In my journey through life so far, I've experienced a level of growth that I’ve always aimed for. Although it can be frustrating at times to stay true to my resolutions every year, I remind myself that growth is a gradual process, often subtle but always happening. Passing the baton to a new version of myself shows my need to aspire to be better, wiser, and more responsible. Even as I envisage reaching a fulfilling future, I am committed to specific promises to make an older version of myself live better. I promise my future self to imbibe the culture of doggedness. As much as I understand that life can be unpredictable, rosy today, and filled with thorns tomorrow, I promise to remain true to my goals and aspirations. In the long run, Doggedness always ends in triumph, and I must be triumphant. The ability to rise after falling from setbacks and challenges is pivotal for long-term goal achievement; I must persist in the face of daunting challenges. More so, I vow always to possess a growth mindset. As I occasionally remind myself of my past success, I will continually grow and seek knowledge. A growth mindset will drive me to approach new challenges like a warrior. It will also enable me to acclimatize to change and be open to constructive criticism. This way, I can leverage opportunities and overcome obstacles in my future endeavors. I also promise myself to uphold a balanced life in high esteem. Even as I struggle to excel in all aspects of life, this should not be detrimental to my well-being. I would be more intentional about my relationships with people, self-care, and work ethic. I plan to allocate time for relaxation and my hobbies. A balanced life would contribute immensely to my desired successful future. Candidly, this scholarship is pivotal in helping me fulfill my promises. Financial support, my most pressing need, would help me stay committed. How do I maintain doggedness when there is no hope to pay my school debts? How do I even seek growth when I cannot afford reference resources and vital connections with people who can foster the growth process in me? Could you tell me how I can even live a balanced life when I can hardly even attend classes due to the numerous menial jobs I do to pay my debt? Sadly, my dream of becoming a computer scientist is gradually becoming a mirage due to the enormous debt I owe. As an immigrant from a developing country like Nigeria, the meager income of my parents back at home is not even enough to cater for our basic needs. The naira-dollar exchange rates practically make it impossible for them even to support my tuition fees. My plight as a young lady fending for herself since my moving to the USA has been pitiable. With this assistance, the huge burden of School expenses would be alleviated, allowing me to maximally focus on my primary focus of coming to the United States (quality education). Conclusively, my promises to my future self are foundational to creating a better life for me with each passing year. This scholarship plays a huge role in helping me fulfill my promises by providing me with the financial resources necessary. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity this scholarship presents, and I would remain eternally thankful if I am considered for this humane gesture.

I am Jennifer Obinwanne, a rising sophomore at Philander Smith University, where I major in computer science. I come from a very humble family background back home in Africa, Nigeria to be precise. I am purpose driven and compassionate in personality. Motivated by the desire to make a positive impact in the world, I am particularly concerned about helping others and making a difference in the lives of those around me. Candidly, I find purpose and fulfillment in serving others, my year of service as the Health overseer in my Nigerian high school can attest to this. My motivation stems from a desire to leave the world a better place than I met it. The living condition of my family, as well as citizens in my home country, has ultimately created a burning passion to alleviate the various suffering, spanning across education, basic amenities and health. This is even a major contributor to my choice of seeking to study outside Africa. If I could do anything with my life, I imagine pursuing a career in Software Engineering, empowering young minds and inspiring future generations. I envision myself as a mentor and innovator in ICT. I dream of making a lasting Impact on the world, by ingeniously creating a global health and wellness platform, accessible to every race, and gender at a considerable expense. I believe that every individual has the power to make a difference, and I am committed to using my life to spread love and hope, globally. Everything about STEM actually fascinates me, because it represents the intersection of innovation, problem-solving and creativity. Being so motivated about change and betterment, the constant evolution of technology and its life transforming potential is thrilling. I see boundless opportunities to make a positive impact in STEM. Here is how: I strongly believe technology can bridge the divide between access and opportunity. By skillfully harnessing STEM's prowess, I can empower marginalized individuals, enhance education and facilitate healthcare. I propose creating platforms that can connect people, resources, services and opportunities, in a bid to foster more equitable global society. Africa for example, can boast of vast resources, both human and natural, however lack enough enlightenment and collaboration into achieving a working system. I believe STEM can be further incorporated into most of these developing societies, for a lasting change. Furthermore, I am very optimistic about using technology to address environmental sustainability. Through IT, I can contribute to the development of eco-friendly infrastructure, data analytics for climate monitoring and brilliant solutions for renewable energy. The world is currently battling to mitigate the hazards of Global warming and I believe STEM oriented solutions can help preserve our planet for the future generations. In addition, I am fascinated by the possibility of leveraging on IT to improve healthcare, remotely and globally. By designing and implementing efficient systems, I can enhance patient care, streamline Biomedical research, as well as help facilitate data-driven decision making. This can lead to breakthrough in disease diagnosis and ultimately save lives.

