I am a Public Health major on a pre-med track at Georgia State University, where I 4.04 GPA. My academic and personal journey has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to service. Navigating rigorous coursework while preparing for a career in healthcare has required discipline, consistency, and purpose—qualities that continue to guide my educational path. I view my education not only as a means of personal advancement, but as preparation for meaningful service within diverse communities. Alongside my academic studies, I am training to become a Certified Medical Assistant, an experience that has provided me with hands-on clinical exposure. Through this training, I have gained insight into patient-centered care, clinical procedures, and the importance of effective communication within healthcare teams. Interacting directly with patients has reinforced my passion for medicine and strengthened my understanding of the trust and empathy required in clinical settings. These experiences have confirmed my desire to pursue a medical career grounded in compassion, professionalism, and accountability. In addition to my academic and clinical commitments, I am actively involved in community service with Fully Furnished Ministries in Norcross. Through this organization, I support underserved individuals and families by addressing essential needs and helping restore dignity and stability during times of transition. Serving in this capacity has shown me that health and well-being extend beyond clinical environments and are deeply influenced by access to stable housing, resources, and supportive communities. This work has strengthened my commitment to service and reinforced my belief that healthcare professionals have a responsibility to advocate for holistic well-being. Following graduation, I plan to pursue advanced education in healthcare, with the long-term goal of attending medical school. I aspire to build a career that integrates clinical medicine with public health principles, allowing me to address healthcare challenges at both the individual and systems levels. By combining direct patient care with population-based strategies, I hope to contribute to solutions that improve prevention, reduce disparities, and promote long-term health outcomes. My goal is to serve underserved and immigrant communities by promoting preventive care, improving health literacy, and advocating for equitable access to healthcare services. An important aspect of my identity and future practice is my bilingual ability. My first language is English, and I am also fluent in the Tiv language, which allows me to communicate across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Being bilingual has presented challenges, particularly in navigating differences in expression, tone, and cultural context within academic and professional environments where precision and clarity are essential. However, these challenges have strengthened my communication skills and heightened my awareness of the nuances involved in effective dialogue. The benefits of bilingualism far outweigh its challenges. Being able to communicate in multiple languages allows me to build trust with patients and community members who may otherwise feel hesitant or misunderstood within healthcare systems. It enables me to serve as a cultural bridge, fostering clearer communication between patients and providers and promoting more accurate understanding of health concerns and treatment plans. This ability enhances my cultural competence, empathy, and effectiveness as a future healthcare professional, particularly when working with diverse and underserved populations. Overall, my background, education, and future goals are deeply aligned with service and impact. I am committed to using my academic training, clinical experience, language skills, and lived experiences to contribute meaningfully to healthcare. After graduation, I intend to continue pursuing opportunities that allow me to improve health outcomes, advocate for equity, and mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds who aspire to careers in healthcare. Through dedication, service, and learning, I hope to make a lasting and positive impact within the communities I serve.

