Like many families worldwide that move and travel to different countries looking for a better life and living, my family was one of them. My name is Abibatu Bangura and I was born in Sierra Leone, a small country in West Africa where I spent most of my childhood and some teen hood years, but due to the poor economy and government, we had to move leaving all my other family behind including my birth mom. Growing up in Africa I felt a powerful yearning to complete my education, especially when I realized that neither my parents nor the generations before them had that opportunity. This gave me a deep sense of responsibility to pursue my ambitions and to pave the way for future generations in my family, especially my siblings. When I first arrived, I thought it would be just like the Disney movies I used to watch, sadly, it wasn't anything like that because I could’ve been busting my dance moves since I love dancing and singing, what made it even more challenging was my heavy accent, which made it difficult for others to understand me, I had to repeat myself several times before they could understand what I was saying. As a result, I was placed in ESL; I was so scared to talk to my peers and teachers that I would stick to the back of the class like a shy wallflower. Whenever the teachers would ask me a question, I'd pretend I had a sore throat or a cold, even if I knew the answer; my mind was telling me to speak, but my mouth was determined to stay silent. I couldn't believe it when I finally mustered the courage to interact with my classmates. To my surprise, they were so kind and welcoming! They even complimented my outfit and hair, which made me feel so special, especially since I'm really into fashion. It's amazing how a little encouragement and a few compliments can make such a big difference. I'm getting the hang of this new social scene, and it just goes to show that even the shyest person can learn to navigate the world with confidence and style! I never had the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities since I helped my mom take care of my sister, who has cardiac arrest and cannot walk or talk. After my sister’s nurse leaves for the day, I take on additional responsibilities at home, leaving little time for a social life. However, I believe it’s never too late for me to participate in activities during college. I am determined to embrace every opportunity that comes my way in college. I view this next chapter as a chance to further my education and become more involved in the community around me. I plan to join organizations that align with my interests, particularly those that focus on fashion and social awareness, as my love for fashion has always been a vital form of self-expression for me. I am dedicated to pursuits with my deep passion for service by volunteering in programs that support families facing medical challenges; drawing from my personal experiences caring for my sisters. As I pursue my dream in college which is computer science, I aim to share my story and demonstrate that our backgrounds can empower us to overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact on those around us, I believe that through this journey, I can grow personally and academically and encourage others to chase their dreams with courage and determination.

This person inspires and motivates me to become the woman I am today—my beautiful self-made mother who went through a lot to make a difference in my life. At a young age my mom had to drop out of middle school for financial reasons also did her elder siblings. When she reached out to her big brother to ask for help with school fees, he said he had none, so, she took on the responsibility of earning money, sacrificing her education to ensure her youngest brother wouldn't face the same struggles, at a young age she took it on herself to enter the work-force since my grandparents were already seniors people. Since she was young and naive she was easily influenced, life dealt her another cruel blow, she met a man who wasn't over his ex, and she fell in love with him and he got her pregnant with me. My dad, consumed by his own issues, urged her to abort me. If it weren't for her morals, strength, her determination to do what she knew was right, I wouldn't be here today, sharing her story. Raising me was a constant battle, she faced numerous challenges, and sometimes my dad wouldn't even help her she had to go out and work herself out tirelessly so I could make a difference, to instill in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of education and have a better life. Her story inspires me to strive for excellence in not only my studies but in life, and to embrace new challenges, shaping me into a more well-rounded individual. She didn't have the opportunities I have, and she yearns for me to reach my full potential. Her drive to learn, her commitment to self-improvement despite never having the chance to pursue an education beyond middle school, have always been an inspiration. Seeing her read books, listen to podcasts, and seek out information to better understand the world fueled my desire to learn. As a first-generation graduate, I realize that education isn't just about getting a degree; it is a tool to empower myself, build a better life, and honor her sacrifices. My mother's ability to tell her story, to captivate and inspire through her narratives, highlights the power of rhetoric. Speech and debate provide a platform to hone these skills, to learn how to construct compelling arguments and to engage with complex issues. For me, participating in these activities isn't just about winning; it's about finding my voice, learning how to advocate for myself and others, and using words to create positive change, just as my mother did. The discipline, the research, the critical thinking skills—these are all tools that would allow me to make an impact on the world. Even though we're continent apart right now I know one day we'll be together, hearing more stories from her.

