Music has always been a haven where I find comfort and understanding. Billie Eilish stands out as a beacon of raw emotion and genuine sincerity among the many musicians and artists I admire. Her songs "What Was I Made For?," "Everything I Wanted," and "Happier Than Ever" deeply resonate with me, each reflecting different facets of my journey and growth. "What Was I Made For?" speaks to the universal pursuit of identity and purpose. In moments of doubt, this song echoes my inner scrutiny. At the age of 12, I was grappling with the pressure of being an immigrant who just moved to the United States, being a first-generation student, and being the first child of my family. The haunting melody and touching lyrics reminded me that it's okay to question my path sometimes and that the journey of self-discovery is always ongoing. This song has been a companion during late-night reflections, encouraging me to embrace the unknown with curiosity and courage. It taught me that self-discovery is not a race but a personal adventure, where each question leads to a deeper understanding and acceptance of who I am. In contrast, "Everything I Wanted" captures the duality of achieving dreams and the accompanying anxiety. I recall the joy of being accepted into UC Davis as a data science major as well as receiving a full tuition scholarship, a goal I had worked tirelessly towards. Yet, despite this success, I felt an unexpected wave of doubt, questioning if I truly belonged and deserved it. Billie's words reassured me that it's natural to feel vulnerable even in moments of success and that self-worth isn't defined by external assurance. This song has been my anchor, reminding me to trust in my abilities and the support of those who believe in me. Through its poignant lyrics, I've learned to embrace vulnerability as a strength, recognizing that self-worth is an internal compass guiding me through external challenges. Finally, "Happier Than Ever" resonates with my journey towards emotional freedom. The song's crescendo mirrors my experience of breaking free from a friendship that had become emotionally draining. The cathartic release in Billie's voice empowered me to prioritize my well-being and embrace change. This song has become an anthem of resilience, inspiring me to seek genuineness and happiness in all aspects of life. It taught me that true happiness often requires courage to let go of what no longer serves me, and embrace new beginnings with hope and determination. Together, these songs form a road map of my personal growth, each reflecting a chapter of my life where music provided clarity, strength, and a lifting hand. Billie Eilish's music continues to inspire me, serving as a reminder that through emotional openness and awareness, I can navigate life's challenges and find my true self. Her songs are more than just melodies; they are the soundtrack to my journey, guiding me toward a future where I am unafraid to be me.

As French playwright Molière once said, 'the greater the obstacle, the greater the glory in overcoming it.' One significant obstacle I faced during my immigrant experience was the language barrier. Leaving Nigeria, a country filled with challenges yet rich in culture, was a decision driven by my family's desire for a better education and brighter future. At the age of 13, I arrived in America not just as a visitor but as a resident stepping into a new world. While an automatic smile crept across my face, excited for the years to come as I stepped off the plane, it quickly faded. Not only was I leaving my homeland, I was also stepping away from my linguistic comfort zone. On my first day at school, I encountered an immediate challenge. My science teacher called on me, and as I attempted to introduce myself and share my favorite animal, my words crumbled. I knew the answer, but my accent made me second-guess myself—was it “alligator” or “ah-ree-ghey-taur”? My classmates' blank stare, the look of confusion on my teacher's face as well as the constant “Could you repeat yourself?" left me feeling isolated and self-conscious. During my freshman year, I realized that I had to make a choice: I could either let my accent hold me back or use it as a stepping stone for growth. I chose the latter. I realized that adapting to a new culture meant embracing its language and nuances while still being true to my own identity. I immersed myself in conversations with my teachers and peers, viewing every interaction as an opportunity to improve. I also utilized online resources to improve my pronunciation. It wasn't easy, but each step out of my comfort zone brought me closer to overcoming this barrier. However, overcoming my lack of confidence was just one part of the journey. I also had to understand the culture and social norms of my new home. I participated in local events at the library, engaged in conversations with diverse people, and looked out for opportunities to learn about American history and values. This approach not only improved my language skills but also helped me thrive in a new environment. As time went on, I became more confident in my true self. My determination to overcome my language difficulties showcased my dedication and resilience. Now, I communicate with confidence, and rather than hiding my accent, I embrace it as a part of my identity—a reflection of my culture and my journey. My immigrant experience has taught me that challenges are not permanent roadblocks but opportunities for growth. As I look toward my career aspirations, I carry this lesson with me. I aspire to become a leader in the field of Data Science, where I can leverage my diverse background and experiences to contribute to innovative solutions. Just as I overcame the challenges of language and cultural adaptation, I am determined to excel in my career as I major in Data Science at the University of California, Davis. I am driven by the belief that every obstacle is an opportunity to achieve something greater.