Every day, I watched my parents work themselves to the bone just to keep food on our table. Growing up in a low-income household in Nigeria wasn't easy. It's a tough reality Nigerians face - we often joke that being born here means you're already losing 1-0 in life's game. But these hardships lit a fire in me. My dad, despite having little himself, always stressed the importance of education. He'd tell me, "Your books are your ticket to a better life." Those words stuck with me through countless late nights of studying by candlelight when the power was out. Now, I'm the first in my family pursuing higher education, majoring in computer science. It hasn't been smooth sailing - there are days when the challenges seem overwhelming. But then I think of my parents' sacrifices, and I find the strength to push on. My experiences have shaped my dreams for the future. I want to use my tech skills to tackle healthcare issues in communities like mine. I'm working on ideas for a telemedicine project that could bring quality care to those who can't afford regular doctor visits. Long-term, I hope to start a foundation supporting girls from low-income families in their education journey. I know firsthand how transformative education can be, and I want others to have that chance too. Every day, I'm taking small steps towards these goals. It's not always easy, but I'm driven by the hope of creating a better future - not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and hopefully, one day, my country.

Life, as we always say, is a journey, and certain skills are necessary to navigate any journey. To some, these skills are mere life hacks that would help them scale through their personal challenges, which I perceive to be of selfish interest. For me, these skills are necessary to empower myself and others to achieve our full potential. This understanding has served as a compass in my journey so far, helping to foster growth and excellence in those I come in contact with. Interestingly, these skills might not always be inborn; hence, one has to put conscious effort into developing and refining them. To this effect, I always make sure to avail myself of the opportunity to equip myself with the necessary skills in dealings such as formal education, professional endeavors, and interpersonal relationships. The development of my skills, alongside my commitment to helping others, started way back in high school. As a responsible student, I was privileged to hold strategic leadership roles. These roles made me come in direct contact with people of diverse beliefs, Ideologies, and perspectives on life. Though initially daunting, I eventually evolved a keen understanding of how to constructively criticize, mentor, motivate, encourage, and guide others going through challenges. I read books and listened to great speakers on topics such as self-development, Temperament, Mindset, and human relationships. I also made frantic efforts to join and participate actively in collaborative projects, where I interacted with various people and learned how best to apply these skills. These experiences have honed my leadership and interactive skills over time. Building on this foundation, I sought out and successfully joined physical groups structured to sharpen interpersonal skills, such as the guidance and counseling club. This way, my knowledge of human behavior and approach widened over time. The schemes guiding these groups helped me learn how to identify the unique and inherent strength lying dormant in an average person. I went on to identify with online communities that had a similar goal of utilizing these necessary skills to help others. I worked with teams in coaching, mentoring, and sensitizing as many people we could reach online. Severally, we were assigned tasks on a team basis, and I have, at one point or another, learned how to motivate people and help them channel their areas of strength into achieving goals. My most important lesson was learning how to collaborate without bruising their egos, creating an environment of mutual respect and self-value. One of my most memorable experiences has been helping emotionally downcast students get back on their feet while serving as the health prefect back in high school. I strategically stretched out open arms to poor-performing students and personally mentored them back to success. I achieved this by helping them identify their areas of weakness, sensitizing them to their inherent ability to succeed, and drafting action plans for them. Regularly following them up showed how their ambitions to succeed grew into reality. In conclusion my passion to see others succeed has been ignited over time, especially witnessing firsthand how potent motivation can be in helping others succeed. This dedication is a core aspect of my personality and I will continue to grow, so as to remain relevant to myself and several other individuals I get to meet in my lifetime.

