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Ayisat Sheu

625

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Education

Chicago State University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Sgt. Albert Dono Ware Memorial Scholarship
      Winner
      Sgt. Albert Dono Ware's legacy is a testament to the transformative power of service, sacrifice, and bravery. His selfless commitment to others has inspired me to reflect on my journey and the challenges faced by the African diaspora in the US. Growing up, I struggled to find direction and purpose. Despite being surrounded by peers who seemed to have their lives figured out, I felt lost and uncertain about my future. However, through perseverance and determination, I discovered my passion for nursing. The desire to care for others and make a meaningful impact on their lives resonated deeply with me. The quest for miracles and life-altering experiences is a journey that I fearlessly want to embark on every day. Because of its unlimited variety, I consider myself a kind person who sincerely enjoys helping others and wants to have a lasting impact on people's lives by fulfilling a longtime desire. Unfortunately, my dreams were put to the test when I encountered significant obstacles as an undocumented student. The harsh reality of being ineligible for a nursing license due to my immigration status was devastating. I felt like I was back at square one, forced to re-evaluate my aspirations and confront the harsh realities of my situation. I was told to give up on school due to my status and due to lack of exposure I struggled to navigate the situation. At some point I lost interest in school, I just did school work for doing sake, I mean what’s the point? What’s the point if I can’t pursue what I love, what’s the point if I have no direction? Despite these challenges, I refused to give up. I drew strength from my parents, who had sacrificed so much for me to pursue my education in the US. Their unwavering support and encouragement inspired me to push forward, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. I continued looking for ways, I was blessed to have a physics teacher who cared about me, she helped me understand that education is critical no matter what happens, it gives you power. Fundamentally, it is not so much about me as it is about others. What can I contribute to improving the world? How can I, in my way, make things better for others? I’ve been told there are a lot of people like me out there, but they didn’t say it in a way to keep me going, they made it sound like giving up on education is no big deal.” Many undocumented people have given up because the struggle can sometimes make them feel hopeless, especially when there are no resources. But I have a great dream that I know shouldn’t be ended. I applied to colleges with doubts, I got accepted into Honors programs, I got grants and I dedicated my time to 40 hours of volunteer services every school year. I hope to assist other undocumented immigrants like me through education, guidance to helpful resources, receiving adequate health care and help with mental health as immigration status affects mental state. As I reflect on Sgt. Ware's legacy reminds me of the importance of perseverance, resilience, and community. His selfless service to others is a powerful reminder that our struggles are not isolated but interconnected with the broader struggles of our communities. To address the challenges faced by the African diaspora in the US, I believe it is essential to prioritize education reform as it tackles the structural injustices and obstacles that prevent immigrants from accessing high-quality opportunities and education, immigration reform to help immigrants navigate their status and understand that it doesn't hinder them from getting education. Community empowerment can empower the social-economic well-being of African diaspora groups. These reforms must be driven by a coalition of key stakeholders, including: Community leaders and organizations are best positioned to understand the unique challenges and needs of their communities. Policymakers must work to create and implement policies that address the systemic barriers and inequalities faced by the African diaspora. Educators and mentors, who can provide guidance, support, and resources to help individuals navigate the challenges of education and career development. Ultimately, Sgt. Ware's legacy reminds us that our individual and collective struggles are not in vain. By working together to address the challenges faced by the African diaspora, we can create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society for all.
      Ayisat Sheu Student Profile | Bold.org