Moving to the United States as an immigrant from Nigeria was daunting. As I stepped off the plane onto a foreign soil, an automatic smile creeped up my face. However my smile was cut short by the reality that I was leaving behind my homeland and my linguistic comfort zone. Here I was, a 13 year old girl in America not as a tourist but as a resident. This change ignited a passion within me to build bridges and create opportunities for others like me. This drive led me to become a pivotal member of BLOC and co-found Constillate, an NGO dedicated to enriching low-income communities through free education and donations. As the President of BLOC, I brought in new ideas and introduced new programmes. Prior to my presidency, the black community in the school has not really been challenged to maximize their potential. I decided to utilize the Black History Month to draw attention to Black students and their achievements, as well as Black history and culture. Every day a black achiever was highlighted on our social media account. We hosted a small BLOC party to celebrate African music, dance and games, which drew a lot of students and teachers. We also hosted other events like Kahoot to test students' knowledge on African American achievements. The most successful was the BLOC party, which took us about 4 weeks to plan. I and other officers had to solicit volunteers and send out numerous emails to food establishments. Parents brought foods such as chicken, mashed potatoes, and others on the day of the event. We decorated the venue with African flags, beads, black panther party stickers, and quotes from black achievers.I also organized a panel discussion bringing six Black teachers and six students on the same podium to discuss issues confronting Black students in the school. The well attended event gave the Black community a sense of belonging and enhanced teachers-students engagement. Building on my experiences with BLOC, I co-founded Constillate to address educational inequities in low-income communities. We organized free tutoring sessions on key subjects like Math, English, Social studies & Science for Grades 1 to 6 all school year round. Additionally, we coordinated donation drives that provided essential resources, such as school supplies, toys and clothing, to families in need. Through these efforts, we contributed to the lives of 70+ families fufilling our goal of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone had the opportunity to thrive irregardless of thier situation or circumstance. These experiences have profoundly influenced my personal growth. Leading these initiatives taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and collaboration. I learned that true leadership is about serving others and uplifting those around you. This understanding has shaped my future aspirations; I am determined to continue advocating for educational equity and community development in my career. My journey from an immigrant navigating a new world to a community leader has been transformative. Through BLOC and Constillate, I have demonstrated a commitment to service, positivity, and fostering unity. These experiences have not only enriched my life but have also laid a strong foundation for my future endeavors

Born and raised in Osun State, Nigeria, I am a young Black immigrant who is passionate about using data to solve complex problems. Coming from a country where data-driven decisions are not the norm, I am eager to change that standard and bring the power of Data Science to my community and beyond. Outside of my academic pursuits, I am a huge fan of Korean pop (KPOP), which is an entertainment hub for me as well as a window into a different culture. The unique blend of music, dance, and storytelling has expanded my perspective and appreciation for diverse cultures. This broadened mindset has been crucial in my role as the co-president of the Black Leaders on Campus (BLOC). In BLOC, I was able to combine my passion for cultural understanding and my love for data. After noticing the overall lack of participation in some club activities I created a system to track club activities and measure their impact on our school's Black community through surveys, feedback etc. By looking into this data, we identified which initiatives were well liked by the student body. This allowed us to fully focus our efforts on those club activities and host them more often. As I prepare to enter college to study Data Science, I’ve started to apply my data analysis skills in various ways. I recently completed a project as part of CONSTILLATE; a non profit I co-founded to help immigrants around me by providing free tutoring and donations all year long. As part of our outreach program I used data to identify what method of publicity was working best for us. By including the question ‘How did you hear about us’ in our application form we were able to determine that the local library was the best spot to advertise our non profit. Looking forward, I plan on continuing to use Data Science not only as a tool for understanding the issues around us but also as a means for bringing about change. I am particularly interested in using data to address educational disparities within the Black community. By developing data-driven solutions, I aim to contribute significantly to making education systems more equitable. For example, by looking at factors like lack of attendance, lack of participation in class and other data I can identify at-risk students and implement individualized systems to help in their education. My journey so far has been shaped by my identity, my passion for data, and my commitment to my community. As I study Data Science I intend to continue using it to push boundaries, and create a meaningful impact.

