Rivera-Gulley First-Gen Scholarship Award

I vividly recall the day my father left our home in Ghana for the U.S. Even as a child, I understood that his departure marked the beginning of a long, difficult journey for our family. His absence throughout my childhood was painful, but it instilled in me a deep understanding that education would be my key to breaking the cycle of struggle. As an immigrant and a first-generation student from West Africa, my relationship with education has always been personal. It has represented not just knowledge, but a promise of a more secure and successful life. My father’s decision to leave Ghana and endure hardship in a foreign land was motivated by the hope that one day his family would have access to the opportunities he never had. That hope now drives me in my own pursuit of higher education. In 2019, after many years of separation, my mother and I were finally reunited with my father in the United States. It was a joyful moment but, it also signaled the beginning of new challenges. Moving to a new country and adjusting to a completely different way of life was not easy. In high school, I struggled to fit in. I quickly learned that my accent became a point of difference that isolated me from my peers. However, instead of allowing these difficulties to hold me back, I chose to face them. In an effort to adapt, I joined my high school’s college club, where I found a sense of belonging and encouragement. The club not only introduced me to the college application process but also provided me with a support system of individuals who were determined to succeed. Through the club, I realized that the path to higher education was not just possible for me, it was necessary. When the time came to choose a college major, I knew I wanted to focus on something that would secure my own future and allow me to give back to the communities that shaped me. Growing up in Ghana, I had firsthand experience with the limitations caused by a lack of access to technology. In contrast, the U.S had an abundance of resources, from the availability of computers to the ease with which information could be accessed. It became clear to me that technological advancement was a critical component of economic growth and development. I chose Electrical and Computer Engineering to secure my future and give back to the communities that shaped me. Technology is essential for development, and I believe I can use my skills to help bridge the gap between developed and developing nations, contributing to a future where people like my parents don’t have to leave their homes to find opportunities. The decision to attend college is deeply rooted in my desire for personal growth, but it is also driven by a broader goal to honor the sacrifices my parents made. My father’s journey to the U.S was not just a physical one it was a journey of hope and belief in the power of opportunity. Now, as I embark on my own educational journey, I carry that same belief with me. I am determined to use my college experience not only to build a career for myself but to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, particularly those who face the same challenges my family and I have endured. Attending college is about more than personal growth, it’s about honoring my parents’ sacrifices and ensuring that the opportunities I’ve been fortunate to access are extended to those who need them most.