When I boarded the plane from Nigeria to the United States shortly after turning nineteen, I was excited but also scared. I was leaving behind everything familiar. My family, my culture, and my comfort zone to pursue an education I believed would change my life and the lives of those I love. As an international student, I didn’t fully understand the challenges ahead, but I was determined to make it work. Adjusting to life in a new country was difficult. I had no guidance and struggled to keep up with school, work, and bills. Thankfully, I had learned hairdressing and fashion back in Nigeria, and those skills became my lifeline. I began offering hair services and running a small fashion business to support myself through school. With the current economic crisis in Nigeria, my mom is unable to send money, so I’ve had to rely on my own efforts to survive and stay in school. There are times I skip meals or struggle to afford school materials, but I push forward, remembering why I came here. I want to create a better future not just for myself, but for others. That sense of purpose keeps me going. I’ve learned to speak up, join study groups, and build relationships that support me emotionally and academically. I was raised by parents who always taught my sisters and me to be kind and giving, even when we had little. That value has stayed with me. Even now, with my own financial struggles, I try to pay bus or train fare for people when I can. I believe in helping others, even in small ways, because I know how much it means when someone shows up for you. Every time I give, I say a silent prayer: “God, please bless me so I can bless others.” This is why I feel called to public service. I want to be part of the solution, especially for underserved communities. I’ve seen what it means to live without opportunity, and I want to use my education in economics and data analysis to influence policies that bring real change. I believe that with the right tools and a compassionate heart, we can rebuild broken systems and give people hope. This scholarship would ease my financial burden and help me continue this journey. More than that, it would remind me that kindness comes full circle and I promise to pass it on.

As a student majoring in Data Analysis in Economics at City Tech, I am keenly aware of the transformative power of education and its potential to effect meaningful change. Coming from a background rooted in a rich Nigerian heritage, I have witnessed both the challenges and the resilience of communities striving to grow in the face of limited resources. My experiences have instilled in me a deep desire to use my education as a tool for empowerment and progress, both in my local community and beyond. Data has the power to tell stories, identify problems, and uncover solutions. For me, this realization is the cornerstone of my aspirations. One of the key ways I plan to impact my community is by supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Many local entrepreneurs, especially in underrepresented communities, face difficulties in navigating the complexities of modern markets. By analyzing data on customer behavior, market trends, and financial efficiency, I aim to help these businesses thrive. This not only supports economic growth but also strengthens the fabric of the community by creating jobs and fostering innovation. Equally important to me is the opportunity to advocate for equity and fairness through data. Numbers, when properly analyzed, reveal the truth of societal disparities. I want to use my education to highlight gaps in areas like education, healthcare, and employment within underserved communities. By presenting actionable insights, I hope to influence policies that promote equitable resource distribution and create opportunities for marginalized groups. Another area close to my heart is financial literacy. Many individuals struggle to manage their finances due to a lack of understanding about budgeting, saving, and investing. This financial illiteracy often perpetuates cycles of poverty. As someone who has learned the value of careful planning and resource management through my journey as an international student, I want to bridge this gap by organizing workshops and creating resources tailored to my community's needs. Educating people about how to make informed financial decisions can be a life-changing intervention. In addition to empowering others economically, I want to inspire the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers. As a firm believer in mentorship, I envision myself guiding young students interested in data analysis, economics, and technology. Sharing my knowledge and experiences can help them see the potential within themselves and equip them to pursue careers that make a difference. I want to create a ripple effect where they, in turn, uplift others in the community. Ultimately, I see my education as more than just a personal achievement. It is a responsibility. By combining the analytical skills I am acquiring with my commitment to making an impact, I am determined to leave a legacy of empowerment. I dream of a community where data-driven solutions are accessible to all, enabling smarter decisions and better outcomes. My journey so far from growing up in Nigeria to pursuing higher education in the United States has shown me that even the most daunting challenges can be opportunities for growth and transformation. I am excited to bring this mindset to my community and use my education to foster resilience, equity, and prosperity.

