Reflecting on the sacrifices made by my parents to support my educational journey, I am filled with gratitude and determination. My father chose a career in healthcare, working tirelessly to provide for our family. My mother pursued accounting until she fell ill. Their experiences and sacrifices have shaped my ambitions and aspirations in profound ways. My mother often said, "A fool learns from their own mistakes, but the wise learn from the mistakes of others." This wisdom guided me from a young age. I wanted to be the best in my field because my mother always believed I could be. Over time, I realized it was less about being number one and more about giving my best effort. There were times when I felt my best was not enough, but my parents helped me see these moments as opportunities for improvement. I chose to pursue a career in engineering, which was different from what my family had hoped for. Initially, I faced resistance from my extended family, but my parents supported my decision. They gave me the chance to pursue my passion for engineering. I remember the endless nights of studying with my mom, even as she nursed her sore bones and swollen feet. It nearly brings me to tears thinking of the pain she endured while helping me with my schoolwork. My dad worked late and on weekends to earn extra degrees for promotions that funded my education. My mother could no longer pursue her career ambitions after her cancer diagnosis, but she led us in our pursuits. My dad, who did not have the freedom to choose his path in his younger years, gave us the freedom to choose ours. Their sacrifices have instilled in me the values of forgiveness from my mom and dedication from my dad. As a rising senior at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Mechanical Engineering, I have maintained a 3.9 GPA. I love crafts and design, which piqued my interest in engineering in the first place. I hope to pursue a graduate degree and help shape the world with innovative and cutting-edge technology like holographic tech, sustainable energy, and maybe even space travel. To repay my parents, I plan to get them the house they have longed for and replace the decades-old car we have used since elementary school. I want to provide them with the rest and peace they deserve, knowing their labor was not in vain. I aim to reflect their core values in my life and work. I have been applying for scholarships because my father is the sole breadwinner for most of our extended family, and the funds would go a long way.I remain hopeful and determined to succeed, honoring my parents' sacrifices through my academic pursuits and future endeavors.

As an international student studying engineering in the United States, I find myself at the intersection of diverse cultures, brilliant minds, and boundless opportunities. The pursuit of knowledge has not only shaped my academic journey but has also fueled my ambition to make a positive impact on my home country's technological landscape. Growing up, I witnessed the rapid advancements in technology that transformed the world around me. However, I also observed the challenges faced by my home country in keeping pace with these changes. This realization became the driving force behind my decision to study engineering with a focus on electric vehicles and robotics. In the realm of electric vehicles, I see a transformative potential for sustainable transportation. The need for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles is more pressing than ever. By channeling my efforts towards electric vehicles, I aim to contribute to reducing carbon footprints and promoting a cleaner environment. I believe that the adoption of electric vehicles can play a pivotal role in addressing the environmental challenges faced by my home country. Additionally, my passion for robotics is fueled by the belief that automation can enhance efficiency across various industries. By integrating robotics into manufacturing processes, we can boost productivity, reduce costs, and create job opportunities. I envision a future where my home country harnesses the power of robotics to elevate its industrial sector, making it globally competitive. Studying in the United States has exposed me to cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and a collaborative academic environment. The knowledge and skills I am acquiring here are equipping me to be at the forefront of technological advancements. I am not merely a student; I am a bridge between the knowledge gained in the U.S. and the aspirations I hold for my home country. One of my goals is to establish collaborative initiatives between American and international institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and joint research projects. By creating these partnerships, I hope to bring together brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds, transcending borders to collectively address global challenges, particularly in the fields of sustainable technology. Moreover, I am committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators in my home country. Through mentorship programs and educational outreach, I aspire to ignite a passion for technology and sustainability among young minds. By nurturing talent at the grassroots level, I aim to contribute to a skilled workforce that can drive technological progress in my home country. In conclusion, my journey in engineering is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about utilizing that knowledge to catalyze positive change. I am driven by a deep-seated commitment to contribute to my home country's technological progress. Through electric vehicles, robotics, and collaborative initiatives, I aspire to play a role in shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future for my home country and, by extension, the world.

