I believe that higher education will help fuel my business as I become a leader in my own company. I want to be my own boss; that's how I'll build my future in business. I always wanted to pursue my business career, which I dreamed of as a child: entrepreneurship. I was inspired by well-known entrepreneurs including Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and Tyler Perry. I heard their stories about how they became successful entrepreneur. For instance, Oprah grew up poor and became the world’s richest woman. Her story really inspired me because I’ve been through a lot due to my disability. I have Asperger’s Syndrome, which is an autism-spectrum disorder that causes severe social impairment and restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior. I have had that since birth, and I was initially diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified when I was three years old, which is also an autism-spectrum disorder. After high school, I met a psychologist in Texas who changed my diagnosis from Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified to Asperger’s Syndrome. I was told by a rehab counselor in Texas that I couldn’t handle college coursework, but I proved him wrong. I earned three associate degrees at Moreno Valley College and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in business administration at California State University, San Bernardino, with a focus in Entrepreneurship. I’m planning on starting an online clothing store in the fall or winter this year. Also, I will launch several businesses in the future, such as event planning, a restaurant, fragrance, and a skincare line. It is hard for me to find a job due to my disability. I tried to find a job, but it didn’t work out, so I decided to go back to school to pursue my associate’s degree, then transfer to a 4-year college and a university. Then I could start a business, which is my goal. I’m aware that it is difficult for people with developmental disabilities to find a job. It is one of the reasons why I wanted to start a business. In the past, I applied to the California Department of Rehabilitation, which could help me look for a job due to my disability. So I decided that I want to start a business instead. When I heard about the Marilynn Walker Scholarship, I saw it as a great opportunity because it supports my goal of becoming a successful businesswoman. I learned about her story as a successful trailblazer, and it inspired me to succeed in life despite my disability. Business has always been my passion since childhood. I learned that entering the business world requires determination, leadership, and courage. Business can sometimes be tough, but you have to be prepared and organized; that's what I learned about business concepts. I learned about starting a business; one has to have a goal and mindset.

I always show compassion towards others by helping them with what they need. For instance, if a student needs help finding the class, I would show them where the class is. What makes me a leader in various aspects? I remembered in community college, I served as a secretary and inter-club council representative for the Umoja Club at Moreno Valley College. I stepped up to my responsibilities as a club officer. For instance, I remembered that the club president had some personal issues. I presided over the meeting by discussing with the club about upcoming campus activities, including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Blood Drive, and other events. The club advisor, Ms. Lopez, saw that in me, and she nominated me for the club member of distinction award for outstanding member in the Umoja Club (formerly Renaissance Scholars Program). That was how I showed compassion as a leader. At community college, I participated in the student government organization Associated Students of Moreno Valley College (ASMVC), serving as a board commissioner specializing in planning on-campus events such as the Spring Egg Hunt, College Birthday Celebration, and Day and Night BBQ, among others. I received several community service awards at Moreno Valley College, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Upon transferring to California State University San Bernardino, I transitioned to the student government organization Associated Students Incorporated California State University San Bernardino (ASI CSUSB), where I served as a board director advocating for students. Being involved in student government really helped me build strong leadership skills by attending meetings and helping other students. I was inspired by my peers and colleagues in middle and high school, as they were involved in extracurricular activities and held leadership positions. I remembered when I was in middle school, I saw my friends who were involved in student council and other clubs and organizations had leadership positions. I said to myself that I always want to be a leader of an organization that could help me gain good leadership skills. Also, I learned that being a strong leader takes determination, growth, courage, strength, and wisdom. When I joined the Young Ladies Club in the eighth grade, I learned the values of becoming a better leader. Being involved in student government really helped me build strong leadership skills by attending meetings and helping other students. I was inspired by my peers and colleagues in middle and high school, as they were involved in extracurricular activities and held leadership positions. I remembered when I was in middle school, I saw my friends who were involved in student council and other clubs and organizations had leadership positions. I said to myself that I always want to be a leader of an organization that could help me gain good leadership skills. Also, I learned that being a strong leader takes determination, growth, courage, strength, and wisdom. When I joined the Young Ladies Club in the eighth grade, I learned the values of becoming a better leader.