Exploring African history fills me with excitement for learning. Diving into African cultures, customs, way of life and stories is an adventurous journey for me. It makes me thrilled to uncover and share long lost stories. My curiosity began when I studied the kingdom of Ndongo, an ancient African empire that thrived in the 1600’s which is now located in Angola. I was left speechless by its vast mineral and petroleum reserves, detailed architecture, and advanced innovations. But nothing captivated my heart more than learning about Queen Nzinga Mbande of Ndongo and Matamba, a strong southwest african warrior queen. Her fearless leadership & courageous tactics in fighting against the Portuguese colonizers for nearly 30 years for freedom showcased the power and agency of African women in history. The opportunity to study African history makes me excited because it's a way through which I can understand not just myself but also the multiple African stories that have shaped humanity. Learning about Africa's history is an eye opening journey that feeds my curiosity and sparks my passion for unveiling long lost history. From her music, arts and tradition to technological innovations, African history helps me navigate the world I live in. It makes me a better-informed global citizen. Living in a diverse world, understanding its history is essential, not just for my own sake but to appreciate the global contributions made by Africans. This passion of mine ignites my curiosity and fuels my drive to explore and learn. Queen Nzinga’s legacy is a testament to the strong will and resilience that marks African history. Learning about these stories not only honors the past but also inspires the way for the present and the future. My journey into African history is an exploration that brings me profound happiness. Not only does this adventure deepen my understanding, it increases my appreciation from the dynamic history that shapes our world.

As a freshman at the time, I was overjoyed to discover a club (BLOC - Black Leaders on campus) at my school dedicated to Black students. I joined. Unlike other clubs, BLOC wasn’t as active due to the leadership vacuum. This situation saddened me but also motivated me to be an active member. During my sophomore year, I attended meetings on a regular basis and made contributions at the meeting floor.. Eventually, during my Junior year, I ran for the position of president As the President, I brought in new ideas and introduced new programmes. Prior to my presidency, the black community in the school has not really been challenged to maximize their potential. I decided to utilize the Black History Month to draw attention to Black students and their achievements, as well as Black history and culture. Every day a black achiever was highlighted on our social media account. We hosted a small BLOC party to celebrate African music, dance and games, which drew a lot of students and teachers. We also hosted other events like Kahoot to test students' knowledge on African American achievements. The most successful was the BLOC party, which took us about 4 weeks to plan. I and other officers had to solicit volunteers and send out numerous emails to food establishments. Parents brought foods such as chicken, mashed potatoes, and others on the day of the event. We decorated the venue with African flags, beads, black panther party stickers, and quotes from black achievers.I also organized a panel discussion bringing six Black teachers and six students on the same podium to discuss issues confronting Black students in the school. The well attended event gave the Black community a sense of belonging and enhanced teachers-students engagement. At the end of Black History month we had an evaluation and got a lot of amazing testimonies from students and teachers. Most of the participants said that they were able to learn more about their identity and loved how we were pushing for more celebration of black teachers. The decision for me to run for presidency made me learn more about what it means to be a black leader and push for black excellence in a community where black excellence is not noticed and appreciated.

As French playwright Molière once said, "the greater the obstacle, the greater the glory in overcoming it". One significant adversity that I faced during my own immigrant experience was the language barrier. As I stepped off the plane onto a foreign soil, an automatic smile creeped up my face. However my smile was cut short by the reality that I was leaving behind my homeland and my linguistic comfort zone. Here I was, a 13 year old girl in America not as a tourist but as a resident. Why did my science teacher call on me that day? After all it was my first day at the school, I was still settling in. I knew how to write it, I knew how to say it or so I thought. My mind wondered; was it alligator or was it ah-ree-gey-tour. I can still picture my classmates' blank stares as I opened my mouth to introduce myself and my favorite animal. ‘Could you repeat yourself?’. I did. ‘Could you repeat yourself?’. My tears trickled down. My accent was much slower, thicker, and more tonal. Self consciousness and withdrawal from society was not on my “Top 10 things I want when I move to America”. Engaging in conversations while remaining confident was a constant burden. Simple interactions like communicating with my teachers about homework or asking clarifying questions became daunting encounters. During my freshman year, I knew I had a choice to make: either to succumb to the difficulties posed by my accent or harness my determination to overcome them. I chose the latter. I realized that adapting to a new culture involved embracing its language peculiarities. I engaged in more interactions with my teachers and my peers. I viewed every interaction as a chance for me to improve my language skill. I watched several language classes on youtube to improve my pronunciation. These resources boosted my confidence. I practiced diligently, enunciating words, and participating in group discussions. The process was challenging, mainly because it required me to step out of my comfort zone, but it was a crucial step toward conquering the accent barrier. Overcoming the accent obstacle was beyond improving my pronunciation. I realized that it also involved a deep understanding of the culture, and social norms of my new home. I joined local events at my library, engaged in conversations with speakers, and embraced opportunities to learn about the history and values that shaped American society. This helped to adapt and thrive in my new environment. As time passed, I noticed a huge shift in my classmates' perception of me. My determination to overcome the accent barrier had not only improved my language skills but had also brought out my dedication and self-assurance. Now I am able to communicate more clearly and confidently. Rather than attempting to completely hide my accent, I learned to embrace it as a part of my identity as it reflects my culture. As I reflect upon my immigration experience, I am reminded daily that challenges are not permanent roadblocks; rather, they are opportunities for growth.