As a child, I was insatiably curious about how things worked. I’d mix household products to see what would happen, take apart toys to look at the mechanisms inside, and ask endless questions about everything in sight. My parents couldn’t look away for a second without me reaching for a nearby item and attempting to uncover its inner workings. In school, my curiosity made me a devoted student, and I’d spend hours at home doing further research into interesting topics that I’d learned in class. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to make an impact on the lives of others. As a preteen, I considered several potential careers and decided that I wanted to become a physician, but my dreams lacked specificity and passion. Still, I was determined to do something meaningful with my life. When I was diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), I was initially afraid of the diagnosis. I feared that the label would define me, and the stigma around the disorder would keep me from achieving my dreams. As usual, I turned to research, and my initial fear quickly developed into curiosity. I’d spend weekends at the library, studying neuroanatomy and brain disorders, and trying to understand the why behind my diagnosis. My curiosity and increasing passion for science and medicine led me to intern at The Progressive Medical Institute where I shadowed physicians treating neurological conditions like stroke and epilepsy, and I saw firsthand how understanding the brain could transform lives. From toddlers walking despite cerebral palsy to grandmothers speaking again after strokes, each miracle transformation made me determined to pursue a career in neurology. I plan to major in biology with a minor in neuroscience for my undergraduate studies, and complete medical school afterwards. Then, I will fulfill the residency requirements and become a board-certified neurosurgeon. In the meantime, I enjoy participating in meaningful activities like environmental sustainability programs. At my school, I’m president of my school’s environmental club, where I recently launched a school garden and a school-wide recycling program that recycled over 3000 pounds of clothing and more than double that amount in paper. I’m proud to report that I helped to cut overall school-wide paper waste by more than 50%. Like Harry B. Anderson, I’m passionate about preserving and protecting the Earth and its limited resources, and I’m a firm believer in the importance of environmental sustainability. What inspires me most about Harry B. Anderson is how he used his skills to build, create, and share knowledge with others. I see my future in that same spirit. I want to use science and medicine not just to solve problems, but to pass on what I’ve learned and inspire others to think differently about what’s possible. I used to think that becoming a physician would be impossible for me, but I’ve found that anything is possible through hard work and perseverance. My long-term goal is to become a surgeon who uses both skill and compassion, and who uses their platform to advocate for important causes like health equity and environmental sustainability. The Harry B. Anderson Scholarship would bring me closer to that future. It would ease the financial pressure on my family and allow me to focus fully on my education, research, and preparation for medical school. While OCD has no cure, millions of other neurological disorders do, and with your support, I will contribute to finding solutions that transform lives.

On July 16th, 2016, I boarded a flight to the United States from Nigeria, spurred on by the promise of a new life in America, one juxtaposing the uncertainty and chaos of my home country. The previous night, sitting in the cloak of darkness in my small living room, candle light illuminating the grave expressions on my grandparents’ faces, my family had a conversation that I will never forget. Although I was seven years old, the seriousness of the situation was clear, and my breath caught in my throat as I listened to the hushed words being spoken. My entire family had spent so much money, sacrificed so much, sold countless belongings, and worked incredibly hard for the opportunity I was being given, yet they only had one request: “Do not waste it.” Gripping the frail hand of my grandmother, I solemnly promised to work hard, pray fervently, and make the most of the countless opportunities in the United States. In the days following our arrival, I quickly realized that my family was in a dire financial situation. My parents were rarely at our tiny, run-down apartment, instead spending their days walking under the hot sun — as we had no car or transportation — in search of odd jobs. As the first daughter, I grappled with the endless responsibility, spending my days rationing the little food we had and keeping my three siblings entertained. At the end of every tiresome day, my parents would return dismayed and dejected, retreating to their bedroom and immediately going to sleep. Yet, without fail every morning, they rose again and went out in search of work. Witnessing the countless sacrifices my parents made, and their relentless perseverance and hard work, became an immense source of motivation for me. Knowing that they left everything behind to give me and my siblings a chance at a better life pushes me to work harder and do better. For every moment of tenacity, hour I spend studying, and year I continue excelling, I do it in honor of my parents. As an aspiring neurosurgeon, I intend to continue honoring my parents and their sacrifices by paying my blessings forward through medicine. At my healthcare internship, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding the brain transforms lives. From toddlers walking despite cerebral palsy to grandmothers speaking again after strokes, each miracle transformation fuels my determination to give back to others and transform lives like my parents transformed mine. Until then, I spend my afternoons and weekends alternating between leadership and service. As president of The DHS African-Caribbean Student Association, I enjoy hosting cultural events like DHS Diversity Day and our Multicultural Thanksgiving Potluck: holding the Nigerian flag high during our flag walk, celebrating African musicians and artists, and sharing cultural food with 2000+ attendees. I also spend time recycling thousands of pounds of paper, running my school garden, and collecting waste at parks as president of DHS Environmental Club — accumulating over 300 volunteer hours in the process — in an attempt to pay my blessings forward and give back in every way possible. I intend to continue honoring my promise to my grandparents and the countless sacrifices of my parents for the rest of my life. Their resilience has motivated my pursuit of higher education, commitment to service, and my strong belief that every struggle can be overcome through hard work and dedication. Each step I take forward is a tribute to, and only possible because of, their courage and perseverance, and I will continue to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.