My name is Doris Egbo, and I’m of Nigerian descent. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I now reside in Moreno Valley, California. I have Asperger’s Syndrome, which is an Autism-Spectrum disorder that results in severe/social impairment and restrictive/repetitive patterns of behavior. My experience with this disability influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. I remembered when I was two years old, I started speaking. I said words such as “mama,” “daddy”, and “baby”. My parents knew something was wrong, and they took me to several hospitals in Houston, including the one where I was born, which was Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center (formerly St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital). A pediatrician told my parents that I have a disability, and that started my journey with finding doctors and resources. Then, when I was three years old, I entered preschool at Pilgrim Head Start. My parents and I met a psychologist named Dr. Cunningham, who evaluated me, and it was confirmed that I was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified), which is a form of autism that involves social interaction difficulties, communication delays, rigid routines, and sensory sensitivities. I started receiving early counseling with Dr. Cunningham, and it really helped me a lot. Also, when I was five years old, I was diagnosed with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, which is a part of the Aphasia-Spectrum Disorder that sustains in loss of speech and language comprehension. I was prescribed medicine just for a little while due to hyperactivity. When I entered Kindergarten in elementary school, I started receiving speech therapy through Houston Independent School District (HISD) Special Education Services (SES), and that also helped me a lot. After high school, I met a psychologist in Texas through Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Center named Dr. Muehe, and she evaluated me, and it was confirmed that I have Asperger’s Syndrome, so she updated my diagnosis. Also, I have reading comprehension disorder, which was devastating. I was told by my rehab counselor in Texas that I could not handle college coursework due to my disability. I said to myself that I could do it despite my disability. I received three associate degrees from Moreno Valley College, including Administration and Information Systems, Business Administration with a concentration in General Business, and Business Administration for Transfer. Also, I received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Marketing at California State University, San Bernardino. I maintained a healthy GPA as an undergrad with a 3.1. Now I’m currently working on my master’s degree in Business Administration at California State University, San Bernardino. I believed in myself that I could always accomplish it. When I was in community college, I was involved in a student government organization called ASMVC (Associated Students of Moreno Valley College). I served as a board commissioner in the Events Planning Council (formerly Board of Commissioners), which specialized in event planning for various events in the college. It helped me develop good leadership skills despite my disability. I received several awards for community service involvement in student government and other clubs at Moreno Valley College. I also served as a secretary and inter-club council representative for the Umoja Club (formerly Renaissance Scholars Program). I received the Club Member of Distinction award for my dedication and leadership with the club. Also, I was involved in student government at California State University, San Bernardino as a board director. It was a great experience. My career aspiration is that I want to become an entrepreneur, which has always been my passion as a child.

I remembered when I was two years old, I started talking, and I said words such as baby, mama, and daddy. It was really devastating for my parents because they’re African immigrants. They took me to several hospitals in Houston, Texas, to find out what was wrong with me. After a pediatrician told my parents that I have a kind of disability, I needed Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to support my treatment. Then, when I was three years old, I entered preschool in Pilgrim Head Start. My parents and I met a psychologist through the Head Start program named Dr. Cunningham, who evaluated me. It was confirmed that I have a form of autism called Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. It was devastating for my parents, especially my mom, because she cried for me about not knowing how I would function throughout life. When I was five years old, I was diagnosed with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, which is a form of aphasia that results in loss of speech and language comprehension because I didn’t develop my communication skills at that time as I was supposed to. As a result, I was prescribed medication for the hyperactivity symptoms until I stopped taking it. I started receiving speech therapy when I entered elementary school, and it really helped me a lot. Later, when I entered high school, my speech really improved, and I no longer received speech therapy due to my ARD/IEP (Admission, Review, and Dismissal/Individualized Education Plan) meeting to transition out of high school. After high school, I met a psychologist through the Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Center (formerly known as the Texas Department of Assistive Rehabilitation Services) named Dr. Muehe, who reevaluated me based on the test results. It was confirmed that my diagnosis was changed to Asperger’s Syndrome, which is also a form of autism that sustains in severe social impairment, and restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior. Additionally, I was diagnosed with reading comprehension disorder based on the test results because I have trouble comprehending when I read; however, I’m a very good reader despite this diagnosis. In the past, I had trouble not paying attention in school, which really affected my studies, but I progressed by paying more attention in class and taking notes. However, I studied hard and earned good grades. I remembered my vocational rehabilitation counselor told me I couldn’t handle college coursework, but I was determined and motivated to continue with my education. I received associate degrees in Administration and Information Systems, General Business Concentration, and Business Administration for Transfer at Moreno Valley College. Afterwards, I received my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). Now I’m currently working on my master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship at CSUSB. I will use my education to support the underserved community by receiving accommodations for services for students with disabilities at CSUSB. One day, I’ll be a mentor for disabled students by guiding them to the tools they need in order to receive services for students with disabilities in various colleges and universities.