My ability to build empathy and understanding within a global community is rooted in my lived experience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to service. From an early age, I learned that empathy is not passive, but something that is developed through exposure, humility, and a willingness to learn from others. Experiencing life in multiple environments has taught me to approach people with curiosity rather than judgment and to value perspectives different from my own. Growing up in Nigeria and immigrating to the United States in 2022 exposed me to vastly different cultures, healthcare systems, and social structures. Navigating these transitions required resilience and open-mindedness skills that now shape how I engage with people from diverse backgrounds. Adjusting to a new country strengthened my awareness of how cultural differences influence communication, trust, and access to resources, especially within healthcare and education systems. Effective communication is one of my core strengths. As a first-generation college student and immigrant, I often serve as a bridge between worlds by explaining complex systems and helping others feel understood. This role has reinforced my responsibility to advocate for clarity, patience, and inclusion in spaces where people may feel overlooked or intimidated. Whether I am assisting classmates, supporting my family, or engaging in community service, I prioritize empathy by listening to individual stories and responding with compassion. This approach allows me to connect across cultural, socioeconomic, and ideological differences. My academic training and professional background further strengthen my capacity for global empathy. As a 2024 graduate of the US CDC Disease Detection and Prevention Fellowship, I have gained a deeper understanding of population-level challenges and the importance of honoring individual experiences. This experience reinforced the idea that effective public health solutions must consider both data and human stories. Currently, I am a Pre-Med student at Georgia State University with a 4.04 GPA, and I previously became a certified Medical Assistant at the age of less than 17 years. Beyond the classroom, I am actively engaged in community service with Fully Furnished Ministries in Norcross, Georgia, where I help distribute furniture to those in need. These experiences are preparing me to be a leader who can address the community's medical, social, and economic needs. Additionally, my faith shapes my worldview by teaching me to recognize the inherent dignity of every human life. This belief guides my interactions, particularly with those who are marginalized or underserved. It motivates me to serve without bias and to see service as both a moral responsibility and a privilege. To me, empathy is an active choice to advocate for equity, justice, and access through volunteering, mentoring, and a career dedicated to service. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in medicine and global health initiatives, focusing on disparities in maternal health, chronic disease, and preventive care. I hope to work in spaces where trust, cultural understanding, and education can transform health outcomes. By combining cultural competence, scientific knowledge, and compassion, I aim to contribute to a global community where differences are respected and shared humanity drives meaningful change.

As a first-generation student in the Americas, there are lots of expectations and pressure on me, from family members and younger generations looking up to me. Pursuing a major in Public Health, pre-medicine at Georgia State University (GSU), and graduating from Decatur High School. I love my family and the people around me who have poured knowledge into me and experiences that have helped shape who I am today. One thing I have always struggled with during those milestones was my grades, and not just that, staying consistent in keeping good grades. It affected me to the extent that I was doubting my capabilities towards my education, and when I was graduating high school, I doubted my achievement and minimized my progress. Overtime I began to doubt my capabilities and whether I truly belonged in those academic spaces. This affected me emotionally and spiritually. When my parents would tell them they were proud of me or offer words of encouragement, it didn’t feel genuine. It felt like it was just to encourage me and not because I had earned it. So, I felt like I was not doing the bare minimum despite how hard I was trying. These thoughts weighed heavily on me and often kept me up at night, filling me with anxiety and self-doubt. These were thoughts and emotions I had to wrestle with, and as a s a Christian we are taught to take our problems and worries to God. And that is what I did, I would read my Bible and find solace in his words. Sometimes, when I did not understand the words on the page, I would ponder on them or ask teachers and friends what they meant. This furthered my growth in Christ and also enabled me to fight off negative thoughts that would keep me up at night. Relying on my faith helped me challenge the negative thoughts that consumed me and reminded me that setbacks do not erase effort or potential. It taught me patience with myself and to trust in God’s timing, even when results did not come as quickly as I expected. My faith did not make my challenges disappear, but it gave me the strength to persevere and hope to keep moving forward. This experience didn’t just help me grow academically but also spiritually. My faith became my anchor during moments of self-doubt, allowing me to overcome discouragement and continue pursuing my goals with resilience, confidence, and purpose.