While growing up, I always wanted to become a Medical doctor, probably because of the high level of esteem that comes with being called ´Doctor` or how comfortable they lived. I can remember having envisioned myself several times in Scrubs and a White coat, holding a Stethoscope. My grades in school were even a pointer to the fact that I could do well in Medicine. Hilariously, I was particularly motivated by Ben Carson´s “Gifted Hands,” just like most Medical students from my locality. However, on discovering the place of passion in determining one´s career, I was forced to understand that Medicine was not ideal for me. I foresaw that my desire to major in this field would not help me scale through the hurdles of Medical school. The bottom line was a lack of passion; what I really wanted was Prestige. I could not even stand laboratory Rats being asphyxiated, nor the sight of blood. I chose Computer Science because I was fascinated by technology and its potential to solve complex problems in all works of life. My initial exposure to computers and programming was from certain scenes in action movies. I was amused at how certain computer scientists would write lines of code in a few minutes that could hack and secure or restrict access to certain databases. This fascination has led me to explore various aspects of computer science, from web development to artificial intelligence. One of the reasons I chose to major in computer science was that it is predominantly studied by men. Alongside my passion for technology, I saw it as a challenge to myself and the entire Female gender. I want to be in the best position to inspire the females in the incoming generation by leveraging technology's capacity to make a significant mark in history. Sincerely, the versatility and countless opportunities in this career convinced me. This field not only allows me to explore my creativity but also challenges me to innovate and solve problems efficiently. As a goal-oriented lady, the constantly evolving field of computer science allows me to develop and implement ideas that would bring lasting solutions to problems in diverse industries such as Healthcare, finance, education, entertainment, and Security. In addition, the numerous skills acquired after years of study in a standard computer science degree can be integrated into various roles and industries. The curriculum equips a Computer science graduate with problem-solving and logical thinking skills that are practically invaluable in today’s technology-driven world. In other words, the service of a computer scientist is practically employable anywhere in the world. My career aspiration is driven by a deep-rooted desire to harness and employ technology's prowess for the benefit of the world at large. I long to make a significant mark in artificial intelligence and data science, which can be instrumental in addressing global issues in areas like education, security, communication, and, most passionately, healthcare. I am particularly interested in integrating technology into healthcare, specifically in telemedicine, to increase accessibility to quality healthcare for the less privileged in certain underdeveloped continents of the world. I have no doubts at all that Computer science is the perfect major for me. Its transformative potential, as well as its ability to seamlessly integrate complex analytical thinking and innovation, would equip me with the necessary skills to leave my footprint in the sands of time.

Of all the diverse advancements in technology, I am particularly amused by the evolution of telephones. Despite how theories have backed up the innovation behind the telephone, I have yet to fully fathom how two parties can communicate seamlessly in real-time, regardless of the distance; how? How could someone even sit to think about this mind-blowing solution? From the origins of telephones as cumbersome devices to the most recent sleek, mobile, and multifunctional smartphones, the evolution of mobile phones has always inspired me with the ability of technology to transform the world. In the early days, mobile phones were primarily designed for voice communication. The first models were large, expensive, and only accessible to the affluent. However, as technology advanced, mobile phones continued to become more miniaturized, affordable, and multifunctional. The addition of internet access has further made the world a global village, where communication is limitless, information is easily accessible, and staying in touch is more convenient. With the advent of even smarter phones like the Apple iPhones in 2007, the functionality of phones took further steps away from being just mere voice communication devices. Smartphones can capture moments in high HD(Photos), document videos, aid browsing and research, assist visually and hearing impaired individuals, and even serve as a source of income for individuals all over the world. Undoubtedly, technology has made the world a better place, impacting several lives over decades. I will continue to remain amused at the way humans work, socialize, entertain themselves and even administer quality healthcare has evolved over time. For me, the most amusing innovation in the functions of smartphones is the development of high-speed internet connectivity. The integration of 4G AND 5G networks has enabled seamless streaming, fast downloads, and efficient communication. A perfect illustration is the impact of the internet, utilizing certain phone apps in video conferencing, virtual meetings, telemedicine, and remote work. For me, technology has annulled the limit of distance. Several decades ago, who would have thought video calls and face times would have been possible? In summary, the evolution of smartphones has continued to inspire me, especially in terms of how potent technology is in making the world a better place. By its ability to improve connectivity across the ends of the world, accessibility, mobility and functionality, smart phones are indeed key in further enhancing the betterment of life.