I remembered when I was nine, going on ten, I discovered that I had learning difficulties due to my disability called Autism Spectrum Disorder. In the past, I had trouble not paying attention in class, which was a difficult experience. It all started when I was in the fourth grade. I had to be reminded by the teacher to pay attention until I discovered that I had trouble not paying attention in class, which the teacher was concerned about. She suggested that I need some medication to help me focus. Also, I remembered thirty years ago, in January 1996, the teacher called my mom and told her that I didn’t pay attention in class and said that I needed some medicine to help me focus. I reject the need for medication, so I started praying and listening to faith that could help me to pay attention in school and to succeed in life. When I entered middle school, I started studying hard and making good grades. Also, I paid more attention by taking notes and listening to the teacher, which was what I could have done in elementary school. I received the academic hall of fame award in middle school for making the honor roll four or more times. It really changed my life thanks to my catholic faith. I always rely on my faith as a catholic by listen the scriptures of the lord, going to church every Sunday, and praying every day. I remembered as a child I never prayed at all, and I thought church was boring and stupid. I realized I was wrong about going to church. I learned that church is about praise, worship, and learning about the good news of the lord. I knew that I was struggling in school due to my disability, not just learning, but also my speech, due to Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asperger’s Syndrome), in terms of grammar and pronunciation. It was really difficult for me at that time. Also, I was diagnosed with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, which is an aphasia spectrum disorder that sustains loss of speech and language comprehension. I was diagnosed with that when I was five years old. I was provided medication for that. Then I received speech therapy when I entered elementary school, which was kindergarten. It really helped me with my speech and communication. My speech really improved when I got older, but I still have a slight speech impairment, but faith really helped with my speech. In high school, I heard that my speech had improved and that I no longer needed speech therapy.

I am of Nigerian descent, and I remember when I was ten years old, I went to Nigeria with my mom and sisters. I visited rural parts of Nigeria to see what it looks like. Most areas of Nigeria don’t have running water, and people have to fetch water from the stream or get water from the water supply. It is really scarce and tough. That’s one of the reasons why I like to give back to the community. I was inspired by Oprah Winfrey, who grew up in poverty and became one of the world’s most influential, powerful, and richest people. I watched a clip back in 2003 that was featured on her show and in the national news. She visited South Africa, which is in rural areas. She met a couple of girls who were living in poverty and were unable to go to school due to a lack of money. She built a school called Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. It was an excellent idea because people in rural parts of South Africa want to get an education. Although I can’t afford to go to various countries right now, I still like to give back in ways that I can. I give back currently by donating food, providing clothes for the homeless, and supporting people who need necessities, especially in my community. Also, I gave back to my community, which is the City of Moreno Valley by volunteering with various organizations such as the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce, My MoVal, Building up Lives Foundation, and other organizations by donating clothes, school supplies, and food for the less privileged. I had an experience in community service when I was involved in Youth Ministry at St. Albert of Trapani Roman Catholic Church in Houston when I was in high school. Continuously, when I moved to Moreno Valley, I was involved in the Board of Commissioners, which is now Events Planning Council at Moreno Valley College, which is part of the student government called ASMVC (Associated Students of Moreno Valley College). I really enjoyed volunteering by doing community service work because it helps me to show compassion to others. I started volunteering at my previous church in Texas, which was part of my requirement for confirmation. I really enjoyed volunteering by giving back to the community. It really helps me to engage with others within society. I will plan to impact the world positively by doing philanthropy, which is giving back to rural countries such as Cambodia, Uganda, Rwanda, etc. I would donate food, clothing, and personal care to various countries. I would love to do more volunteering in the future because it is my passion. When I start a business, I hope to invest some of the savings to buy food, clothing, and personal care for donation. I would like to give back to the community because they did so much for me, and I’m so grateful.