Like many families worldwide that move and travel to different countries looking for a better life and living, my family was one of them. I was born in Sierra Leone, a small country in West Africa where I spent most of my childhood and some teenhood years, but due to the poor economy and government, we had to move leaving all my other family behind including my birth mom. Growing up in Africa I felt a powerful yearning to complete my education, especially when I realized that neither my parents nor the generations before them had that opportunity. This realization gave me a deep sense of responsibility to pursue my academic ambitions and to pave the way for future generations in my family, especially my siblings. This journey is not just about my personal growth and success; it’s about honoring my ancestors and all the sacrifices they made, it's about proving to them and myself that dreams are not limited by geography but can take flight across continents. It's a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and education to transform lives. When I first arrived, I thought it would be just like the Disney movies I used to watch, like "High School Musical" and "Camp Rock", sadly, it wasn't anything like that because I could’ve been busting my dance moves since I love dancing and singing, what made it even more challenging was my heavy accent, which made it difficult for others to understand me, I had to repeat myself several times before they could understand what I was saying. As a result, I was placed in ESL; I was so scared to talk to my peers and teachers that I would stick to the back of the class like a shy wallflower. Whenever the teachers would ask me a question, I'd pretend I had a sore throat or a cold, even if I knew the answer; my mind was telling me to speak, but my mouth was determined to stay silent. I couldn't believe it when I finally mustered the courage to interact with my classmates. To my surprise, they were so kind and welcoming! They even complimented my outfit and hair, which made me feel so special, especially since I'm really into fashion. It's amazing how a little encouragement and a few compliments can make such a big difference. I'm getting the hang of this new social scene, and it just goes to show that even the shyest person can learn to navigate the world with confidence and style! I never had the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities since I helped my mom take care of my sister, who has experienced cardiac arrest and cannot walk or talk. After my sister’s nurse leaves for the day, I take on additional responsibilities at home, leaving little time for a social life. However, I believe it’s never too late for me to participate in activities during college. I am determined to embrace every opportunity that comes my way in college. I view this next chapter as a chance to further my education and become more involved in the community around me. I plan to join organizations that align with my interests, particularly those that focus on fashion and social awareness, as my love for fashion has always been a vital form of self-expression for me. I am dedicated to incorporating my academic pursuits with my deep passion for service by volunteering in programs that support families facing medical challenges; drawing from my personal experiences caring for my sisters. As I pursue my dream in college which is computer science, I aim to share my story and demonstrate that our backgrounds can empower us to overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact on those around us, I believe that through this journey, I can grow personally and academically and encourage others to chase their dreams with courage and determination.

As the first person in my family to graduate high school and aim for college, I feel a deep responsibility to pave the way for my loved ones since none of them, including my parents, can further their education. Not only does the education in my country, Sierra Leone, located in West Africa, lack several qualities in education, but Africa also happens to have the highest illiteracy rate in the world today. This has brought about an education crisis that has had a vast impact on the social and economic development of Africa. But my parents changed that for me, trying to give me the best life, which I'll always be grateful for. Now, I will seize this opportunity and make it result in a significant change in our lives. Growing up in Africa, I have seen many struggles people go through, and mostly, there are limited opportunities to further education and economic challenges. These experiences inspire me in striving for change, not just for myself but also for the people around me. I do know that education serves as a tool for changing lives; it creates opportunities that otherwise would not exist. I want to be that example for my siblings and friends, yes, it is possible to rise above our circumstances and make our dreams a reality. I am determined to be that beacon of hope, proving that we can break generational cycles and build a better future. I would like to give back to my community by using my education to help younger students and advocate for better educational resources and solutions that address the many barriers too many face in pursuit of a quality education. Sharing my story and what would mean a lot to me to share my story, as I want people to know that no matter what obstacles we come across, overcoming them will bring success. I also want to be an inspiration to those who will come after me. I envision a world where education can easily be accessed by any individual regardless of his or her background. Each step that I take motivates me to work even harder to elevate not just my family but also the community around me. Receiving this scholarship would lessen the financial burden on my family, moreover, since I have a 7-year-old sister who has cardiac arrest she can't talk or walk and my parent would use that money when they trying to pay my fees to take care of her and my 1-year-old sister. But this money would help me to acquire the knowledge I need for my profession. It would bring me one step closer to realizing my dreams. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to making a difference for myself, my family, and my community.

