As a first-generation immigrant, I view higher education with a mix of hope and apprehension. Born to Nigerian parents and raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for my four siblings and me, I learned early on the value of resilience and hard work. My upbringing instilled in me a unique perspective on education—not just as a tool for intellectual growth but as a pathway to transform one’s circumstances and build a better future. One of the most defining aspects of my educational journey has been the financial challenges we’ve faced as a family. Watching my mother work long hours to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads has made me deeply aware of the sacrifices required to access opportunities. These struggles have also taught me resourcefulness and determination. Without much external guidance, I had to figure out how to navigate academics and the real world largely on my own. Despite these hurdles, I am proud of my progress. Even without constant reinforcement, I have managed to excel academically, driven by my mother’s encouragement and the desire to honor her sacrifices. Education has always been central to my family’s values. My mother emphasized its importance, and her belief in its transformative power has been a source of motivation for me. While some of my peers may have taken their access to education for granted, I embraced it with a level of seriousness that sometimes puzzled my friends. For me, education is more than a personal achievement—it’s a way to uplift my family and eventually support others. As I prepare to enter higher education, I am excited by the opportunities to learn new technologies and explore fields that are challenging to access outside of college. The prospect of gaining specialized knowledge that can lead to meaningful and impactful work excites me. However, stepping into this unfamiliar world also brings concerns. Will I feel out of place as someone who has always been an outsider to the system? Will I find mentors and peers I can trust to help me navigate this new environment? These uncertainties weigh on my mind, but they also fuel my determination to succeed. My experiences as a first-generation immigrant have profoundly shaped my future goals. Beyond achieving personal success, I want to pursue a career that enables me to support my family and give back to communities in need. Whether it’s helping less fortunate individuals in America or contributing to the well-being of those in Nigeria, I am committed to using my education to create positive change. Ultimately, while I may enter higher education as an outsider, I see it as an opportunity to redefine my place in the world. My journey has taught me the value of perseverance, and I am confident that the lessons I’ve learned will guide me through the challenges ahead. With every step I take, I hope to inspire others from similar backgrounds to see higher education as a possibility and a powerful tool for transformation.