, an initiative close to my heart, as it allows me to give back to my community and help those who are facing struggles by organizing monthly drives across the school to cater to their needs. The drive to support others, combined with the independence I’ve developed from my family’s experiences, is what shapes who I am today. It is this combination of personal challenges and a deep desire to make a difference that will guide me as I pursue my goals and strive to make my parents proud.

My family's journey has had a profound influence on my beliefs about the world and my career aspirations. Their resilience in the face of adversity has instilled in me a deep sense of determination and purpose. My parents emigrated from war-torn Eritrea, a country in East Africa that fought a long and brutal war for independence from Ethiopia. My mother's village and school were ravaged by bombs, limiting her education to the third grade. Seeking refuge in Sudan, she embarked on a perilous journey on foot, where she met my father. Their story of survival and determination eventually led them to the United States, where they started anew in a foreign land. The hardships my parents endured as immigrants profoundly influenced my upbringing. The weight of financial constraints instilled in me a survival mindset from an early age. I witnessed their tireless efforts to support our family while sending money back to relatives in Eritrea, stretching our already tight resources. In a household where day-to-day concerns often took precedence over dreams and aspirations, the pursuit of higher education was a luxury that my parents couldn't afford. Nonetheless, they understood the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and were determined to provide their children with opportunities they never had. My family's journey also taught me about the resilience of the human spirit. Eritrea, a small country with limited resources, successfully gained independence against overwhelming odds. This spirit of resilience and the belief that change is possible even in the face of adversity have deeply influenced my worldview. It has shaped my belief that individuals can make a difference, no matter how challenging the circumstances. These lessons from my family have guided my career aspirations. I am passionate about using my education and skills to create positive change in the world. Specifically, I am drawn to the field of digital marketing and storytelling. My experiences have shown me the power of narratives in shaping perceptions and driving change. I aspire to use digital marketing as a tool for advocacy and empowerment. I want to tell stories that highlight the resilience of marginalized communities, much like my own family's story. I believe that by sharing these narratives, we can inspire others, challenge stereotypes, and bring about social change. My journey towards academic success has been marked by achievements such as being elected as my school's valedictorian. This honor has allowed me to excel academically while also becoming a leader in various extracurricular activities. For example, as an intern with Word Is Bond, I had the opportunity to pitch a policy in Washington, D.C., aimed at updating the American education system to acknowledge the significant contributions of Black innovators and leaders throughout history. I argued that the underrepresentation of Black excellence in history courses adversely affects the aspirations and self-esteem of Black students. The overwhelming support from the esteemed Open Society Foundation and Oregon senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley served as a powerful validation of my efforts, reaffirming my unwavering belief in the potential for transformative, positive change. In conclusion, my family's journey has profoundly shaped my beliefs about the world and my career aspirations. Their resilience, sacrifice, and belief in the power of education have instilled in me a deep sense of purpose. I am committed to using my education and skills in digital marketing and storytelling to advocate for positive change and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. My family's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience, and it is a driving force behind my desire to make a meaningful impact in the world.

At the age of fourteen and twelve, my sister and I had to come to the United States by ourselves from Nigeria. Mainly because our safety was threatened and also for a better future. I was separated from my family when I was eleven and taken to an orphanage home for motherless children. A man my mum has had a past with was claiming to be my sister and I, biological father. Nigeria has an unfair justice system, where the rich are the ones who get what they wanted and treated us like something worthless. I was molested and abused. I had no one to talk to, I had to be strong for my sister. Be her dad and her mom. I had to endure, and hope for a better future. My parents went through hell to get my sister and me out. We got out and it was more dangerous, we were receiving death threats from an anonymous person. We were being watched and it was exhausting. My parents decided to get us out of the country. They sold everything they had to be able to send us to the United States. We had to go for an interview at the embassy, and on our way going, our traveling agent told us not to get our hopes up, the chances of us getting in was slim. Regardless, we prayed and hoped and got our visa, decided on a date, and worked hard to raise the money. A week before the date, we were robbed. the money we had left to pay for our traveling fee got stolen and everything went backward. I saw my parents go through hell, but in every situation, they were always calm. This is something I have emulated from them. With everything I had gone through, I had learned some things. Habits, attitudes, mindset, and all. Most of it I'm aware of, and the rest, I'm still figuring out. Throughout my trials, I've learned to endure and be calm. To take things one step at a time and be patient. Not to take anything for granted and always have faith. To focus on the bigger picture and not lose track. Set goals and be determined. I've learned to not let people's negative assumptions and opinion shape who I am and what I do. Through trials, I learned how important hard work is. To be in a foreign country, with someone who looks up to you and relies on you isn't easy. I had to grow up faster than I should. I learned that things would not always go your way, there will be situations that you think it's impossible to get out of but there is always a way through. When I first started high school, I was having a hard time adjusting and adapting to the new system, I worked so hard to improve. I went to YouTube for an extra lesson. I asked my teacher for help but it just seemed like nothing was working. But I didn't give up, and with time I saw improvement. My grades changed, and I was asked to register for AP classes, although I didn't, to be considered was everything. I took college classes in higher school. I got honor roll. I was voted as the best in Health. And to be honest, if not for what I've gone through, I would have given up. The struggle I faced made me who I am today, and I am proud of myself for all I have overcome.

I was in middle school when I first began to tell people my dad got deported. Being black and not having my dad around meant the "where's your dad" jokes were a given. And when I told them my dad was deported back to African the you hunt lions and African booty scratches jokes rolled in. Despite being made fun of by the Latinos because I was African and not being accepted by the Africans because I look American was an interesting experience. I didn't struggle while my dad was here but I struggled when he left. My Dad came to America when he was 8. His country was going through a civil war and so him my grandpa and my uncles all came to America. When I was two years old he was deported back to Kinshasa, Congo. During those two years he was here with me I was the most spoiled child. I had all the toys my mom never had to work and best of all I got to be with my dad in person. I was only two at the time and I haven't seen him in person since. Having my dad be so out of reach has been one of the hardest things I've gone through. Phone calls to and from the US and Congo are very expensive so calls with my dad they were always short. Education has always been important to him, so I used it as my way of connecting with him. I was always a good student and child. I was always on honor roll, in dual enrollment while in high school, extra curriculars student body president, etc.. The more I was able to achieve through school the more connected I felt. It was and is my way of making my dad proud. He was so happy when I graduated high school and got accepted into all my top choice schools. But things took a turn when I got sick. I spent my first year of college struggling with a pandemic and then I was in the process of being diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis. I wanted so badly to follow the normal path of college straight out of high school, but I was not doing so good. I had no energy ever, everything made me sick, and I spent the year losing weight and getting sicker and sicker. During this time my dad and I's relationship took a significant hit. He was constantly worried about my health and things going on in his country restricted the amount of time we could talk. I got worse and worse health wise and ended up having to take this year off college and have an emergency surgery. I now have a stoma and colostomy bag attached to me 24/7 but I am ready to get back into the swing of life. I was my dad's only child for 17 years but now have a little brother. I want to go to school to learn French so I can build a relationship with my brother and be able to get a career that will allow for me to pay the right people to help my dad come back to America and for me to help my brother have a better life. I am determined as ever to be in control of my life and plan to do everything in my power to make it happen. I don't technically qualify because I barely got to experience my dad in America, but it was still hard and you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.