I was born in Enugu State Nigeria—a place vibrant with strength but sadly burdened with lack of infrastructure. I remember the constant power outages, so homes would have to be lit by candles, and our clothes would be covered by mud and dirt, which had to be scrubbed by hand to clean. The floods would fill the streets, which would leave behind layers of mud that would stain everything around us, including our skin, routines, and even our resilience. In that world, I had learned how survival is not enough, and that we deserve more than just endurance but we deserve transformation. Which is the driving force of my ambition to become a plastic surgeon who does not just treat bodies, but to help restore ones dignity, confidence, and make them feel whole again. Coming to the United States had felt like a new beginning for me, it felt like all of my past decisions, and way of life was just erased, and something new had just come upon me. In Nigeria, I was always encouraged and complimented by aunties and cousins who looked like me, but here my features were treated like a punchline to a very bad joke. By middle school, I was made fun of because of my features, such as my skin, my hair, and just my name which had settled into something deeper. I began to start avoiding mirrors, and people who would try taking pictures of me. I just couldn't endure the cruelty by these people around me, especially even when it was a subtle joke, which had distorted how I saw myself and even others. It took years for me to reclaim what was mine all along, and find my identity. Not because it suddenly became acceptable , but because I had made the decision to love myself out loud, and be confident in who I was unapologetically. That journey filled with pain and doubt, is why I am called to plastic surgery. Not to change appearances or conform to beauty standards but to restore a sense of self in those who’ve lost it. To be the hand that rebuilds after trauma, the eyes who sees patients for who they are, and the voice in the room that tells them that they are enough. But healing doesn’t come through isolation, which is why I have helped lead my school's African Student Association, organizing events to help African students get heard, and help push back against stereotypes that have wrongly judged these students for just being African. Too many students in America are shown Africa through the lens of poverty and primitiveness, where they ask students, if they grew up in huts , or even walked around with animals.Through these associations we have been able to create a place for dialogue , storytelling, and pride within our group, and in our school My goal isn’t to just become a plastic surgeon , but to help in humanizing medicine, and reminding people that beauty isn’t just a luxury but it is also a language of healing. I want to create a medical practice which is established with empathy, cultural understanding, and excellence. One that is able to recognize people's traumas not only in injuries but also in Identity. The Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship will not just help me in being able to afford tools for my education but it will help me in building a future where no child, from Enugu to anywhere grows up believing they are anything less than being powerful. I do not wish to blend in. I intend to transform.

My name is Adaeze Nnamdi-Nwasinoke, my first name is pronounced as Ah-Day-Ze. When I first came to America the school system had failed me, and honestly didn’t know what to do with me, so then I was placed a whole grade behind. Which had put a pause on my life for a long time, to then have to catch up to where I was originally supposed to be. I never waited for people to see something bright in me, so I always strived for the best. I would constantly stay up late, work harder than ever and take extra classes through dual enrollment, to now be able to graduate early. I learned to not just adapt but to level up, since I couldn’t just feel sorry for myself I had to reclaim what's mine, and know that I was deserving for more, and refuse to be duped by the limits put on me. But I am more than just my grades, I am a person who sees beauty in everything, which is why I found comfort in art. Drawing has always been a way for me to express myself, and to just escape from the real world and express my emotions. Every time I picked up a pencil , I didn’t just see shapes or lines in my sketches, I saw hope, comfort, and healing. I could calm down after those loud days that made me so quiet, and wanted to share my art with others. Through art though not the same I found comfort in science making me want to become a Plastic surgeon to also heal others through medicine, to restore people's confidence, and help people feel whole again. Volleyball was also something I found comfort in, which I never thought I would say because at first I was never a sports person, I remember being at home and my mom told me I couldn’t just stay home letting my life just go, so I tried out for volleyball, and made the team. The team was filled with amazing coaches, and teammates who would encourage me, even off the court which showed me what sisterhood was, and the connections I made from trying something new and being out in the world. Those girls became my family, and we then began to push through challenges together, and never made the other feel bad about themselves. I've always been an outspoken person who would never let anyone take away my voice which was what led me to join clubs like student government and JROTC because I was a person who had the courage to always speak up for those who might go unheard, and wanted to make a real change in my school community. And I wanted to serve my community through roles which weren’t just activities but a calling. I wanted to make a real change, and wanted to act on it. To me this scholarship is more than just money towards my education but it takes heavy weight off my shoulders, and my parents who have worked hard to get me here. I will use it to fully concentrate on my studies and growth without the constants stress of financial stress but more than that it will be a sign that someone believes in my and my journey. I am determined, and ready to rise throughout and will use it to not only turn my dreams into reality but give back to my community, who has helped me become who i am, and prove there is no limits one were you can go.

