One of my favourite things to do during my early childhood days was to fantasise about the future. I always spent my Free Time either hanging out with my brothers or imagining how my life will turn out. Growing up in Nigeria, I often saw mothers struggle to make ends meet: these parents struggled to feed their children, educate their kids e.t.c and I promised never to put myself in a situation like that (little did I know that if they had the opportunity, they would not be in a condition as such).
During my early adolescent years, I comprehended that life indeed was not a bed of roses. With my parent’s business going bankrupt, struggling to eat three square meals, and being unable to school for a whole year(owing school fees). I planned my entire future. I hated that we were a liability to friends, families and the neighbourhood. My mother even travelled to Europe (for two years) to work as a cook in the Nigeria embassy to make ends meet.
Some days, I wished God could come down from heaven and assure me that all will be okay. On other days, I wished that either of my parents could just win a lottery so that life could go back to normal. I planned my whole future out and promised never to give in. I know that I possess potentials, and I was determined to use my prospects fully to attain a better life. One of my goals in life is to be a motivation to others and help those in need. I also desire to live comfortably and in wealth.
In the year 2017, my mother and I got the opportunity to visit the United States. As the situation turned out, my mom ended up going back (so as not to overstay her visit) while I stayed back with some family members. On my first day in High School, I was advised to focus on my education and that alone (if I want to gain admission to colleges). My main goal was to graduate high school in flying colours, so I spent most of my time studying, revising, watching educational youtube videos, Khan Academy and self-educating. I prioritised my education to the point where I didn’t care about my social life or making friends.
Flash forward to my senior year, (the year of college applications and financial aid), I discovered that my hard work throughout high school might go to waste seeing that I am unable to receive government grants, therefore, unable to attend the college of my dream.
My dream is to attain the highest degree in Information Technology. According to NCWIT, women are twice as likely to quit their jobs in the high-tech industry. The study found that 56% of technical women drop out mid-career due to negative workplace experiences. Race is also an Issue In the field of IT. As a black woman who dreams to pursue a career in Information Technology, I am bound to face challenges that arise because of intersectionality. I can address these challenges by proving that I am competent in my field of career. The tech industry is filled with men of other races and I will make sure that that I am knowledgeable and proficient in every area of duty. If I have to dedicate my free time or extra hours to perfecting my proficiency, I will not mind doing that. There are tons of stereotypes that society feeds into when it comes to black women. The mentality that black women are often aggressive, passionless, angry, loud, uneducated, and unsuccessful is a frame of mind that almost all believe (including black men and women). I will like to prove said shallow-minded people wrong. I aspire to be a black woman who wakes up doing what she loves, I aspire to be a successful educated black woman who proves society wrong, I dream of being a black woman who makes the world a better place for the younger black generation. I am filled with the passion to attain this dream and prove to not just myself, but other women like me that "IT IS POSSIBLE”. I will not attain my dream just by dreaming so to accomplish my heart desires, I plan on going to a community college for two years. Graduating from high school with a 4.161 weighted GPA is a huge accomplishment for me but due to financial limitations, I will not be able to attend a state or high ranked University. After attending community college for two years, I plan on transferring to a four-year university where I'll attain my doctorate degree In Computer Engineering and Information Technology. I am a very organized person, and I already have my college years planned out. I plan to take up a part-time job to sponsor my personal needs, live on a tight budget, and school on a scholarship. I plan on working fervently to attain my dreams of working in the "Information Technology Sector" and hopefully, founding a charity in the future.