An experience that is both wise and fulfilling from my point of view is having an African father. In my life, my father, with his serious appearance and deep voice, has always dominated as a tall figure. He has an accent, but the way he speaks has the power to command respect, and his words have always been the voice of reason that has passed through generations. However, many do not notice the strictness in his character and how that sheds light on a soul full of love and a life full of love and hardship that I can only imagine. My dad, Sierra Leone, was born and raised in the western part of Africa, which I consider out of the ordinary and different. He has always shared with me how life during his childhood was never easy and how, at times, instead of being in school, he had to walk miles to fetch water without food, along with helping his family with farming, that why he drop out of school since he hailing from a poor background and his family didn’t have the money to pay for his school fees. It is difficult to accept and painful to endure, but these are stories that have been and will be a hole in my heart. However, these stories always shed light on the power of him as a person. Having an incredibly disciplined my dad comes with some challenging traits while growing up, including my dad's character that is unwavering. One of the most important components in my family without a shadow of a doubt, is the household was strict, therefore there were rules that governed the household. Respect for chores was non-negotiable, and chores were always No. 1, after homework. My disciplined upbringing has profoundly influenced my life, and it continues to do so as I embark on a career in computer science, where precision and dedication take the front seat. When I told my dad that I wanted to take that course he was so happy for me since I’m the first person in my generation to graduate from high school and go to college. My father's discipline is softened by all the love and care he shows, particularly to my sister, who had cardiac arrest and as a consequence, can't talk or walk. Nevertheless, my dad's constant care for her and commitment to her health, in addition to caring for my one-year-old sister, sono insiprating. Scrub everything, he managed these responsibilities, with the family's standards. I just want to say if I get this scholarship I’ll forever be grateful because this is a start of my own journey; I’m not trying to stress my parents for fees since they have a lot on there plate already. But thank you for giving me chance and may the Lord bless each one of you all.

Like many families worldwide that move and travel to different countries looking for a better life and living, my family was one of them. I was born in Sierra Leone, a small country in West Africa where I spent most of my childhood and some teenhood years, but due to the poor economy and government, we had to move leaving all my other family behind including my birth mom. Growing up in Africa I felt a powerful yearning to complete my education, especially when I realized that neither my parents nor the generations before them had that opportunity. This gave me a deep sense of responsibility to pursue my ambitions and to pave the way for future generations in my family, especially my siblings. When I first arrived, I thought it would be just like the Disney movies I used to watch, sadly, it wasn't anything like that because I could’ve been busting my dance moves since I love dancing and singing, what made it even more challenging was my heavy accent, which made it difficult for others to understand me, I had to repeat myself several times before they could understand what I was saying. As a result, I was placed in ESL; I was so scared to talk to my peers and teachers that I would stick to the back of the class like a shy wallflower. Whenever the teachers would ask me a question, I'd pretend I had a sore throat or a cold, even if I knew the answer; my mind was telling me to speak, but my mouth was determined to stay silent. I couldn't believe it when I finally mustered the courage to interact with my classmates. To my surprise, they were so kind and welcoming! They even complimented my outfit and hair, which made me feel so special, especially since I'm really into fashion. It's amazing how a little encouragement and a few compliments can make such a big difference. I'm getting the hang of this new social scene, and it just goes to show that even the shyest person can learn to navigate the world with confidence and style! I never had the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities since I helped my mom take care of my sister, who has cardiac arrest and cannot walk or talk. After my sister’s nurse leaves for the day, I take on additional responsibilities at home, leaving little time for a social life. However, I believe it’s never too late for me to participate in activities during college. I am determined to embrace every opportunity that comes my way in college. I view this next chapter as a chance to further my education and become more involved in the community around me. I plan to join organizations that align with my interests, particularly those that focus on fashion and social awareness, as my love for fashion has always been a vital form of self-expression for me. I am dedicated to pursuits with my deep passion for service by volunteering in programs that support families facing medical challenges; drawing from my personal experiences caring for my sisters. As I pursue my dream in college which is computer science, I aim to share my story and demonstrate that our backgrounds can empower us to overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact on those around us, I believe that through this journey, I can grow personally and academically and encourage others to chase their dreams with courage and determination.

