My name is Fama Saidy, I am a proud Muslim from Gambia. My journey to this point has been shaped by my cultural heritage faith, and the values instilled in me by my family and community growing up in Gambia. I was surrounded by a rich tapestry of tradition and a strong sense of community which have profoundly influence my character and aspirations. From a young age, I was taught the importance of education, integrity, and hard work. My family emphasize the value of knowledge and the power it holds to transform lives. This belief has been a driving force behind my academic pursuits and my decision to attend an HBCU specifically the university of Maryland Eastern shore (UMES). Attending an HBCU holds immense significance for me historically, black colleges and universities have a long-standing tradition of providing quality, education and fostering environments where students of African descent can thrive. For me attending UMES means being part of a legacy of excellence and empowerment. It means being in a place where my culture background is not only acknowledge but celebrated. It offers me the opportunity to learn from faculty who understand and appreciate my experiences, and who are dedicated to my success. Choosing to study hospitality and tourism management at UMES is a decision deeply rooted in my desire to make a meaningful impact on my family and community. Hospitality and tourism are vital sectors in Gambia contributing significantly to the economy and providing numerous opportunities for employment and development. By gaining expertise in this field, I aim to bring innovative ideas and sustainable practices to the industry, and Gambia enhancing its growth and ensuring that it benefits local communities. My education in hospitality and management will equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to create memorable experience for tourists while preserving and promoting the rich culture heritage of Gambia. I plan to focus on sustainable tourism and practices that not only attract visitors, but also respect and protect the environment and local communities. This approach will help ensure that tourism development in Gambia is inclusive and beneficial to all stakeholders. Moreover, I am committed to using my education to empower others in my community by sharing the knowledge and skills I acquire, I hope to inspire and mentor young people encouraging them to pursue their education and professional goals. I believe that education is a powerful to for social and economic mobility, and I am determined to contribute to the development of my community by flustering a culture of learning and innovation. In addition to my professional goals, I am passionate about giving back to my community through volunteer work and community service. I plan to engage in initiatives that support education, health and economic development in Gambia. By collaborating in with local organizations and leveraging the resources and networks I gained through my education at UMES, I aim to create programs that addressed the needs of my community and promote sustainable development. In conclusion, my journey to this point has been guided by my cultural heritage, faith, and values instilled in me by my family and my community attending and studying my major is a significant step towards achieving my goals and making a difference for my family and community, many before me have gone on to do great things with a bachelors degree in hospitality and tourism management, and I hope to do so in the same field with a bigger target audience, and for the students who will also be hoping to follow the same path aspire to make their journey easier than mine has been.

My background as a muslim from Gambia has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my educational journey and my future aspirations. Growing up in a culturally rich and religiously diverse environment has provided me with unique perspectives and values that influence my approach to learning and my ambitions. Embracing my identity and heritage has offered me a strong sense of belonging and purpose as i navigate through my academic endeavors. As a Muslim student from Gambia, i have encountered specific challenges and triumphs that have contributed to my personal growth and academic achievements. The values instilled by my cultural background and faith, such as community, compassion, and perseverance, has been guiding me through my educational pursuits and future goals. In terms of contributing to the future generations of students who share similar backgrounds, my experiences can offer valuable insights and inspiration. By sharing my journey, providing mentorship, and advocating for educational opportunities, i can support and uplift students who may be having a difficult time navigating similar cultural and religious paths. I have learned to embrace my identity, sharing my experiences and actively engaging in initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, i can make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape for future generations of students from diverse backgrounds. My unique perspective and cultural heritage can serve as a source of strength and inspiration as i strive to create positive change and empower others to achieve their educational goals. I have been learning to accept that Ya’Allah is the best planner and not matter how impatient i get he knows what i pray for and what i want in my heart. Paying it forward is a principle that i would like to hold dear and will be committed to helping future generations in various ways. I plan to collaborate with the local communities to offer workshops and tutoring sessions for underprivileged students, ensuring that they have access to the tools and opportunities necessary for success and as part of my Sadaqah. My identity as black and muslim has profoundly influenced my educational journey and my future aspirations. By becoming a diplomat and actively engaging with the less fortunate people around me, i aim to pay it forward and contribute to the success and well being of future generations. Through these efforts, i hope to inspire dreams and make a positive impact in their lives Insha’Allah, Ya’Allah knows best. Thank you