I have come to understand that nobody was born great, though everyone has an inherent greatness. All it takes is an encounter ( a person, circumstance, or condition) to wake the sleeping Giant in you. Permit me to redefine a great person, one whose sleeping giant has been awakened by an encounter. For me, Mr. Japheth was the encounter I needed to raise me from my valley of despondency and mediocrity. Before I met this young man in high school, I believed I wasn't good enough at subjects that required calculations. I dreaded Mathematics, Physics, and similar courses. This dread of calculative courses became a stumbling block to my academic success. Who could have imagined that I would become the best female student in a highly competitive school, winning several awards, laurels, and scholarships? While I excelled in my other courses, I always struggled to achieve more than a C in my calculative subjects. This desperation left me vulnerable. At times, I cried and found it challenging to connect with people. One fateful day, as I wept over my inability to grasp anything after a two-hour mathematics class, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Japheth, the best student in my class, excelling in every subject and receiving several scholarships. He often held tutorials to help our peers, but I didn't join them due to my lack of self-confidence. As I looked up with teary eyes, I saw his concerned expression as he tried to understand my problem. After much persuasion, I opened up to him, after which he promised to help me. Japheth spoke to me inspiringly, reminding me there was no limit to what I could achieve. He made me understand that it was a matter of mindset and that if I allowed my mind to heal first, I would be strong enough to face the issue head-on. That was the turning point in my academic journey. I knew my mindset had changed after that encounter. It didn't just stop at motivation; he helped me adopt a new study pattern for my calculative subjects and set aside time to tutor me in Maths and Physics personally. He became a mentor to me in both words and deeds. As I recount this story, I remain eternally grateful to this young man for helping to redirect my path toward my dream of studying abroad. It was a gradual process, but the change finally came after a few months. His structured teaching and study approach paved the way for this change. My perspective on calculative subjects transitioned into something elite. I became more confident and was able to solve problems without fear. Within an academic session, I rose from the 10th position in class to the 2nd, trailing only behind Japheth. Several teachers inquired about how I achieved this feat in such a short time. The positive turn of events solidified my confidence in myself, which led to the realization of my dream of studying abroad. Japheth had equipped me with the mindset and tools to excel in my studies, and for that, I would be forever grateful. I know that I have yet to achieve all my life goals; however, this experience with Mr. Japheth instilled in me a winning mindset. I am confident that no challenge in life is insurmountable, and there is no limit to what I can achieve. I would not stop reciprocating this good deed even as I journey into becoming what I have always longed to be.

Most often than none, I come in contact with certain persons who are marveled at how I navigate through the complexities of life in academics, finance and several other endeavors. I am Jennifer Chidindu Obinwanne, a Nigerian by nationality. I was brought up in a noble family by parents who displayed accountability in an exemplary lifestyle, helping me imbibe this salient value. My parents instilled in me the belief of cause and effect, helping me understand that I am responsible for any outcome of my decision. Reflecting on my experiences, it is obvious that accountability has been integral to my success so far. For me, accountability goes far beyond being responsible. It is a lifestyle of commitment to certain core values, including discipline, honesty, transparency, and maintaining integrity. This simply entails having the strong drive to overcome my weaknesses and harness the prowess in my strengths, ensuring that I always have my goals in sight and work towards them proactively. One of the ways I have been able to hold myself accountable is by setting well-defined goals. It is essential to set goals and, equally important, to set clear ones. Personally, establishing well-defined goals has helped me maintain focus. When clear goals are broken down into smaller tasks, progress becomes manageable. By further dividing these goals into SMART- specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound- any concise goal can be easily attainable. I am also very intentional about self-assessment, which helps me monitor and assess my progress towards my goals. This way, I act as my own Check and Balance. Self-assessment has proven to be invaluable in helping me curtail my excesses, identify areas of improvement, and make all necessary corrections. More so, I give room for constructive criticism as it provides insight into how people view me externally. Proactively seeking feedback from mentors, friends, colleagues, and family members, their various opinions and views about me have been pivotal in my growth rate. I see these criticisms as nothing but ingredients and an area of concentration in refining my skills and approach to life's dealings. Most important for me is my ability to uphold high integrity. By staying true to my words and dealing with people transparently, I have been able to gain their trust. My dad has always taught me that trust is the most potent adhesive for fostering a good reputation and relationship with people in all spheres of life. Though I know well enough that I have yet to reach my peak, accountability has helped me achieve my goals through well-defined objectives. Clear goals have kept me focused and motivated in various aspects of my life. I have long-term goals and short-term goals, with a well-structured approach to each of them. This has catalyzed my personal growth, helping me face my limitations frontally and tactically improve. My integrity and openness to feedback have helped me build a strong network and trust-based relationships. People value honesty, and by exuding this trait, I have earned respect and credibility from people I have come in contact with. Conclusively, accountability has been pivotal in my journey so far, enabling me to grow personally and build healthy relationships. Beyond guiding my actions, accountability is still serving as a searchlight, beaming at my success.