I remember when I first joined JROTC, and had just thought it would just be another class I took just to earn credits and move on. But as time went on, JROTC was way more than just that. It wasn’t just a class, or a program to me; it was a family. It was a place where I was supported by so many people, who had also taught me what it meant to lead and serve. Through this experience, I have grown so much, and would never take what I learned from granted, because with these lessons , it has guided me to work and make a real difference in my community and far beyond. Before I joined JROTC I had assumed that leadership was just being the loudest person in the room, or just being in charge of something all the time. But after I joined the program, it was the complete opposite. Real leadership is about showing up for your team all the time, making sure to listen, and uplift them, especially when they need you the most. I watched my instructors and fellow cadets lead with patience, kindness, and care. I would see them giving up their free time to help others, whether it was to organize an event, fundraise, or to just solve problems, they always made sure things would run smoothly even when there was a lot of pressure on them. They taught me what kind of leader I want to be, and inspired me to step up not just for myself but for others too. Being apart of JROTC has given me so many first hand experience of what true service is, whether it would be to volunteer at events like the Raiders meet, and giving back as much as I can, I was able to meet people who work hard, not just for the recognition or the awards but simply because they cared. Being able to help out at the events made me feel a part of something bigger than myself. Though there were times when I had struggled, I had people a part of the program who had helped me when I had doubted myself, and had taught me to push past those dark times, and be proud of who I am. Through being a part of this program I have learned to be resilient, and no matter how many setbacks success will come through perseverance. I learned that being a good leader isn’t about being perfect, especially not trying to be towards others, but it was about having the ability to grow, learn from mistakes, and listen when there is feedback given even if it is tough to take in. Moving forward, I want to use everything that I have learned to make a beneficial effect. I plan on mentoring young students in the future, just how I was mentored into greatness. I will give back through service projects in my neighborhood, like food drives which I had volunteered on before, community clean ups, and more youth programs, to use my leadership skills in my career to be able to help others. JROTC has shown me more than just army values but has taught me how to be a good leader, and always to serve my community. And to make sure that people are being seen, heard, and cared for. Which is exactly what type of leader I will be , whether in my community, my future career, or wherever life takes me. I will never forget the values I have been taught through this great community.

To me giving back has never been about getting things back or expecting a big gesture, it has always felt like a duty to me, and just doing what's right. I believe that we should always make time for the people who made time for you, and have helped you through those tough times, and being able to share that kindness back into the the world is truly meaningful. A community isn’t just about being from a certain place, it is people who have made you feel seen, supported you, and make you feel safe. Which is why I have always given back even in a small way, since any small action can truly make a difference in one's life. One of the ways I have helped give back is volunteering at my school's food drive every Tuesday of each month, especially around thanksgiving. I remember it was a few weeks before Thanksgiving and my school was handing out turkeys, canned corn, and other thanksgiving items to families. I remember it was one specific time that day where we were all out of food to give out, and this family came when we were about to close, and it felt horrible to tell them we were out of turkeys, especially since they drove a long way to get here. So I took my own turkey that I was going to save for my family, and gave it to them, because I understand how much it would mean more to them, and seeing their faces light up when I gave it to them truly made me happy. I also love staying after school to help with fundraisers where I helped sell snacks outside, or handed out hotdogs, and even snow cones, no matter how much I did , I felt happy being able to help out anyway that I can, and see bright smiles on peoples faces. Especially since I am a part of JROTC in my school, and would help with things like Raiders meet, and other school events since I am also a part of the student government, and help out as much as I can. I never joined these clubs, or did an activity for recognition, it was about doing it for the people and being someone people can always count on. After I graduate from college, I plan on continuing volunteering, and have a sense of responsibility. I want to become a surgeon, who helps to give back to others as much as I can, especially to the ones who can not afford care. I will start programs in my community to help provide education to everyone, especially the youth, and combine science and art which I love. I know how much it means to people when someone believes in them, and want to be able to give others a chance, and show that i truly believe they can become great people Giving back isn’t something I do for praise , it has always been part of who I am, which is what I will always carry with me wherever I go.