I'm Kore, a budding engineer fueled by a passion for art and a dedication to utilizing technology for positive change. Reflecting on the concept of legacy, it becomes a tapestry woven with the colorful threads of my experiences, aspirations, and the impactful journey that has shaped my identity. Legacy, to me, is the embodiment of a collective story that transcends generations, a narrative handed down through time. It is not only a celebration of the past but also a roadmap for the future, guiding one toward personal growth and societal contributions. Legacy, for me, is about building upon the foundations laid by those who came before, while fearlessly charting new territories that redefine the narrative. My upbringing has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of legacy. Hailing from a family that values education and perseverance, I've embraced the philosophy that growth emerges from stepping beyond comfort zones. Choosing engineering as my path has allowed me to blend my artistic inclinations with a fascination for machinery, creating a unique fusion of creativity and technical acumen. In the realm of art, I've initiated Therapy through Art, a project aimed at contributing to mental well-being through creative expression. The therapeutic benefits of arts and crafts have become evident in my life, inspiring me to share these experiences with others. This initiative is a testament to my commitment to leave a positive imprint on the world by fostering well-being and empathy. Technology, a driving force in shaping the modern world, posed challenges in being recognized as a viable career option during my upbringing. Nevertheless, armed with a deep appreciation for both the arts and technology, I aspire to leverage my engineering degree to bridge the gap between eco-friendliness and modernity. My ambition is to educate my community about the positive impact of technology and guide us toward a harmonious coexistence with the global landscape. As the second-born among three sisters, I carry a sense of responsibility to forge a career path different from that of my parents, who pursued accounting and medicine. While charting a course guided by the core principles and morals instilled in me, I'm breaking away from traditional expectations. My journey in engineering has been marked by academic excellence, earning distinctions such as the Capstone Scholar and Fellow, and others. My involvement in research and leadership roles in organizations like the Society of Automobile Engineers and Gamecock Robotics reflects my commitment to practical innovation and collaborative teamwork. Legacy, to me, isn't about adhering to predetermined paths but about embracing individuality and breaking barriers. My journey in STEM began as a revelation, a discovery of my true calling in engineering, which I pursued despite societal expectations. My mother, my unwavering cheerleader, played a pivotal role in supporting my decision. Her resilience, even in the face of serious illness, became my source of inspiration. Her sacrifices and encouragement have shaped my perspective on success and legacy, emphasizing the importance of compassion and determination. As I envision my future, I see a legacy that goes beyond personal achievements. I plan to continue weaving a narrative that embraces diversity, innovation, and compassion. Through my involvement in initiatives like the Therapy through Art project, my engineering pursuits, and community engagement, I aim to leave a legacy that inspires others to embrace their unique paths and contribute positively to the world. In conclusion, legacy, for me, is a dynamic tapestry that blends threads of tradition, innovation, and personal growth. With a commitment to education, technology, and the well-being of others, I aspire to contribute to a future that celebrates individuality while fostering progress and harmony.