The reason behind the decision to attend college definitely varies among individuals. For some persons, it is because they perceive college as a gateway to professional success, while others attend college because they do not want to be tagged as Mediocre. For me, going to college is a grand opportunity to ideate and sculpt my aspirations into reality. Way beyond choosing to subject myself to the trending Formal education, my desire to attend college is fueled by a deep-rooted quest for knowledge, an insatiable thirst to challenge every limitation, and a solid belief that all experiences accrued within the academic wall would go a long way into shaping me to who I am to become. Education is the best Legacy; this was a common saying that most kids got accustomed to in my locality. Sadly, I understood that saying as I grew up watching my parents, though high school graduates struggle with the hardships of low-wage jobs. Despite how they worked tirelessly to provide for our family, we scarcely could live comfortably. Their level of educational achievement did not give them the status and exposure to take up specific jobs or affect certain life-transforming changes in our society. More disheartening was the unfulfilled potential that laid dormant in them. Watching them struggle to give us the best legacy, way beyond their qualifications, incited a strong desire within me to break out from the cycle, work towards a better future, and put a smile on the faces of my parents and other individuals in similar conditions. One particular moment crystallized my resolve during my senior year of high school. As the health prefect of a Federal government college, I was very open to helping my junior colleagues in various matters that were not even health-related. I initiated a local after-school program for all willing students to attend over the weekends. It was a platform for students to come and share their struggles and receive helpful tips on overcoming the challenges. I discovered that one of the students, Stanley, was a genius in science and mathematics. He, however, underperformed due to low self-esteem, as one of his hands was withered due to a congenital birth defect. This bright mind lacked the necessary support to bring out his latent excellence. I mentored and re-orientated Stanley, and then I saw firsthand the power of education in igniting hope and ambition. The Joy I felt helped me realize that my aspirations to attain a higher level of education were not just for my personal gains but to attain a capacity that would enable me to give back, help, and make a long-lasting impact in the lives of needy individuals. For me, college is more than just a place of learning. It is an experience that will reverberate throughout one’s lifetime. Beyond the degree, what matters most are the experiences, skills, and, most importantly, the networks I build. These elements are vital for transforming my passion for health technology into practical solutions for global challenges. Throughout my college journey, I want to gain practical experience in my field of interest, software engineering, through internships and early career programs. I also want to polish my leadership prowess while in college. By joining like-minded individuals, I intend to unlearn and relearn very important leadership skills. Active participation and volunteering would help me become a better version of myself. My reasons for wanting to attend college are crucial to me because they align with my values of perseverance, discipline, and service. Even as I learn, I want to be able to impact people and the world at large.

Coming from an average-class family, I have witnessed firsthand how getting a quality education has been a struggle for my parents. Perhaps this is due to the poor economic condition in a third-world country situated in West Africa or the level of depravity of our political leaders, who attach zero or no value to quality education. I am Obinwanne Jennifer Chidindu, a young female Nigerian by nationality. In my home country, I am of the Igbo tribe. I am only 21 years of age. I am a junior majoring in Computer Science at the prestigious Philander Smith University. In my early days of growth, I was passionate about healthcare and aspired to be a Medical Doctor. However, my fascination with the intricacy of technology and the mechanism behind every electronic gadget evolved into a more profound passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In Africa, healthcare quality is negatively affected by the inability to fully embrace technology despite the advancement of other continents in health care such as Nanotechnology in Medicine, IOT integrated patient monitoring kits, non-invasive glucometers, and even robotic surgeries. People that I know, even on a personal level, have died due to the high cost of health care monitoring and the outdated medical and surgical procedures still being adopted in Africa. The aforementioned advance in health care has only been made possible by technological research and development coupled with vast knowledge in coding and computer programming. My curiosity about the mechanisms behind these devices and innovations inspired me to seek quality education outside the shores of Africa. My primary educational goal is to advance my knowledge and skills in Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. With the latest global trend in AI, I am enthusiastic at knowing how these technological innovations can be integrated into healthcare such as improving healthcare diagnostics and prognosis. I aim to contribute to the discovery and development of innovative technologies that would pose little or no radioactive harm and positively impact society. I also envisage integrating computer science in medicine, particularly in Telemedicine, by coming up with lasting solutions to the inaccessibility to quality health care in developing countries. Unfortunately, my goals are gradually becoming mere dreams as I am in huge debt of tuition fees. The dollar-naira rates make it practically impossible for my parents to support me at this stage. As a young immigrant, I must say that it has not been easy for me. Receiving this scholarship will ease the huge financial strain and allow me to focus fully on my studies and research. It would go a long way in helping me to dedicate more time to my coursework as I would reduce my indulgence in part-time jobs, all in a bid to clear my debts. In addition, this support would enable me to enroll in advanced courses that are crucial for widening my horizons in understanding AI and the use of relevant software. It would also give me the opportunity to attend conferences and networking events that would help me gather insights from like-minded professionals and establish valuable connections. In conclusion, this scholarship is not just financial support but a catalyst to help a young lady achieve her educational goals in STEM. It will also boost my confidence, motivating me to excel and contribute actively to the global STEM community. I look forward to being considered for this great privilege, and I will remain eternally grateful to my benefactors.