Fine arts are essential to a complete education because it teaches us there are more things in life outside of just academics, and shows us the beauty in life. Ever so often we as students value test scores over creativity, and having fun but fine arts is what helps us in finding our expression in things, which is just as important as knowledge. Without them, the school would feel unwelcoming, it would be like we are just there to memorize facts instead of understanding life. Art allows students to be able to show who they are, in a way that things such as numbers and graphs just can’t explain. It teaches us to have patience, confidence in ourselves, and the power to be able to make mistakes. For me It was a way for me to escape the constant worrying my core classes had on me to be perfect and get good grades. Art was a space for me to be me, and feel seen, and that's what every student deserves to experience in their education. My most meaningful experience was my Ceramics class this school year. I had never taken ceramics before or even worked with clay but I wanted to try something different. Ceramics wasn't just about copying what we saw or trying to mimic things like drawing was. For me it was about making things in my head into something real .And being able to relax, and let my heart do what it wanted. I remember doing this stamp project, and I had a heart on my stamp, so when it was done firing in the kiln, the glaze from the heart on my stamp had dripped down. And though i was frustrated at first my ceramics teacher showed me it meant something else, that accidents spoke louder than perfection. And though it didn't turn out the way i wanted, there was other meanings to it, once i started looking at my stamp in a different way, i noticed the heart looked like a broken heart and could symbolize other things, It reminded me that broken things can be beautiful. Which taught me there’s still value in what we create, even if it’s imperfect. This scholarship would mean the world to me because I will use it to be able to pay for my education at Howard University, which has always been my dream school. Where I will be able to study pre-med to then become a neurosurgeon. But still I won’t just use it for my career. I want to help people with complex brain conditions. But school is expensive, and I don't want to put weight on my parents to try to pay for my education, especially because of how hard they have worked all my life, and I want to take the burden off them. This scholarship will truly help me, and my family. And it won't just stop there, I will always make sure I give back as much as I can. And start youth programs for young girls to be able to express themselves through art and science, which has always been my outlet in school. I want to be able to mentor them, and make sure they know that they don’t have to be perfect. This scholarship will be the first step in helping me build the future I have always dreamed about but not just for myself, but for my community as well. Fine arts has helped me find my voice, and be able to express myself .And with this opportunity I will use my voice to lift others.

What if the very system meant to heal you was the one holding you back? When I arrived in the United States from Nigeria, I thought my future would unfold like the success stories I’d heard about. Instead, I found myself feeling trapped in a cycle of setbacks and missed opportunities. I was held back a grade, and despite my efforts to graduate early, I missed the deadline. But through these challenges, I realized healthcare isn’t just a career—it’s a way to make a meaningful impact. Just as I pushed through obstacles, I want to help others heal and find hope. My name is Adaeze Nwasinoke, and I’m a high school senior passionate about both the arts and sciences. Healthcare is the perfect blend of these interests, and I want to pursue a career that brings positive change. My family’s experiences with compassionate healthcare inspired me to enter this field, and as a woman of color, I’m determined to address healthcare disparities. I’ve developed a passion for facial reconstructive surgery. Helping people rediscover their confidence after trauma or illness resonates deeply with me. I believe beauty exists in everything and want to help people see that within themselves. When individuals feel like they’re not enough, I want to be the one to remind them that they are. I plan to major in Pre-Med and become a facial reconstructive surgeon for underserved communities. I want to help patients see their beauty and confidence again while promoting equity in healthcare. Additionally, I plan to use my artistic talents to integrate creativity into patient care. Art can be a powerful healing tool, and I want to explore creative approaches to wellness. The obstacles I’ve faced have shaped me into someone determined to make a difference. This scholarship will help me continue my journey to become a compassionate healthcare professional who advocates for health equity and uses creativity to enrich patient experiences. I’m ready to turn my passion into action and make a lasting impact in healthcare. With every challenge I’ve faced, I’ve learned that resilience and compassion are key to making a real difference. By becoming a healthcare professional, I hope to inspire others to overcome their obstacles and embrace their own worth. I’m ready to take the next step in this journey, and with the support of this scholarship, I will continue to grow, learn, and one day, help others feel whole again.