As a young lady in STEM, I don't encounter many women in my field but those I met always leave a great impact on my journey. The person I'll speak on has been my number one cheerleader all my life and it's my mum. I think most people will say they have the best mum in the world but I believe mine truly is. Quite a while ago, my mum fell seriously ill, she was diagnosed with cancer of the blood. She had to enter a series of treatments to begin her medications which she still uses. Even in some of the worst moments of her life, she would stay up with my sisters and me to study. She'd encourage my sisters and I to pursue our careers and stay focused on the task head. She told me severally of how hard she worked to sustain herself in college doing all sorts like baking cakes, and catering to make ends meet. I was always so proud. After she fell ill she couldn't really work, she had to rest for years monitoring her blood pressure and so many others. My mum was brilliant and I knew it but she couldn't pursue her dreams anymore because of her health. Over the next few years, she concentrated her efforts on getting better and improving the lives of those around especially her children. She wanted us to be independent and stable in our careers so we could take care of ourselves in a way she hadn't done for herself. While in high school, I hadn't a clue what I wanted to pursue as a career path, I only knew the subjects I disliked and loved. I'd been told from elementary school that I'd end up a Doctor or Accountant or on the occasion a nurse. They were great professions, just not something I chose for myself. Being from a family and culture with all of my father's siblings in the medical profession there was so much pressure to do the same. I always hated the sight of blood, it made me nauseous and I came to wonder how I was to pursue the medical profession. Then I discovered Engineering my true calling. I didn't discover it overnight but in aspects of my life that I hadn't pieced together. I loved crafts because it afforded me the opportunity to build and be creative, I also loved mathematics because of the critical thinking and problem-solving involved. In high school, I took an elective Technical Drawing which involved machine and building design and that was the conclusive strike. ENGINEERING!! How Perfect! It's safe to say my father and grandparents weren't so pleased with the news. For a while, everyone thought it was my mother's idea especially as my sister had followed a similar path in medicine. My mom argued tooth and nail before I was allowed to pursue my career in STEM. It was and still is challenging but I always have my cheerleader on standby for that occasional boost of confidence. From the days in elementary school to the all-nighters in high school my mum was there cheering me on. Till this moment in college when there isn't enough to buy textbooks or necessary school materials she'll send out of the little she earns to aid my career journey. I've met many great professionals and even doctors in my field with excellent professional advice. The one woman who has helped me the most is my mum with unconditional love and undying support I am proud that she can live her dreams through me

In all things give God glory. When I started college I moved thousands of miles across the sea to study abroad. Coming from a place like mine, everyone has a grand idea of what college abroad looks like but I was unprepared for the emotional distress that came with it. Initially, things were great, I was able to secure admission abroad which was a great feat of GOD and I trusted that GOD would provide for it financially. I did great in classes and was able to manage living with complete strangers until things took a turn. I had always been a shy girl growing up so making friends in college was quite the challenge. I had some troubles with my flatmates when I was asked to move out. I felt unwanted and like the odd duck, miles from home with no backup. It felt as if GOD’s presence that had been with me all these years had left when I was at my lowest. I was truly alone. I spent days crying in my room or long hours in the library to escape the drama awaiting me in the dorm. I dove into my studies hoping to find some refuge but it didn’t work because nothing can fill the wanting in your heart but GOD. When I felt distant I would push away from things that reminded me of GOD and sinful habits returned. During one of my art classes, I realized how therapeutic it was, but I didn’t know what GOD had planned yet. On a cold afternoon, I bumped into an art classmate of mine whom I barely recognized because of the face masks when she told me that she was headed to a Bible study. What a relief. I met a Christian, we spent hours talking about the WORD of GOD and its application in our daily lives. As time went on, I noticed HIM more in my life, the little things like the flowers blooming and the beautiful blue sky. I moved out of my dorm and met amazing roommates much like me. I was introduced to a welcoming society of believers that helped get my feet wet in my new environment. I even went out with friends for my first taste of tacos. During my Freshman year of college, I gained strength, courage, and faith through tribulations. When we ask for such things God often gives us opportunities to get them and to grow. God would never put us in situations more than we can handle. We only need to have faith in HIM that has been there all along. Though I still have trouble with some sinful habits, my faith in HIM gives me the strength to fight and never give in. I no longer see myself as unworthy in the eyes of men but blessed in the hands of GOD.

Nigeria, the giant of Africa. I heard so many great stories of my old prosperous nation but I grew up in a place that’s a shadow of its former glory. I yearn for the days that the name becomes the true representation of who we are once more. There is a quote by Carl Sagan ” We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology”. The saddest part is that I find it true more and more every day. The average person in Nigeria lives with a low technology standard because of our low exposure. Being as we a relatively new nation, we face many problems but I believe that the new generation will be the ones to turn the tide. I chose a career in Engineering because of my love and passion for creating and analyzing systems, similar to a career in Tech. I was privileged to learn about climate change at an early stage with all its cons and no pros. This made me realize how important technology will be in the fight that we don’t know is here. I chose to study abroad because of the opportunity to advance myself in a way that I couldn’t get in universities at home. Using the knowledge and experience I hope to gain in college, I will move my country along with like-minded individuals to a green future. Many countries are making consistent efforts to become sustainable as science warns us of the consequences of our actions in decades past. Nigeria has made little effort towards this as we have limited knowledge of such but that has to change. Although I plan to bring methods for sustainability home, that won’t be all, there is also the issue of training the next generation. Making science and tech available to those who care to find it and making it easier than it is my time. Some programs focus on connecting high school students all over the globe through a series of seminars, activities, and virtual meetings. This makes great use of the internet to pull the world closer and tag everyone along. This is a great idea going forward as long as the resources like internet connection, access to a computer, and educators are consistent which is where we come in. Doing our best to provide this to everyone we can. Today, it is quite evident how important science and Tech are. Countries that realize this and make effort towards it are some of the most successful. Exposing Nigerians to the breakthrough of Science and Tech, we can have would increase the standard of living, help us efficiently solve problems (like fixing the years dormant refineries), and be represented proudly across the world. This would help break stereotypes and redefine the limits of what is possible. “Everything is theoretically impossible until it is done.” – Robert A. Heinlein

Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today. This is a phrase that's often heard but still very essential. Time is the most precious natural resource we have yet it is the one we often take for granted. This can be applied to every aspect be it; studying, research, prepping even proper rest. In the busy life of a student, time management is one of the most useful skills to possess. This helps prevent procrastination which often leads to that final all-nighter. Instagram: @korearts

              "Ha! Ha! Ha!" laughed my Physics teacher. "You, an Engineer! Don't you know that is a profession meant for men? Why in heavens will you say you want to be one?" he asked mockingly, almost derisively.               The boys in the class started snickering in an annoying and condescending way. Silly boys! The most annoying part is that they are the unserious ones in the class whose ambitions are not even known.               I was so incensed and felt like knocking some sense into them. It was so funny and strange that in this time, with so many female Engineers making waves around the world, a teacher could be so backward in thinking and careless with words. It is a different thing to discriminate females in Engineering but to actually voice it out to me! Incredible! If not for etiquette I would have objected strongly to his words and actions in a way that would probably have swiped the grin off his face. A reaction like this only strengthens my resolve to not only study Engineering but to be the best in my field.               What a life! Being a girl in Africa can be daunting. There are so many "dos and don'ts" that come with being taught culture and being coerced into conforming to the stereotype "housewife-ish" African woman. It is almost a taboo to challenge the status quo.               When I was little, life was so easy. I had no strong wishes for tomorrow. All that mattered was being happy. Alas, reality set in. What piqued my interest in Engineering is my love for arts and crafts. In fact, crafts to be precise.               I love creating three-dimensional things, copied from YouTube or any other medium and ones I imagined. I discovered I had a real flair for it. I loved fixing things around the house, like a broken doorknob here and there, fixing plumbing leakages, coupling mechanical and electrical gadgets. I remember my Mum scolding me to get away from electrical stuff not to talk of trying to fix them. No matter how complex an equipment looked, all I needed was to assess it and I would be able to figure how it operates. It is so intensely satisfying to put seemingly unrelated pieces together and get them to be one useful unit or machine. It brings indescribable joy. A sense of power that one can create and fix useful gadgets. I come from a family of three girls; I am the second child. My dad is a Medical Doctor from a family of five people all in the medical line. My mum is a Mathematician and Accountant. I consider my elder sister the "brainiac" in the family. She loves Geography and Geology but was coerced into studying Medicine. Luckily for my dad, she has the brains for it as well, but we know she is not pursuing her passion. Not me! I made my decision to follow my dreams vehemently. Fortunately, my mum supports me and everyone in my extended family usually call on me when they need help on any hi-tech device operations so as it is, I am already a "girl Friday" in the family. Females not being Engineers indeed! Fortunately, I am quite good at calculations. Subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, and others are my strengths. I do not enjoy most reading subjects like Biology, Agricultural Science, Philosophy, etc. Watch out world! The next Engineering Whiz kid, is about to be unveiled! Just hold on for me, I will leave you breathless! What a man can do a woman can do better given a chance.