My journey began in Benin city, Edo State, Nigeria, where I spent my childhood immersed in a rich cultural heritage. Growing up in this environment instilled in me the value of community and the joy of shared experiences. However, my life took a transformative turn at 19 when I migrated to the United States alone, leaving behind the familiarity of home to embrace a vastly different world. The move to the U.S. marked a period of growth and self-discovery. Adjusting to a new culture, facing economic challenges, and managing emotional transitions tested my resilience. My faith in God became my foundation, giving me strength to persevere. Proverbs 22:6, a verse close to my heart, reminds me of the strong moral foundation my upbringing provided and the importance of staying true to my values. Currently, I am a student at City Tech, majoring in Data Analysis in Economics. My academic journey is fueled by a desire to address systemic challenges such as economic disparities and resource allocation. As an international student juggling part-time work and financial obligations, I’ve experienced the difficulties many face in achieving stability. These experiences drive my ambition to create solutions that uplift underserved communities. In Nigeria, I often paid bus fares for those in need, a small gesture to ease someone’s burden. Since moving to the U.S, I’ve continued this spirit of giving offering money to those in need, paying for groceries, or helping elderly individuals with heavy items. I also send money monthly to support the needy in Nigeria, knowing that even a small amount can make a significant impact due to the high dollar-to-naira exchange rate. These acts of kindness reflect my belief in the interconnectedness of humanity and the power of generosity. I aspire to be a philanthropist, driven by a desire to give selflessly and without recognition. As a shy and introverted person, I prefer helping others behind the scenes, letting my actions speak for themselves. Whether through financial support, acts of kindness, or creating opportunities for others, I am deeply motivated to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need. Beyond academics, I have embraced my entrepreneurial side by building a small yet thriving fashion business. Through my designs, I aim to instill pride among people of African descent. Moreover, I use my business to support local artisans and contribute to economic empowerment within my community. One of my goals is to bridge the gap between my two worlds—Nigeria and the U.S.—by leveraging my education and experiences to drive positive change. Using my skills in data analysis, I aim to create strategies and models that tackle issues such as poverty, educational inequality, and healthcare access. Collaborating with organizations and community leaders, I hope to develop sustainable initiatives that improve the quality of life for underserved populations. My journey has taught me perseverance, empathy, and the importance of cultural identity. It has also instilled a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the communities that have shaped me. Whether through mentoring students, supporting families in need, or advocating for equitable policies, I am determined to make a meaningful impact. In conclusion, my experiences as a Nigerian immigrant, a student, an entrepreneur, and a believer have shaped my vision for the future. I am committed to using my skills, resources, and faith to contribute positively to the world and inspire others to do the same. By staying true to my roots and embracing the opportunities before me, I am confident in my ability to create lasting change in my community and beyond.

I am of Nigerian descent, born and raised in Benin city, Edo State, Nigeria, and I moved to the U.S. just a few months after turning 19. Growing up, I was surrounded by rich cultural traditions, like the Iwokan Mave and Kpako festivals, which brought my family and community together. These memories remind me of the warmth and vibrancy of my upbringing. My family instilled in me strong Christian values, guided by Proverbs 22:6, which shaped my character and gave me the foundation to navigate life’s challenges. Moving to the U.S. alone was a life-changing decision that pushed me out of my comfort zone and required me to grow quickly in confidence and independence. Life as an immigrant and foreign student has been filled with both challenges and personal growth. Adjusting to the educational system, working part-time to support myself, and sending money home to my family in Nigeria created significant financial and emotional stress. It’s often difficult to balance my responsibilities, and the weight of these pressures can feel overwhelming. The journey has tested my mental health in ways I didn’t expect, as I’ve had to face moments of homesickness, self-doubt, and isolation. Despite these struggles, I’ve learned to persevere, leaning on my faith and inner strength to push forward. Even on the hardest days, I remind myself that every challenge is part of the process of building a better future. Building a sense of community has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. As an introverted and shy person, connecting with others has always been difficult for me. Back in Nigeria, I had a strong support system of family and friends, but moving to the U.S. meant starting from scratch. Forming new relationships in a completely different cultural environment has been daunting. However, I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone, even if it’s just one small step at a time, and I’ve come to appreciate the value of building meaningful connections, no matter how long it takes. Since leaving Nigeria, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself, my home country, and the U.S. Being far from home has made me cherish the resilience, creativity, and close family ties that define Nigerian culture. I’ve come to see my heritage as a source of strength and pride. At the same time, living in the U.S. has taught me independence and the importance of taking advantage of opportunities, even as I navigate the challenges of adapting to a new society. This journey has taught me that I am capable of thriving despite cultural differences and personal struggles. One of my greatest passions is cooking, which I started at the age of eight. For me, cooking is not just a skill, it’s a way of expressing love and creativity. While I’m currently pursuing a degree in Data Analysis in Economics at City Tech to secure financial stability, my long-term dream is to own a world-renowned African restaurant. I want to share the beauty and richness of African cuisine with the world, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. This dream represents my desire to connect cultures and celebrate my heritage on a global scale. This journey has shaped me into someone who values resilience, growth, and creativity. I am determined to merge my Nigerian roots with the opportunities I’ve found in the U.S., creating something that bridges cultures and leaves a lasting impact.