What greater motivations do I need? Is there any pain greater than the sight of parents struggling daily in order to make ends meet, aging faster than normal? Please show me a greater source of inspiration than the need to effect a change in a system that has refused to work for decades, post-colonialism. Funny as it seems, yet true, "if them born you as Nigerian, life dey lead you 1-0". This statement in Nigerian Pidgin English means that being born as a Nigerian automatically puts others ahead of you. What a sad situation! My greatest inspiration to continue education is the pitiable sight of my struggling parents, perhaps due to their illiteracy (formal education) or due to a nonexistent economic system that would favor the less privileged. Growing up, I understood that education is the best legacy. Education is not necessarily an assurance that one will be wealthy, but a mind-changing experience that leaves one wealthier than such a person can fathom. For me, education is an exposure that opens the eyes of an average man to see beyond wealth and affluence and visualize the need for positive change. If my parents had gotten the opportunity to access quality education beyond our comfort, they would have been eligible to lead a change starting from our immediate society. My dad, though poor, has always inspired me to study hard through his constant advice and drive to ensure I get the best education he can afford. Unlike in advanced countries, where the decision and policy of the government is to benefit the populace maximally, the reverse is the case in Africa, especially a third-world country like Nigeria. These government officials are elected because of the high expectancy to use their perceived educational qualifications to help administrate and govern us well. However, they have shown us for decades how myopic their understanding is by diverting all funds within their reach and forgetting to implement change that would benefit future generations. It would interest you to know that an average Nigerian family struggles to afford primary education, health care, and other necessities of life. The desire to lead the change I constantly desired as a child has kept me pushing this far. Conclusively, failure to plan is a plan to fail. I have mapped out long-term and short-term plans for the future, one of which is to further my studies outside the shores of Africa, which I am currently achieving. Very importantly, as I would be the first person in my family to pursue higher education, I would ensure that I give them the best life they deserve, alleviating all burdens from my parents' shoulders and giving them a reason to smile again. I plan to integrate my experience in Computer science into the health sector, specifically in giving every individual, regardless of the continent, equal access to quality health care Via Telemedicine. I also plan to start a foundation that helps identify and cater to the medical needs of less privileged persons suffering from severe health conditions in my local community. Most importantly, I envisage supporting and sponsoring the less privileged to get the same education that I have been privileged to receive. This way, my lifelong dream of making the world a better place, wielding education as a powerful tool, would gradually become reality.

I’m majoring in Computer Science, but honestly, it wasn’t love at first sight. In my early years as a high schooler, the prestige of being a medical doctor drew me towards medicine. As a kid, the thought of wearing a white coat and being called “Doctor” really appealed to me; Hilariously, I was particularly motivated by Ben Carson´s “Gifted Hands,” just as most Medical students from my locality. But as I got older, I realized my reasons weren’t deep enough to sustain a lifelong career in medicine. Plus, to be honest, I could not even stand laboratory Rats being asphyxiated, nor the sight of blood, and these were unmistakable signs that medicine was not my path. So, I turned to Computer Science, a field that struck me as exciting and full of potential to make a real difference. My interest started in a pretty fun way—through those high-stakes hacking scenes in action movies. It amazed me how someone could type out a few lines of code and suddenly have access to secret data or prevent a disaster. As I learned more about what coding actually involves, my fascination only grew. Choosing Computer Science also meant stepping into a field where not many women are seen due to the fact that it is predominantly studied by male folks. Aside from my passion for technology, I saw it as a challenge to myself and the entire Female gender. Sincerely, the versatility and countless opportunities in this career convinced me. This field not only allows me to explore my creativity but also challenges me to innovate and solve problems efficiently. As a lady who is goal-oriented, the constantly evolving field of computer science allows me to develop and implement ideas that would bring lasting solutions to problems in diverse industries such as Healthcare, finance, education, entertainment, and Security. In addition, the numerous skills acquired after years of study in a standard computer science degree can be integrated into various roles and industries. The curriculum equips a Computer science graduate with problem-solving and logical thinking skills that are practically invaluable in today’s technology-driven world. In other words, the service of a computer scientist is practically employable anywhere in the world. In short, switching to Computer Science was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s a field that’s constantly changing and always challenging, and it gives me a chance to make a big impact. This scholarship would help me take full advantage of all the opportunities and move forward with my dream of making a difference through technology.