The scholarship's mission to foster a community of women empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to the STEM field strongly reflects both my journey and my aspirations. As a student who moved from Nigeria to the United States in 2022, knowledge has been my most important tool for growth, adaptation, and empowerment. As a woman, there are numerous limitations we face in society as a whole, so it is not a stretch to face challenges when chasing our goals/education. Entering a new country and education system came with challenges, such as cultural adjustment, academic pressure, and the responsibility of navigating higher education as a first-generation college student. In moments like these, education is more than a goal and has become a source of confidence. Learning how the systems worked, asking questions, and seeking understanding allowed me to advocate for myself and take ownership of my future. Knowledge transformed my uncertainty into purpose. I am ready to contribute to the STEM field to make a tangible impact. My interest in public health and family medicine highlights my interest in scientific knowledge and service. I want to use STEM not only to diagnose and treat illnesses, but also to educate and prevent diseases, and advocate for access to healthcare, particularly for underserved populations and immigrants who do not have access to healthcare. In the United States, teenage girls could pursue education to the highest level, and I desire to maximize this opportunity to pursue a career in Medicine as a Public Health or Family Health Physician. In my whole extended family, no girl has gone beyond high school, and my primary objective is to exceed this limitation. My desire to pursue a career as a Family Health or Public Health Physician is based on my experience. I have seen several of my female family members and vulnerable groups here in the United States die needless deaths because of their inability to afford medical care or adopt basic preventive measures. That is why I think as a woman in STEM, I am making an impact in my field because there are so many underrepresented women in most STEM fields, and if represented, there are subtle biases towards hiring/promotional decisions, how seriously ideas are taken, and fewer mentors who understand shared challenges. All these highlight cultural expectations, unequal systems, and a lack of support. This doesn’t just affect a woman's confidence but also limits innovation; it is essential for diverse populations when solving complex STEM problems.

Education has always been more than learning to me. I see it as a gateway to opportunities, growth, and the ability to make a lasting impact. Growing up as a first-generation student, I have seen firsthand how my family values education, and how they have invested time and made major life decisions for me to achieve my set goals to further my education. My parents instilled in me the belief that education is the key to building a better future, not only for myself but for generations to come. Their numerous sacrifices and encouragement have motivated me to pursue my academic dreams even when the path feels uncertain or difficult. Education is important to me because it allows me to break cycles of limitations. It is not just about earning a degree but learning to critically solve problems and contribute meaningfully to society. Being the first in my family to attend college is both an honor and a responsibility because I carry the hopes and expectations of my family. Making sure every exam is studied for, every assignment completed, every exam studied for, and every opportunity is well maximized to my benefit. All efforts are a step closer to fulfilling my personal ambitions and the dreams of my loved ones. Beyond personal achievement is the legacy I want to leave behind for the generations after me. I want my legacy to serve as motivation to my siblings or whoever to portray that education is attainable and transformative. I hope my younger relatives and others in my community can look at my journey and see that barriers can be overcome, that striving for knowledge is worth every challenge, and that giving back through mentorship, guidance, and support can create a ripple effect of success. I want to be someone who doesn’t just teach her goals but uplifts others as I climb, making the path a little easier for those after me. In the long term, I aspire to use my education to make a tangible impact, whether through public health initiatives, community programs, or advocacy for equitable opportunities. Education equips me with the tools to solve problems creatively, lead with compassion, advocating for meaningful change. I hope that my story will encourage other first-generation students, especially women, to pursue higher education confidently know that their dreams are valid and achievable. Education is more than a personal achievement but rather a way to honor my family, empower my community, and leave a legacy of resilience, ambition, and possibility.

My name is Estelle Msendoo Ngobua. I am the first child out of a family of six. I moved from Nigeria to the United States in 2022. I am a first-generation college student. Pursuing a major in Public Health, pre-medicine at Georgia State University (GSU). I love my family and the people around me who have poured knowledge into me and experiences that have helped shape who I am today. I always wanted to pursue medicine. At first, I wanted to be a pediatrician, but the longer I thought about it, I was conflicted, because I value the importance of family and building strong relationships with people you encounter, and based on my interests, being a pediatrician did not meet those expectations. I wanted to be able to offer help to everyone and not focus on one category of people. With more thinking and research, I found family medicine stood out as the specialty that aligned with my goals and values. I began to think about healthcare beyond the walls of an office or clinic and asked myself how I could truly help my community. I noticed certain limitations in healthcare access, education, and trust, especially within underserved populations. I wanted to understand how I could impact these communities not only through treatment but also through prevention, education, and advocacy. These thoughts became even more prevalent as I reflected on my background and the communities I am connected to, both in Nigeria and in the United States. With the help of Public Health, I have been exposed to a variety of opportunities the field of public health has to offer. This has also helped me see health not only through the individual perspective but also through the community perspective. Public Health has taught me that health outcomes are influenced by social, environmental, and economic factors, not just medical care alone. This understanding has strengthened my desire to become a physician who looks beyond symptoms and considers the whole person and their environment. I believe family medicine aligns with the values of public health because it allows physicians to build long-term relationships with patients, care for people across different stages of life, and serve as a trusted guide for support. As a future family medicine physician, I hope to combine clinical care with public health principles to advocate for prevention, health education, and equitable care. My goal is to serve diverse communities, address health disparities, and make a meaningful difference by treating patients not just as cases, but as people with stories, families, and lives that matter.

Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien’s story resonates deeply with me because it reflects many of the challenges I have faced and the values I strive to embody. Like Maggie, I moved to the United States from another country in pursuit of education, growth, and opportunity. I immigrated from Nigeria to the U.S. in 2022, stepping into an unfamiliar environment with limited support and the responsibility of building a future not only for myself, but also as an example for my family. One of the greatest challenges Maggie faced was navigating life in a new country independently. I strongly relate to this experience. Adjusting to a new culture, academic system, and social environment required resilience, adaptability, and courage. As a first-generation college student, I had to learn how to navigate higher education largely on my own understanding college expectations, seeking resources, and finding my place in a competitive academic space. Much like Maggie, I learned to rely on determination rather than comfort, and growth rather than fear. Maggie’s boldness both physical and intellectual is another quality I deeply admire and relate to. While my challenges may not have taken the form of mountain climbing or extreme sports, I have embraced boldness in academic and personal ways. Choosing a demanding path in Public Health on the pre-med track at Georgia State University requires persistence, discipline, and the willingness to face difficulty head-on. I am not afraid to challenge myself intellectually, ask questions, and engage deeply with subjects that push me beyond my comfort zone. Maggie’s devotion to education and her drive to master whatever she set her mind to is something I see reflected in my own journey. I approach learning with curiosity and commitment, especially within the STEM and healthcare fields. Public health has taught me to think critically, analyze data, and understand how science intersects with real-world problems. Like Maggie, I value knowledge not just as an achievement, but as a tool for impact. I also relate to Maggie’s ambition and strength in the face of adversity. Her battle with illness reflects an inner resilience that inspires me to persevere through my own obstacles whether academic pressure, financial challenges, or the emotional weight of being far from home. Her courage reminds me that strength is not the absence of hardship, but the decision to keep moving forward despite it. In honoring Maggie’s legacy, this scholarship represents more than financial support it represents recognition of bold, driven women who dare to step into the unknown. I strive to live with the same determination, independence, and commitment to growth that defined Maggie’s life, and I hope to continue honoring those values as I pursue a future in healthcare and STEM.

"Hope is a waking dream." – Aristotle. Growing up in Nigeria was the best part of my life. Every day was a new experience. I was surrounded by people who looked like me, spoke like me, and understood me. So when I moved to the United States, I was excited for more new things—new people, new culture, new life. I had no idea how difficult that transition would be. They say to embrace life with an open mind and a positive perspective. At least that’s what I was told. But no one talks about how hard it is to do that when you’re a 12-year-old girl dealing with a language barrier, anxiety, and puberty—all at once. Starting high school in 10th grade felt like being thrown into the deep end. I had to change everything—my accent, my clothes, the way I carried myself. Back in Nigeria, the uncles and aunties only ever talked about the great opportunities in America. They said, "If you work hard, you’ll succeed." And they were right, in a way. But they never mentioned the community I would have to leave behind. They didn’t tell me how much I would miss a familiar hug, or how the distance and economy would keep me from the people I love most. That’s when the loneliness began to settle in. Even when I made friends and had conversations, they felt shallow, empty, even. I carried that loneliness into every space: my home, my school, my heart. It wasn’t until I got involved in my church that something shifted. We’ve always been a Christian family, but before then, it was just a label to me. At church, I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone, to talk, to serve, to connect. And slowly, I began to see what I hadn’t before—my community was right in front of me. People who cared. People who listened. People who reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Volunteering with my church’s fully furnished team changed everything. We helped families move into their first or forever homes with love—and with furniture. Every smile I saw reminded me that kindness is powerful. The relationships I built while lifting couches or sharing barbecue on Saturdays taught me that connection isn’t just about where you’re from—it’s about being present, being open, and giving back. For a long time, I was too focused on what I had lost to see what I had gained. But that church community helped me redefine what “home” and “family” really mean. I’ve grown in ways I never imagined—emotionally, spiritually, and socially—because I found people who genuinely cared. And that’s what gave me hope. Hope that the community can be found in unexpected places. Hope that kindness still matters. Hope that even when things fall apart, there’s always the chance to begin again. Hope, as Aristotle said, really is a waking dream—one I get to live every day now.

