My name is Ayomide Ann Aisida aka Triple A , and I am a sophomore international student from Nigeria, currently studying Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering at Bowie State University. Growing up in Nigeria, I was deeply influenced by my family's strength and determination, my mother's unwavering resilience as a former teacher and my late father's ambitious spirit as an architect and real estate investor. Their relentless pursuit of success and dedication to community instilled in me the passion to learn, solve problems, and give back wherever I go. Life as an international student has been incredibly rewarding yet fraught with challenges. When I first arrived in the United States, the culture shock was overwhelming. Everything felt unfamiliar the food, the accents, the way people interacted and there were moments when I questioned my decision. The loneliness hit me harder than I ever anticipated, amplified by being thousands of miles away from family and friends. Simple tasks like navigating daily life or understanding academic expectations initially felt difficulties. One of my major struggles has been managing the financial demands of my education. Paying school fees as an international student has been a significant challenge. With limited scholarship opportunities and being unable to work extensively due to visa restrictions, the financial burden often feels overwhelming. The stress of securing funds each semester has tested my determination, pushing me to constantly seek out and apply for scholarships and grants to alleviate my financial pressure. Despite these hardships, over time I began to settle in, finding comfort and community through engaging in campus activities. Organizing cultural festivals and participating in theater productions became my anchor, allowing me to form meaningful connections. The warmth and acceptance I received at Bowie State University gradually replaced feelings of isolation with a sense of belonging. Throughout this journey, I've learned invaluable lessons about myself. I discovered a resilience I never knew existed within me, pushing through adversity and learning to adapt quickly. Living abroad also deepened my appreciation for Nigerian culture its vibrant community spirit, deeply rooted family values, and collective strength. At the same time, experiencing American culture expanded my perspective, teaching me the importance of independence, structured collaboration, and diverse viewpoints. My experiences as an international student have profoundly influenced my career aspirations. Being exposed to advanced technology resources and mentorship opportunities in the U.S. ignited my passion for technology. I am now more determined than ever to become a software engineer committed to using technology to address real-world problems and make meaningful impacts. The fusion of my Nigerian heritage and American education shapes my vision, guiding me toward becoming someone who contributes significantly to society, bridges cultural gaps, and continuously learns from life's challenges and triumphs.