I liken my identity to a pot of Jollof Rice – a West African dish cherished for its complexity, vibrancy, and richness. Born in Nigeria to parents of the Igbo ethnic group, I am the product of generations who, like Jollof, blended perseverance, ambition, and education to create something extraordinary. My heritage, family, and cultural upbringing have added depth and flavor to my personality, shaping me into who I am today. From a young age, my family instilled in me the value of hard work and education. My grandfathers, pioneers in their communities, pursued western education despite financial barriers, earning doctorates on merit scholarships. My parents followed in their footsteps, emphasizing resilience and determination. As a child, I absorbed lessons from my family: my grandparents taught me our native language; my mother introduced me to technology; my aunties shared the secrets of cooking local dishes. These experiences ingrained in me a deep respect for knowledge and community. Our family’s decision to relocate to Somerset West, South Africa, marked a pivotal chapter in my life. My younger brother, who has special needs, required educational resources unavailable in Nigeria. Though excited by the opportunity, I was unprepared for the cultural and racial disparities I encountered. In our predominantly white neighborhood, we stood out, and at school, I was labeled “the new Black girl.” Making friends was a challenge, and I struggled to fit in. The language barrier compounded my struggles. Afrikaans, a required subject, felt foreign and unwelcome. Overwhelmed, I became withdrawn, and my grades suffered. However, as I reflected on my family’s sacrifices and their emphasis on generational progress, I knew I had to rise above my challenges. An Igbo adage my mother often repeats – “My children should be better than I am” – became my guiding principle. I redirected my focus, leaning into academics and extracurricular activities like debating, piano, peer tutoring, and community service. With time, I embraced my Nigerian identity, sharing my culture with pride rather than shrinking from it. This transformation taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of self-acceptance. Since moving to the United States as an international student, I have drawn on these lessons. Living in three countries has broadened my perspective, deepened my empathy, and reaffirmed my belief in education as a vehicle for change. I’ve come to appreciate how my family’s sacrifices have given me opportunities to grow and contribute to my communities. This journey has profoundly shaped my life and career choices. As a machine learning engineer focused on education, I am committed to using technology to empower others, especially underrepresented groups. I value creating spaces where people feel included and celebrated for their unique backgrounds—just as I’ve learned to embrace my own. Ultimately, my story is one of transformation. Like Jollof Rice, my identity has absorbed the richness of my heritage and the complexity of my experiences. Together, they have created a person who is determined to carry forward the legacy of hard work, resilience, and pride in community.