My name is Ehi, and in my native Idoma language, it means “gift.” That name has always carried deep meaning for me, a constant reminder from my parents that no matter where life takes me, I was born with purpose. As a proud Nigerian of Idoma descent, born and raised in The Gambia, I’ve always lived at the intersection of different cultures. But nothing prepared me for what it would feel like to move across the Atlantic Ocean and start college in the United States at just fifteen years old. Coming to the U.S. so young wasn’t just a physical relocation, it was a complete shift in my world. I had no family nearby, no familiar streets, and no real idea of what it really meant to be an international student navigating college life for the first time in a place where I was both excited and completely overwhelmed. Everything was new. From registering for classes, finding community, understanding slang, and even figuring out which cereal to buy at Walmart. I felt like I had to grow up overnight. But what stood out to me almost immediately was the diversity in the U.S. I met people from all walks of life, different races, religions, languages, and life stories. For the first time, I saw how broad the world truly was, and how every person added something valuable to the fabric of society. That diversity didn’t just open my eyes, it opened my heart. It made me want to do more, learn more, and become someone who could give back to others, especially those who feel unseen or underestimated. At my HBCU, Alabama A&M University, I found my people. I found professors who believed in me, peers who supported me, and mentors who reminded me that I belonged. And slowly, I started figuring out my gifts, not just the meaning of my name, but my purpose. I discovered my love for helping others and my passion for innovation in healthcare. Though a Computer Science major, I realized I wanted to become a pediatric neurosurgeon, especially for children who look like me or come from places where healthcare is scarce. The immigrant journey isn’t easy. There have been sleepless nights worrying about fees and finding opportunities suitable for me, moments of deep homesickness, and times I questioned if I could keep going. But each challenge pushed me to rise higher. I’ve learned how to be resilient, how to advocate for myself, and how to build a life rooted in both my heritage and my dreams. I’ve also grown to love my identity even more. Being Nigerian, being Idoma, being African, all these being valuable sources of strength for me. I’ve also come to appreciate the immense sacrifices my parents made and the struggle that paved the way for my journey, leaving behind familiarity, working tirelessly with limited resources, and believing in a future they might never fully see. Immigrating to the U.S. for college changed my life, but it didn’t change who I am. It simply revealed who I was always meant to be. This journey so far has taught me that purpose can bloom even in unfamiliar places, and that no matter where you start, you can still shine. If I am awarded this scholarship, it will not only help lighten the financial load I carry, it will serve as a reminder that my story matters, that being a young, immigrant African woman with big dreams is not just valid, but powerful. Because after all, I am Ehi. I am a gift. And I am ready to give back.

Growing up in The Gambia, I was often told that my dreams of becoming a software engineer were too ambitious, especially for a girl. My community celebrated traditional career paths, but my fascination with technology set me apart. The first real challenge I faced in pursuing my interest in STEM was overcoming the deep-seated belief that I did not belong in this field. The lack of representation of women in technology, especially in my environment, made it even more difficult to visualize a future where I could thrive in this industry. My determination was tested early on when I sought opportunities to learn coding. Resources were scarce, and I had to rely on outdated computers and slow internet connections to teach myself the basics. However, these obstacles only fueled my desire to succeed. I spent countless hours in internet cafes, poring over online tutorials, and practicing coding on whatever devices I could find. My perseverance paid off when I began to excel in school, earning top scores in science and math, and eventually securing a spot at West African International School, where I continued to pursue my passion for technology. The turning point in my journey came during my internship at the Medical Research Council Unit in Fajara, where I worked on biomedical engineering projects. This experience opened my eyes to the intersection of technology and healthcare, igniting a new passion for using software engineering to solve real-world problems. I realized that my journey wasn't just about proving that I could succeed in STEM; it was about making a tangible impact on people's lives through technology. This experience has shaped my aspirations to revolutionize the education sector by developing innovative and affordable educational tools that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning. I envision a future where every student, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality education tailored to their needs. My ultimate goal is to create educational tools that incorporate robotics to enhance learning experiences, making education more accessible and engaging for students worldwide. The importance of representation in STEM cannot be overstated. As someone who has faced and overcome significant barriers, I understand the critical need for diversity and inclusion in this field. When individuals from diverse backgrounds are represented in STEM, it fosters creativity, innovation, and a broader range of perspectives. This diversity is essential in developing solutions that cater to the needs of all communities. To contribute to increasing diversity and inclusion within my field, I plan to mentor young girls who are interested in STEM, particularly those from underrepresented communities. By sharing my story and providing guidance, I hope to inspire the next generation of female engineers to pursue their passions fearlessly. Additionally, I intend to advocate for more inclusive curricula and resources in schools, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to explore STEM fields. In conclusion, the challenges I have faced in pursuing my interest in STEM have not only strengthened my resolve but have also shaped my aspirations to create meaningful change in the world through technology. By increasing representation and fostering diversity in STEM, I hope to contribute to a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in this dynamic and transformative field.