Life is filled with unexpected hurdles, disappointments, and letdowns. These challenges can mold our character, teach valuable lessons, and pave the way for future triumphs. One incident that had a significant impact on my life was the betrayal I experienced at the hands of my friends. In this essay, I will recount the event, explore its effects on me, and discuss the valuable lessons I gained from it. It was an average day when I discovered that my closest friends had betrayed my trust. They had spread rumors about me, tarnishing my reputation, and leaving me feeling isolated and deeply hurt. The betrayal struck deep, shaking the very foundation of my friendships, and causing me to question my own judgment. The betrayal had a profound effect on my emotional well-being. Initially, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, including anger, sadness, and confusion. It was difficult to comprehend why my friends, whom I had wholeheartedly trusted, would engage in such hurtful behavior. This experience left me feeling vulnerable and skeptical about forming new relationships, as I feared going through another betrayal. Instead of allowing bitterness and despair to consume me, I chose to view this setback as an opportunity for personal growth. I took a journey of introspection, seeking to understand my own role in the situation and how I could avoid similar circumstances in the future. This process of self-reflection allowed me to recognize my own naivety and the importance of being discerning when selecting friends. The betrayal taught me an invaluable lesson in resilience. It made me realize that setbacks are an inevitable part of life, and it is our response to them that truly matters. Instead of dwelling on the pain, I redirected my energy towards rebuilding my self-confidence and finding solace in my own company. I explored new hobbies, pursued personal goals, and developed a stronger sense of self. Although the betrayal initially left me feeling bitter and resentful, I eventually came to understand the power of forgiveness. Holding onto anger and resentment only perpetuated my own suffering. By extending forgiveness to my friends, I liberated myself from the emotional burden and allowed the healing process to take place. This experience taught me that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to one's strength and ability to move forward. Undoubtedly, the betrayal I endured from my friends presented numerous challenges and inflicted immense pain. However, it ultimately served as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. Through self-reflection, resilience, and forgiveness, I emerged from this experience with newfound strength and wisdom. The lessons I learned have become essential pillars of my subsequent success, equipping me with greater resilience, discernment, and compassion to navigate future obstacles.

Zendaya has truly proven herself to be a versatile and dedicated individual in her multifaceted career. From fashion and acting to singing and activism, she continuously shines in every aspect. However, it is her activism that truly stands out and leaves a lasting impact on people. Zendaya goes above and beyond in advocating for social justice issues, such as racial equality, representation in the media, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her dedication to these causes not only showcases her talent as an entertainer but also proves that she is a socially conscious individual who genuinely strives for positive change. Through her advocacy work, Zendaya sparks essential conversations, enlightens her audience, and motivates everyone to take action in order to build a society that embraces diversity and inclusivity. It is through her influential platform that Zendaya consistently demonstrates her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world, inspiring others to stand alongside her in the fight for equality and social progress. Zendaya is a multifaceted talent who has made a significant mark in various fields, including fashion, acting, singing, and activism. Each aspect of her career showcases her versatility, passion, and dedication to making a difference. While all these facets of her career are admirable, what stands out the most to me is her activism. Zendaya's commitment to using her platform to advocate for social justice issues is truly inspiring. She has been vocal about important topics such as racial equality, representation in the media, and LGBTQ+ rights. By speaking out and taking a stand on these issues, Zendaya has shown that she is not only a talented entertainer but also a socially conscious individual who is dedicated to creating positive change in the world. Where through her activism, Zendaya has been able to reach a wide audience and spark important conversations about issues that are often overlooked or ignored. She has used her influence to raise awareness, educate others, and encourage people to take action and make a difference in their communities.