If this essay were handwritten, my paper would have been smeared by my teardrops as I look back at the times when my parents practically struggled to make ends meet and pay my school fees from their meager income. Their dedication and sacrifices have helped shape my ambitions and aspirations, instilling in me a deep sense of responsibility to honor their sacrifices. I often wonder why they prioritized education over everything else, as it is against the norm in a traditional African society. It has always been evident that my parents knew the value of education. Even though we were of a low-income class, my Father never relented in fulfilling his promise of giving his children equal access to quality education. My mum was always supportive, sharing a two-room apartment with her husband and five children to ensure I had the best formal education. Sincerely, their sacrifices were not just financial but emotional, as they never ceased to make my educational aspirations their priority over their own. I am amazed at how they chose to provide me with opportunities (formal education) they did not have. I vividly remember an occurrence that brought tears to my face in high school. My mum’s petty trading business had suffered a setback due to the spoilage of many of her goods (Tomatoes). She was in dire need of capital to restock her business. I also needed to pay for my senior secondary school certificate exam (SSCE, as it is popularly called in Nigeria); it was a challenging period for the family. However, a few days before the exam registration deadline, my mum gave me the exact amount I needed. She told me how a benevolent uncle of mine gave her some money to restock her goods. Tearfully, she placed the money in my hands and reaffirmed her promise of helping me achieve all my educational ambitions. These experiences have gone a long way in helping me understand that education is invaluable in helping to secure a befitting career and empowering individuals to make a positive impact on society. Knowing the vast sacrifices my parents have made has fueled my passion to excel academically and professionally. I am ever willing to rise above every challenge that tends to impede my progress toward success. As a child deeply grateful for my parents' sacrifices, I am motivated by both short-term and long-term goals to honor and repay their dedication. Shortly, I plan to excel in my studies and get involved in extracurricular activities that match my career goals as a computer scientist. To do this, I have a detailed study plan that includes setting specific academic targets, creating a structured schedule, seeking help from professors and classmates when needed, and regularly reviewing and improving my strategies. This way, I can make the most of the opportunities my parents’ sacrifices have given me. Looking ahead, I see a future where I can extend the support I've received to others, helping them achieve their educational dreams just like my parents helped me. My long-term plan includes starting a scholarship foundation for students from underprivileged backgrounds, providing them with the financial support and resources they need to reach their academic goals. I also plan to mentor these students, offering guidance and encouragement to help them through their educational journeys and overcome any challenges they face. Conclusively, my parents' sacrifice has instilled a deep sense of purpose and gratitude in me. Even as I continue my academic pursuit, I am committed to honoring their sacrifices, making a positive impact in the world, and empowering others to achieve their dreams.

My first day in the United States is a memory I'll never forget. Stepping off the plane, I felt a mix of excitement, anxiety, and curiosity about the unknown. Coming from Nigeria, where community and familiarity were constants, to the vast, fast-paced, and diverse landscape of the U.S. was both thrilling and overwhelming. Adjusting to life in a new country has been a journey of unlearning and relearning. One of the first things I noticed was how much people here value education. In Nigeria, education was important, but access to quality education was limited, and there was a common belief that formal schooling wasn't the only path to success. Here, I found that education is seen as a crucial tool for personal and professional growth. As a first-generation college student, this realization has motivated me to take full advantage of every educational opportunity, knowing that knowledge is a key to achieving my dreams. The transition also taught me about resilience and adaptability. Moving from a third-world country to the U.S. came with many challenges, like getting used to a new educational system, dealing with cultural differences, and building self-confidence. Each obstacle required me to adapt quickly and stay determined. This resilience has shown me that setbacks are not insurmountable barriers but chances to grow and learn. I tackle challenges with a positive attitude and a flexible mindset. Living in the U.S. has also empowered me to be more independent and proactive. I relied heavily on my parents in Nigeria for decision-making and basic needs. However, being in a new country has pushed me to take control of my goals and advocate for myself and others. This newfound independence has inspired me to set ambitious goals and pursue my passions confidently. Cultural appreciation has been another vital lesson. The U.S. is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and meeting people from different backgrounds has deepened my respect for various traditions and viewpoints. This exposure has taught me the importance of embracing cultural diversity and promoting peace and understanding in all my interactions. As a young female aspiring software engineer, these experiences have shaped my career aspirations. I want to use my education to help bridge gaps in access to quality education, especially between Africa and more developed regions. My passion for technology and its potential to change lives drives me to seek knowledge and innovate continually. I see myself not only as a tech professional but as a role model for young women in tech, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. In conclusion, my immigrant experience has been a journey of growth, learning, and empowerment. The lessons I've learned—valuing education, embracing resilience, advocating for myself, and appreciating cultural diversity—have reshaped my values and equipped me to positively impact my family, community, and society. I am committed to using these values to lead a fulfilling and successful life while inspiring others to do the same.