I have shown incredible resilience in overcoming adversity in my past, despite my fear of change, I have persevered and continued to pursue my dreams and goals. Adversity has played a significant role in shaping my determination and fuelling my ambitions. Moving from England to America for education was a major life change, and it undoubtedly presented its own set challenge. But I did not let these challenges deter me. Instead, I embraced them as opportunities for growth and personal development. By stepping out of my comfort zone and adapting to a new environment, I have demonstrated my ability to face adversity head on. This experience not only broadened my horizons but also strengthened my ability to navigate unfamiliar situations. Being a child of divorce, I have gone through trauma but this difficult experience hasn’t stopped me from moving forward. I have shown strength and resilience by allowing it to or hold me back from pursuing my dreams. Instead I have used it as motivation to push myself even harder towards my goals. Adversity has taught me valuable lessons and helped me develop a strong sense of determination . It has shown me that I have the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacles that may come my way. My experiences have given me a unique perspective and have fuel my desire t o make a positive impact in the world. By using my passion for hospitality, I can channel my experiences with adversity into creating welcoming spaces, advocating for fair treatment in the industry, promoting sustainability, and driving economic development. My ability to overcome challenges has given me the tools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. By pursuing your passion for working with the UNWTO I have the opportunity to create meaningful change in the world of hospitality. My firsthand experiences with adversity will allow to empathise with others and advocate for fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability within the industry. My dreams and goals are not just aspiration; they are a reflection of my resilience and unwavering commitment to making a difference. I am determined in achieving my goals and completing my education at UMES where I am currently enrolled, receiving this scholarship will help contribute to my future and shape my future, as I have written previously I aspire to work under the UNWTO, I am seeking to work with them as an intern during my sophomore year.

I would use my hospitality skills to create a space that would bring people together, whether it be in a hotel, restaurant or community centre or even working for the UNWTO. These places bring out cultures ideas and experiences by ensuring that these spaces are accessible and inclusive I can help break down barriers and promote cross culture understandings. Pursuing a degree under the hospitality and management could drive me to work to towards improving the standard of service in the industry by advocating for decent whacking conditions, unprofessional, development, opportunities for hospitality workers, I can contribute to create a more equitable industry I can use my influence in the hospitality sector to promote sustainable practices. For example, my dream is to work under the UNWTO to promote sustainable tourism and create jobs in rural areas around the world, from reducing ways to sourcing locally, there are numerous ways in which hospitality industry can lessen its environmental impact. By championing these practices I can help pave the way for more sustainability in the future. With my interest in working for the UNWTO organisation aligns with my passion for hospitality. by collaborating with such organisations, I can work on projects that leverage towards my hospitality to drive economic development, particularly in underprivileged regions all all over the world. This can have a transformative impact on local communities, creating jobs in local economies and promoting cultural exchange. My passion hospitality can be harnessed in numerous way to make a positive impact in the world, whether it’s through frustrating cultural understanding, advocating for workers, right promoting sustainability or driving economic development the possibilities are endless and with my determination and willingness to embrace new challenges I have no doubt that I’ll make a significant contribution to the world through my passion for hospitality.

As a hospitality and tourism student, I'm super passionate about event planning because it gives me the opportunity to create memorable experiences for people. I believe that events have the power to bring people together, foster connections, and create positive change in the world. By obtaining skills as an event planner or project leader, I plan to make a positive impact by organizing events that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility. I want to use my skills to create events that not only entertain and inspire, but also leave a lasting impact on the community and the environment. One way I hope to make a difference is by incorporating sustainable practices into event planning. From reducing waste and using eco-friendly materials to promoting local vendors and supporting community initiatives, I want to create events that minimize their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Additionally, I'm passionate about using events as a platform to raise awareness and support important causes. Whether it's organizing charity fundraisers, awareness campaigns, or community outreach events, I want to leverage the power of events to make a positive impact on social issues that matter to me and the world. I also believe in the power of inclusivity and diversity in event planning. I want to create events that celebrate different cultures, perspectives, and identities, fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome and represented. By promoting inclusivity, I hope to contribute to a more equitable and understanding society. In addition to my previous points, another way I plan to make a positive impact as an event planner or project leader is by fostering collaboration and partnerships. By working closely with local businesses, organizations, and community members, I aim to create events that not only benefit the attendees but also support the growth and development of the community. Furthermore, I want to utilize my event planning skills to create experiences that inspire and empower individuals. Whether it's through motivational speakers, interactive workshops, or skill-building sessions, I want to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, helping people unlock their full potential. By combining my passion for event planning with my dedication to making a difference, I'm confident that I can create impactful events that leave a positive mark on the world. Overall, my passion for event planning stems from my desire to bring people together, create meaningful experiences, and make a positive impact on the world. I believe that events have the power to inspire, educate, and ignite change, and I'm excited to use my skills as an event planner or project leader to contribute to a better future.