My dream is to become an entrepreneur, which I dreamed of as a child. I want to build an empire like Oprah, who has inspired me. I remember that she grew up from being poor to becoming the world’s richest person in the world. Also, she was named one of the most influential people in the world in various magazines such as Time, Vanity Fair, and others. Her story really inspired me because I have a disability called Asperger’s Syndrome, which is an autism-spectrum disorder that results in severe social impairment and restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior. I had that since birth. I was initially diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified when I was three years old by a psychologist in Texas, then several years later, my diagnosis was changed to Asperger’s Syndrome when I was reevaluated by a different psychologist through Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Center (formerly Texas Rehabilitation Commission) right after high school. I was told by a vocational rehab counselor in Texas that I cannot handle college coursework. I proved him wrong, and I earned three associate degrees from Moreno Valley College, which include Business Administration with a concentration in General Business, Administration and Information Systems, and Business Administration for Transfer. I tried to find various clerical jobs after I completed a vocational certificate in community college in Computer Applications and Office Technology at Riverside City College, but it didn’t work out. So I decided to start a business by going back to school to complete my associate’s and transfer to a 4-year college, which I did. I received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, which is a concentration in Entrepreneurship, from California State University, San Bernardino. Now I’m currently working on my master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. I always wanted to start my own business, which has always been my dream as a child. I was inspired by Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Tyler Perry, and Oprah Winfrey, whom I mentioned earlier. I want to be my own boss and build my own 40K. Due to my disability, it is difficult to find a job, especially since the economy is going down. In 2020, I became an Avon Representative selling makeup, jewelry, skincare, and other products, so I could have an experience when I started my own fragrance and skincare line. I learned to follow my own path. If I want to become an entrepreneur, I should go for it. Also, I learned from various entrepreneurs is to live your dream no matter what. My dream is to become the best and successful entrepreneur or a business owner who can be by talking to customers and to inspire others. I want to learn more about the financial part, which is accounting. I know it’s difficult, but I want to learn more about it. I’m planning on starting an online clothing business in early spring or summer. My motivation is not to give up on one’s dreams, including myself. I’m halfway there to my dream life.

Higher education helped me fuel my future in business by learning the advanced core concepts of business such as leadership, finance, operations, marketing, sales, product/service development, growth, and human resources which are essential functions of a business. As well as understanding the supply and demand aspects, which dictate market price. Higher education will also help me gain leadership skills. For example, when I start my own business and as it grows in sales, I will transition from owner to CEO and president altogether for my company. The business courses will help me learn foundations on how to become a successful business owner and an MBA student. I learned about business principles which are core guidelines for decision making, operations, encompassing, ethics, management, and strategy. I have always wanted to pursue a career in business, more specifically entrepreneurship. It has always been my passion which I dreamed of as a child. I was inspired by well-known entrepreneurs like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs who have tremendous stories on how they became successful entrepreneurs. Although Oprah grew up poor, due to her business skills she became the most influential, richest, and powerful person in the world. It is one of the stories that inspired me the most. She is one of my favorite people who influenced me to overcome my disability, which is Autism Spectrum Disorder. I had my disability since birth and it was very challenging because the world is not structured for people with disabilities. I remember that my mom cried for me wondering how I’m going to succeed due to my disability. But, I have overcome adversities despite my condition by studying hard and getting good grades. Higher education will help me by providing a versatile foundation of skills, knowledge, and professional networks that are essential for career growth and economic mobility. I learned that getting a business degree helps me with strategic, leadership, and technical skills in areas like finance, marketing, and operations while developing crucial soft skills like communication and critical thinking. I learned that beyond education, going to college offers valuable academic opportunities to connect with mentors, professors, and peers who can become a lifelong professional network. I will be launching some business ventures which include online clothing and accessories store, fragrance and skin care line, and a non-profit organization. One day, I will open up a restaurant or an event planning business too. I would like to hire people with disabilities so they could be successful in life despite their disabilities. I learned some foundational knowledge and skills in businesses which are the core business concepts, transferrable skills, and data analysis. I also learned professional and personal growth skills which includes networking, career advancement, leadership, and adaptability. The most important part is the financial outcomes which is increased earnings. For example, college graduates earn significantly more over a lifetime compared to those with only a high school diploma. The educational part which I learned is that it teaches valuable knowledge, introduces students to modern business tools and technologies, and offers real-world experience through case studies and internships, which prepares you for success in the workplace and beyond. What I know about business is the fundamental part of it which involves setting goals and outlining how to achieve them. Other essential elements I learned are marketing and sales to understand and reach customers. I learned operations to create and deliver products or services and finance to manage money and ensure profitability which are the concepts that I learned about business.