In the book "The Thing Around Your Neck" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, it explores the importance of identity and the struggle to maintain a sense of self in the face of cultural dislocation as applied to my current situation as an immigrant. I have learnt to apply these lessons to my life as an immigrant to the United States, where I have seen and experienced numerous situations of how the complexities of migration have impacted one's understanding of home and belonging. Upon coming to the US, I was admitted into the 10th grade at Decatur High School. This was followed by my admission as a fellow of the 2024 US CDC detective program. My admission to the School of Public Health of Georgia State University for a degree in Public Health (Pre-med) is a major step toward achieving my dream of becoming a Public Health Physician. Currently, I am the first in my family to attend an undergraduate college program in the United States and the first female in my nuclear and extended family to make this achievement. As a pacesetter in the family, I will be a role model for my siblings to pursue their educational desires confidently. I see the United States as a land of opportunities, in contrast to the challenges we face in Africa. For example, teenage marriage is common in northern Nigeria, where I come from. This affects the teen girls’ schooling with the resultant effect of maternal and child health problems, a high number of deaths of women during delivery, and poverty resulting from their lack of financial independence. Girls are expected to go into marriage at an early age to have children, a practice which leads to a shortage of female health workers both at the local and global levels. My qualification as a Public health practitioner will help address the gender imbalance here in the US and globally. To pursue this target, I am combining my academic pursuits with community engagement activities. I recently graduated from the US CDC disease detective program in year 2024 session which gave me a good insight into the field of public health. I am actively engaged in several community-based engagement activities, including serving as a volunteer with the Fully Furnished Ministries in Norcross, where I volunteer every month to move furniture to families in need. I have contributed over 45 hours of community volunteering activities since the beginning of the year. Qualifying as a Public Health Physician will enable me at the local level to work in rural areas of the United States, to address the health challenges of the minority and vulnerable groups. I will raise community engagement to a higher level at the international level by working with government agencies, like CDC, and the National Institute of Health, to address international health challenges like pandemics. Finally, I would say that before coming to the US, has further broafen my horizon of understanding on he value of education and self-empowerment as a future female health worker to contribute in improving the health outcomes of of the country; most especially to address the gap of the health needs of the minority and vulnerable groups.

I am currently a Senior at Decatur High School and recently got admission into the School of Public Health of Georgia State University for a degree in Public Health (Premed). I am the first in a family of four children with three girls and a boy. I am the first in my family to attend an undergraduate college in the United States. As a pacesetter in the family, I consider myself a role model for my siblings in their cause to be useful citizens of Georgia and the US. Immigrating to the US has been challenging. First, the large size of our family of six has made it difficult to meet the family's needs; my parents work harder and for longer hours, but meeting the demands of the family has been challenging. This is further compounded by the young age of the children below the working age. Another factor is the African extended family system, which requires children to care for their aged parents. Even though we are new immigrants, my grandparents still expect my parents to give them economic support since they are all old. My parents are also responsible for other burdens besides our care. My target is to excel academically and get many scholarships to augument the high cost of my education. A scholarship will help address most of the above-listed financial gaps. It will help me pay the cost of lodging in school, subsidize my tuition fees, cost of books, and upkeep while in school.