I am an International student from Nigeria attending the University of South Carolina. I am the second child of three girls. I am studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. I currently have a minor in Electrical Engineering. I love arts and crafts and thought of a way to use that to help my community’s mental health through an initiative called Therapy through Art. If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be studying engineering abroad, I would never have believed it, sometimes I still don’t. A couple of years ago, we were driving home from school when my mother told us she would be traveling to get treatment for cancer. The news shook my world. For most of my life till that point, she had always been there. My mother gave up her job and career to raise my sisters and I. She supported me when I didn’t even know it. My parents wanted and gave the best they could, my culture like many others considers the girl child less important. My mother having only three girls taught us to aim for the stars regardless of stereotypes. She would stay up all night helping me study. She taught me to preserve, focus on the journey and avoid distractions. I know I got my competitive nature from her. She signed me up for my first SAT exam and bought my drafting set which led me to discover my love for Engineering. She is the backbone of who I am. I owe it to her to achieve my dreams as she couldn’t hers. I love art, design, and anything eco-friendly. I dreamt of a career where I can combine all of those but, with limited resources, it seemed far-fetched. Though she wasn’t educated in those aspects, she gave me moral support, encouragement, opportunities, and food on those long study nights. She convinced my father to allow me to study abroad and give me a chance in a STEM career. She instilled the characteristics that I needed to graduate High school and gain admission into college. My mother is my number one fan. I hope to use the skills I learn in school in my community to improve our technology and standard of living in eco-friendly ways so we move into the green era with other countries. As the world moves forward technology-wise we cannot afford to ignore the effects it will have on our climate. I also would love to give girls the opportunity to break the status quo as my mom did and revolutionize the world of STEM because “what a guy can do a girl will do better” quote my mom.

It isn't uncommon that many people don't take art and music seriously and unfortunately, my parents were once like that. My mother was always creative by nature so I guess I got it from her. She indulged in my creativity whilst I was in elementary and middle school but they never took it as something I could make a living from. My artistic journey began with card making. I moved on to making 3D cards and then action cards. After a while, I practiced with graphite, Digital art, colored pencils, and now acrylic paint. Music is a form of art as it shares the same therapeutic nature, I discovered this in an Art class I took my first semester in college. When you create, your expression and emotions flow like water in its raw and purest form. Though it may not be pretty that’s not what true art is about. Going through that class I unlocked the healing part of art and it helped me through the complicacies of a college freshman, I just had to share the wonder. I began an initiative on an Art club I created in high school Therapy through Art. Therapy through Art focuses on using art to help improve and combat mental health issues. I grew up in an environment where people had problems but no solutions, and deep emotional scarring but they didn't believe in therapy or couldn't afford it. I sought to provide a medium that helps to improve your mental health by helping you find your artistic niche. Art therapy has been around for centuries but I thought of ways to make it available to a large audience through the internet at little to no cost whether it was drawing classes, music, dancing, or listening to young artists share their stories. Since this club’s initiative exists on promoting young artists most of the activities would be done by them. In a world where mental health awareness is increasing this is an opportunity for young people to step forward and take an active part in becoming a solution. Art is emotion in its unrefined form.

Have you ever traveled thousands of miles across the sea to start a new life? Well, I did, and till now it's the bravest thing I've done. If you haven't, well let me introduce you to studying abroad. I know it sounds less amazing when you put it like that, but it isn't. Growing up, I lived in an environment that wasn't exactly safe, which was why my parents shut me out of the world. I never went to parties, or friends’ houses; I was basically confined to a half-square-mile radius of my house. Don't get me wrong I wasn't a complete prisoner, I had few friends in school, would go to parties my parents had, and would occasionally go out with my parents. But I never knew independence. College is that part of the average person's life that defines independence. I studied in a country on a completely different continent which by the way still surprises me that my parents allowed. I remember the feel of the air and ground as I stepped out of the airplane. I had it for the first time; independence. Now, college for me was interesting in both ways. Someone like me who couldn't walk across the street suddenly needed to walk a mile to class and of course, I got lost severally. Staying home for so long made me introverted but once I gathered the courage, I made amazing friends. I learnt that the biggest risk is taking none. After a year of speeches, exploration, and tons of souvenirs, on the last day of class; the icing on the cake; I went rock climbing and what a rush it was hanging by a single rope untethered from the earth. Freedom at last like the bird.