I remember when I was two years old I started talking because I could not speak before due to my disability. My parents who are emigrated from Nigeria took me to several hospitals in Texas to see what was going on with me. My pediatrician said that I had a type of disability that required me to have disability benefits. When I was three years old, I entered the preschool called Pilgrim Head Start, which was located in Houston, Texas. Texas is where I’m from originally, but now I live in Moreno Valley, California. My parents and I met a psychologist in Texas through Head Start and she evaluated me and I was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which is an autism spectrum disorder that causes impairment of social skills, difficulty interacting with people, and problems with verbal and nonverbal communication. This diagnosis was devastating for me and my parents because we were worried about my future. Several years later, my diagnosis was changed to Asperger’s Syndrome, which is also an autism spectrum disorder that causes severe and social impairment, and restricted / repetitive patterns of behavior. Right after high school I met a new psychologist from Texas who reevaluated me and confirmed that I have Asperger’s Syndrome based on the test results. I remember when I was a child my mom cried for me because of my disability. She was worried about how I was going to make it in life. Also, I had learning difficulties due to my disability such as trouble with attention, comprehension, and other learning challenges. Not only was I diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder but I had Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, which is a form of aphasia that causes loss of speech and challenges with language comprehension. I was diagnosed with that when I was five years old from a neurologist and was prescribed medication. When I look back at those moments it was devastating but I have overcome adversities despite my disability. I did speech therapy throughout elementary and high school. It really helped me a lot. I had trouble not paying attention in school and this caused me to struggle but I overcame it. I stayed focused in school by taking good notes. This is how I learned and did better in school. I went from mostly B’s and a C’s in elementary school to all A’s and B’s in middle school. It really changed my life. I remember when I was in elementary school, I didn’t focus that much on my studies because I was busy playing and watching television. When I entered middle school, I focused more on my studies and I started getting better grades. I was in the Academic Hall of Fame for being on the Honor Roll four or more times in middle school. I was so proud of myself. My vocational rehabilitation counselor told that I would struggle in higher education, but I proved to him that I would do well in college and university. I did this by earning three associate’s degrees from Moreno Valley College and bachelor’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino. Also, I maintained a good GPA with 3.1, and now I’m working on my master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. I’m planning on starting an online business sometime this year or next year. All of my life experiences, though they were challenging, helped me be more resilient.

The time when I made my health a priority was really a wake-up call for me. Two years ago I was diagnosed with hypertension due to stress, poor diet, and poor lifestyle changes. The doctor provided meds for it, but I really want to be off blood pressure meds. I know that blood pressure meds save lives, but I want to do it naturally by eating healthy, exercising, reducing stress, and cutting down on junk food. Also, I’ve been spending too much time online on the computer and on my smartphone, which causes me to have anxiety and stress. I realize that I need to stop spending too much time on the internet because it is not good for my health. I said to myself, "I need to make a change to my health, which is physical and mental health." The changes that I made to improve my health. First, I meditate every morning to get my mind off of negative stuff such as past mistakes, past events, and past behaviors to focus on the present. Second, I cut down on junk food such as sweets, grains, legumes, and other nutrients. Fourth, I get enough sleep, which is really important. I used to not get enough sleep, which caused damage to my health. I realized that I need to take care of myself in regard to my health by not being stressed out for any reason, which means not worrying too much about stuff that is unnecessary, such as other people’s issues, not knowing it affects my mental health. I learned that I need to take it easy on my health, which means not eating all the time, which is three meals a day and five things a day, which causes weight gain. Also, I need to get enough sleep in order to improve my physical and mental health by not eating too much, not eating junk food every day, and not spending too much time online, which really affects my sleep. I learned that getting adequate sleep is good for my health. I did some research that eliminating junk food helps to improve sleep. As I said before, I used to eat junk food every day, not knowing that it really affected my sleep, which I watched on YouTube. I said to myself, "I need to make a change to my health so I can live a better life and be there for my family." Furthermore, I know that it is not good to compare myself, which is my own life, to others. Also, I learned to be myself. Stress is not good for one’s health, which was the thing that I learned. Mental health is really important, which is one of the things that I have learned thanks to my mom, who is a nurse, and the student health and psychological services at my community college, where I learned information about mental health. I apprehend ways to improve my physical and mental health, which are eating healthy, staying active, and focusing on important stuff such as education, business, and other things. I’ve cut down some things that affected my mental health, which include negativity, stress, and anxiety, which are the factors that are affecting my mental health. Physical health is really important because it enables one’s body’s physical and mental well-being. I always want to maintain physical health by making some changes, which are exercise and diet, which are very important. I know that cardiovascular exercise, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition are the five main components of physical health, which are considered a healthy lifestyle.