Like many families worldwide that move and travel to different countries looking for a better life and living, my family was one of them. I was born in Sierra Leone, a small country in West Africa where I spent most of my childhood and some teenhood years, but due to the poor economy and government, we had to move leaving all my other family behind including my birth mom. Growing up in Africa I felt a powerful yearning to complete my education, especially when I realized that neither my parents nor the generations before them had that opportunity. This gave me a deep sense of responsibility to pursue my ambitions and to pave the way for future generations in my family, especially my siblings. When I first arrived, I thought it would be just like the Disney movies I used to watch, sadly, it wasn't anything like that because I could’ve been busting my dance moves since I love dancing and singing, what made it even more challenging was my heavy accent, which made it difficult for others to understand me, I had to repeat myself several times before they could understand what I was saying. As a result, I was placed in ESL; I was so scared to talk to my peers and teachers that I would stick to the back of the class like a shy wallflower. Whenever the teachers would ask me a question, I'd pretend I had a sore throat or a cold, even if I knew the answer; my mind was telling me to speak, but my mouth was determined to stay silent. I couldn't believe it when I finally mustered the courage to interact with my classmates. To my surprise, they were so kind and welcoming! They even complimented my outfit and hair, which made me feel so special, especially since I'm really into fashion. It's amazing how a little encouragement and a few compliments can make such a big difference. I'm getting the hang of this new social scene, and it just goes to show that even the shyest person can learn to navigate the world with confidence and style! I never had the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities since I helped my mom take care of my sister, who has cardiac arrest and cannot walk or talk. After my sister’s nurse leaves for the day, I take on additional responsibilities at home, leaving little time for a social life. However, I believe it’s never too late for me to participate in activities during college. I am determined to embrace every opportunity that comes my way in college. I view this next chapter as a chance to further my education and become more involved in the community around me. I plan to join organizations that align with my interests, particularly those that focus on fashion and social awareness, as my love for fashion has always been a vital form of self-expression for me. I am dedicated to pursuits with my deep passion for service by volunteering in programs that support families facing medical challenges; drawing from my personal experiences caring for my sisters. As I pursue my dream in college which is computer science, I aim to share my story and demonstrate that our backgrounds can empower us to overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact on those around us, I believe that through this journey, I can grow personally and academically and encourage others to chase their dreams with courage and determination.

My name is Abibatu Bangura but I usually go by Abby cause people pronounce it wrong. I am from a country called Sierra Leone in West Africa, like many families worldwide that move and travel to different countries looking for a better life and living, my family was one of them. I spent most of my childhood and some teenhood years there, but due to the poor economy and government, we had to move leaving all my other family behind including my birth mom. Growing up in Africa I felt a powerful yearning to complete my education, especially when I realized that neither my parents nor the generations before them had that opportunity. This realization gave me a deep sense of responsibility to pursue my academic ambitions and to pave the way for future generations in my family, especially my siblings. This journey is not just about my personal growth and success; it’s about honoring my ancestors and all the sacrifices they made, it's about proving to them and myself that dreams are not limited by geography but can take flight across continents. It's a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and education to transform lives. When I first arrived, I thought it would be just like the Disney movies I used to watch, like "High School Musical" and "Camp Rock", sadly, it wasn't anything like that because I could’ve been busting my dance moves since I love dancing and singing, what made it even more challenging was my heavy accent, which made it difficult for others to understand me, I had to repeat myself several times before they could understand what I was saying. As a result, I was placed in ESL; I was so scared to talk to my peers and teachers that I would stick to the back of the class like a shy wallflower. Whenever the teachers would ask me a question, I'd pretend I had a sore throat or a cold, even if I knew the answer; my mind was telling me to speak, but my mouth was determined to stay silent. I couldn't believe it when I finally mustered the courage to interact with my classmates. To my surprise, they were so kind and welcoming! They even complimented my outfit and hair, which made me feel so special, especially since I'm really into fashion. It's amazing how a little encouragement and a few compliments can make such a big difference. I'm getting the hang of this new social scene, and it just goes to show that even the shyest person can learn to navigate the world with confidence and style! I never had the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities since I helped my mom take care of my sister, who has experienced cardiac arrest and cannot walk or talk. After my sister’s nurse leaves for the day, I take on additional responsibilities at home, leaving little time for a social life. However, I believe it’s never too late for me to participate in activities during college. I am determined to embrace every opportunity that comes my way in college. This chapter is a chance to further my education and become more involved in the community around me. This scholarship is not just a financial necessity for my family and me; it's an opportunity to pursue my dreams. It represents hope, support, and the possibility of a future where I can flourish academically, socially, and creatively. With this scholarship, I will have the ability to focus more on my studies and on the extracurricular activities that will help me grow as an individual