Dear Scholarship Committee, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. As a first-gen international American college student with a dream to pursue a degree in STEM, I understand the immense value of education and its potential to change lives. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed the sacrifices my loving parents made to provide for my education and that of my three siblings. My father, in particular, is an ambitious man with dreams of better opportunities for our family, myself included. He wholly believes that by sending me to study in America, I can not only help my family back home but also create a better and brighter future for myself. While my father's dreams and mine follow the same path, the reality of our financial situation weighs heavily on both of us. As one of four siblings, I am fully aware of the financial strain my education places on my family, especially with the recent fluctuations in the foreign exchange market from dollar to naira. Despite my father's best efforts, his finances alone cannot meet the increasing demands of college tuition and living expenses. Graduating from college with a degree in STEM is not just a personal goal but a pathway to lift my family out of financial challenges. With a solid education in an accredited university, I am determined to secure a promising career that will not only support my own aspirations but also enable me to give back to my family. Applying for this scholarship is a crucial step for me to continue my education without compromising on my dreams. If granted this opportunity, the financial burden on my father will be alleviated, allowing me to focus on my studies and fully immerse myself in my chosen field(Computer science). With your support, I am confident that I can achieve my academic goals and contribute positively to society. As I continue to work diligently towards my degree in STEM, I am committed to making the most of this opportunity to create a lasting impact, not just for myself but for my family and those who believe in my potential. Once again, I am extremely grateful for your consideration of my application. Your support will be a stepping stone towards a brighter future, not only for me but for my family and the community that has supported me on this journey. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My father has dreams of getting his family out of Nigeria. He hopes that by sending me to the US I can fulfill those dreams. Sometimes his dreams are way more than he can afford. He is the type of guy to think about the problem when it arises and not before. I am a first-generation student of my family to leave Nigeria to study. I do not want to forget where I come from to fit into the American culture. It has been a hard adjustment for me, especially leaving my family to come here alone. I want to be able to realize my father's dreams and give my family a nice life because life in Nigeria is like a prison cell, it is very hard to get out and those who do are usually the top 15% of the Nigerian population. My African heritage has served as both a hindrance to my learning as well as an advantage. I was taught to always work hard and be independent. In this country, I look at others and I often feel a slight sense of jealousy because they can be so laid back. That mindset has helped me grow but at the same time made me feel as though I am not doing enough. I am applying for this scholarship to help my father and reduce the financial burden on my family, especially since the increase of the dollar to the naira. I am grateful for the opportunity to come to this country to study. I am also grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I really hope to be considered as a candidate to receive this scholarship

Volunteering has made me into the person I am today, it has had an impact on my mindset. It has opened my eyes to the world around me, it has given me deep empathy for those around me and created a passion for helping others. Through my experiences, I have come to understand the power of giving back and how it can transform communities and individuals I first began volunteering when I was 13. In high-school my team and were responsible for planting trees to create a greener community. It was a long process but I loved every bit of it. When I turned 15 I was part of group of students who were responsible for teaching a bunch of 9 year olds about robots and how to create one. I did it with the intention of helping others. Additionally, for a project we were required to go to downtown market in Plateau, Nigeria to give out bibles and talk about the word of God to other individuals there. I was also part of a team of 22 individuals who were responsible for cooking and serving food to people who would come to our school - back home in Nigeria. However, I did not expect was the impact it would have on me. Witnessing the struggles and hardships that many individuals face on a daily basis, I realized how fortunate I am and how much I have taken for granted. This newfound perspective has humbled me and made me more appreciative of what I have been afforded. All these cultivated my sense of empathy. By engaging with a lot of people and listening to their stories, I have grown a greater understanding of the challenges they face and the barriers they encounter. Volunteering has taught me that everyone has their own journey, and where they are today is not their fault. There is good in everyone, we just need to reach out, and come from a place with empathy and understanding Also, the act of volunteering has shown me that I have the power to make a positive impact, no matter how small. Whether it is volunteering to tutor children, assisting at a school food service, or participating in a greener environment initiative, every act of service has the potential to create a ripple effect of change. As for the financial aspect, I am in need of this scholarship to alleviate the burden of educational expenses. Growing up in a small family, finances have always been a challenge. My parents have worked a lot to provide for our family, but the cost of higher education for my siblings and I, is taking a toll on my father. Without financial aid, it would be exceedingly difficult for me to pursue my dreams and aspirations. Receiving this scholarship would not only provide me with the financial means to pursue my education but also serve as a validation of my hard work and dedication over the years. It would give me the opportunity to focus on my studies and immerse myself in extracurricular activities, without constantly worrying about my financial situation. In conclusion, volunteering has transformed my mindset, fostering empathy, gratitude, and a passion for service. It has given me a sense of knowledge about the power giving back can have on individuals and communities. Additionally, the financial assistance provided by this scholarship would relieve the financial burden on my father and enable me to pursue my educational and career goals with determination and focus. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to this scholarship and express appreciation for your consideration.

In 5 years I hope to have landed a job in tech. In 5 years I hope to give my parents a nice life. All of these are wonderful dreams I have daily. I was sent to the U.S. to be a beacon of hope for the rest of my family. In my culture (Nigeria) the firstborn of the family always sets the path for the rest of the children, if he/she fails it falls to the second. I am none of that, I am the third child of my family. I never imagined that one day I would be sent to another country, to be a STEM major, with different societal norms and miss my country every day. Along the way, I have met nice and caring people who have looked out for me. It has only been one year in the united states and It feels like I am not trying hard enough to realize those dreams. Failing my family feels like a nightmare that I do not want to live with. Picking a STEM major to achieve those dreams has to be one of the best and worst decisions of my life especially if that major is engineering/computer science. I always think have I made a mistake coming here, picking this major and now applying for all these scholarships to succeed. I love it here regardless of how challenging it is. I usually feel jealous of my siblings because they don't have high expectations and can feel relaxed. My father has dreams and 90 percent of the time he accomplishes them. He is also burdened with expectations as a breadwinner. He sees himself in me, which is why I feel uneasy at the thought of failing. I can relate to Maggie because there must have been someone whom she could not fail, or missing her country but knowing that what she is doing in the long run would pay off. Whether I receive the scholarship or not, learning about Maggie's story has been impactful. It has given me a sense of hope and belief in myself, knowing that I can achieve great things like her. Regardless of the outcome, I am grateful to have encountered such inspirational people in my journey. They remind me of the possibilities that lie ahead and reinforce my commitment to succeed. I am determined to use whatever I have learned so far to create a brighter future for myself and my family.