I am Jennifer Obinwanne, a rising sophomore at Philander Smith University, where I major in computer science. I come from a very humble family background back home in Africa, Nigeria to be precise. I am purpose driven and compassionate in personality. Motivated by the desire to make a positive impact in the world, I am particularly concerned about helping others and making a difference in the lives of those around me. Candidly, I find purpose and fulfillment in serving others, my year of service as the Health overseer in my Nigerian high school can attest to this. My motivation stems from a desire to leave the world a better place than I met it. The living condition of my family, as well as citizens in my home country, has ultimately created a burning passion to alleviate the various suffering, spanning across education, basic amenities and health. This is even a major contributor to my choice of seeking to study outside Africa. If I could do anything with my life, I imagine pursuing a career in Software Engineering, empowering young minds and inspiring future generations. I envision myself as a mentor and innovator in ICT. I dream of making a lasting Impact on the world, by ingeniously creating a global health and wellness platform, accessible to every race, and gender at a considerable expense. I believe that every individual has the power to make a difference, and I am committed to using my life to spread love and hope, globally. Everything about STEM actually fascinates me, because it represents the intersection of innovation, problem-solving and creativity. Being so motivated about change and betterment, the constant evolution of technology and its life transforming potential is thrilling. I see boundless opportunities to make a positive impact in STEM. Here is how: I strongly believe technology can bridge the divide between access and opportunity. By skillfully harnessing STEM's prowess, I can empower marginalized individuals, enhance education and facilitate healthcare. I propose creating platforms that can connect people, resources, services and opportunities, in a bid to foster more equitable global society. Africa for example, can boast of vast resources, both human and natural, however lack enough enlightenment and collaboration into achieving a working system. I believe STEM can be further incorporated into most of these developing societies, for a lasting change. Furthermore, I am very optimistic about using technology to address environmental sustainability. Through IT, I can contribute to the development of eco-friendly infrastructure, data analytics for climate monitoring and brilliant solutions for renewable energy. The world is currently battling to mitigate the hazards of Global warming and I believe STEM oriented solutions can help preserve our planet for the future generations. In addition, I am fascinated by the possibility of leveraging on IT to improve healthcare, remotely and globally. By designing and implementing efficient systems, I can enhance patient care, streamline Biomedical research, as well as help facilitate data-driven decision making. This can lead to breakthrough in disease diagnosis and ultimately save lives. I have faced a lot of challenges in life, sincerely, recounting them can cause a surge of sad emotions. However, the greatest challenge I have had to overcome is navigating the complexities of being a poor struggling Nigerian student, whose passion drove into seeking to study abroad. Growing up in an Underdeveloped country, born into a low-income household made me face numerous obstacles. From limited access to quality education, to financial constraints (which I am still encountering) and social expectations. However, my determination to pursue a quality higher education abroad for the realization of my life dreams, drove me to persevere. Being a girl-child also made life miserable, as a result of the unfair marginalization of the female gender in Africa. I overcame these challenges by seeking guidance from mentors, role models, educators and Philanthropists who believed in my potential. I can recount being awarded a monetary award for my outstanding performance in school, which helped me settle my tuition fees for that session. I also worked tirelessly, in a bid to excel academically, earning top grades and recognition, in school. My outstanding performance made me eligible to represent my school in various competitions. I continued pushing, applying for scholarships upon graduation, tirelessly researching and submitting online applications. What particularly encouraged me was the network of peers and family members that I built around myself. I look back today at those times with a mixed feeling of pride, gratitude and a sense of responsibility to make the most of this opportunity.