Volunteering was quite literally the heartbeat of my upbringing. One moment in particular happened to be the event that shaped the course of my life. I was in Makoko, Nigeria's largest slum helping at a soup kitchen. As I handed out meals, I spoke with the residents, listening to their silent struggles and the strength revealed beneath their words. It was the mother's stories that resonated with me deeply. They grumbled that it felt like the government did not see them, and they felt like second-class citizens at hospitals because of their socioeconomic background. I had always been interested in healthcare, and this moment solidified my desire to become an obstetrician-gynecologist. In addition to this, I decided I wanted to give those women a fighting chance. My ambition has always been my strongest character trait; so naturally, this led me to dream of becoming Nigeria’s minister of health and social welfare, with a special interest in maternal and child health. Invigorated by this experience, I sought out the best programs for what I wanted to study. I never wanted to leave the comfort of home and the wonderful community I had built, but I knew that studying abroad would equip me with the skills and opportunities I needed to serve my country best. All the stars were definitely aligned when I was accepted to Howard University. I was accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program as a health education major. Currently, I am completing my honors thesis on the effect culture has on maternal mortality in Ghana, and I will be collaborating with health policy implementers to strengthen educational programs that help expecting mothers have the safest experience.

My earliest memories are of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes singing sweetly to me as I woke up every morning, followed by my dad misting me with water to make sure I actually got up. Growing up in Lagos was loud, vibrant, and unpredictable. I have fond memories of playing ‘African bend-down' when NEPA refused to give us electricity. The scrapes and scars whenever I look down at my knees are a story of long evenings spent playing outside with my neighbors and running back home when mum called for dinner. Volunteering was quite literally the heartbeat of my upbringing. One moment in particular happened to be the event that shaped the course of my life. I was in Makoko, Nigeria's largest slum, helping at a soup kitchen. As I handed out meals, I spoke with the residents, listening to their silent struggles and the strength revealed beneath their words. It was the mother's stories that resonated with me deeply. They grumbled that it felt like the government did not see them, and they felt like second-class citizens at hospitals because of their socioeconomic background. I had always been interested in healthcare, and this moment solidified my desire to become an obstetrician-gynecologist. In addition to this, I decided I wanted to give those women a fighting chance. My ambition has always been my strongest character trait; so naturally, this led me to dream of becoming Nigeria’s minister of health and social welfare, with a special interest in maternal and child health. Talk about a pie in the sky; a woman aspiring for such a top position in a male-oriented society. Invigorated by this experience, I sought out the best programs for what I wanted to study. I never wanted to leave the comfort of home and the wonderful community I had built, but I knew that studying abroad would equip me with the skills and opportunities I needed to serve my country best. All the stars were definitely aligned when I was accepted to Howard University. I was accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program as a health education major. Currently, I am completing my honors thesis on the effect culture has on maternal mortality in Ghana, and I will be collaborating with health policy implementers to strengthen educational programs that help expecting mothers have the safest experience. This journey has been rewarding yet difficult so far, and I cannot wait to fight till the end to achieve it!

I spent my childhood playing outside with other children in the neighborhood and pestering the aunties for fresh ‘akara’ from their pots. These precious moments taught me the value of community and the importance of taking care of one another. Volunteering became the backbone of my childhood, and I spent many weekends in food banks and orphanages. One moment in particular shaped the course of my life while I was volunteering in Makoko, Nigeria's largest slum. The residents opened up and shared how difficult it was to access healthcare, especially during pregnancy. Some felt invisible in hospitals, dismissed because of how they looked or where they came from. I left that day with a clear purpose: to become a physician and, ultimately, to reform healthcare systems so that no woman is made to feel like a second-class citizen. In the future, I intend to give back by working at the intersection of public health and policy. My dream is to return to Nigeria and one day serve as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. I believe that my education is not just a personal opportunity, but a collective investment in the future of my country. Every class I take and every research project I pursue brings me closer to building a healthcare system that reflects the needs and values of those it serves.

My earliest memories are of Fela Kuti playing in the background as I got ready for school, the sun shining over the vibrant Lagos streets. I spent my childhood playing outside with other children in the neighborhood and pestering the aunties for fresh ‘akara’ from their pots. These precious moments taught me the value of community and the importance of taking care of one another. Volunteering became the backbone of my childhood, and I spent many weekends in food banks and orphanages. One moment in particular shaped the course of my life while I was volunteering in Makoko, Nigeria's largest slum. The residents opened up and shared how difficult it was to access healthcare, especially during pregnancy. Some felt invisible in hospitals, dismissed because of how they looked or where they came from. I left that day with a clear purpose: to become a physician and, ultimately, to reform healthcare systems so that no woman is made to feel like a second-class citizen. Following this, I chose to study Health Education with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health because I knew it would equip me not only with knowledge, but also with the tools to lead and advocate on a larger scale. I was accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program and have since deepened my understanding of the intersection between culture, policy, and care.Through the honors program, I am currently completing my honors thesis on how cultural practices influence maternal mortality in Ghana. I analyze data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey and integrate insights from field interviews I conducted with mothers and health workers. My goal is to support the development of more effective, culturally sensitive maternal health education programs. Beyond research, I’ve continued to stay deeply involved in community-driven initiatives. I serve as the Head of Curriculum for Speak Out Sisterhood, where I lead a team that designs workshops for young women on topics ranging from reproductive health to mental well-being. I also worked at Speak Out Sisterhood as a Generation YES intern, developing mentorship programs for young Mexican women in STEM. These roles allow me to engage directly with the communities I care about while also developing leadership and organizational skills I will carry into my future career. Looking forward, my dream is to return home and work at the intersection of public health and policy, eventually serving as Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare. I believe that my education is not just a personal opportunity, but a collective investment in the future of my country. Every class I take and every research project I pursue brings me closer to building a healthcare system that reflects the needs and values of those it serves.

My brother slipped quietly into the hospital bathroom. I knew he was crying, but I couldn't admit it to myself. Seeing my usually ‘macho’, nonchalant brother break down was the first real sign that something was terribly wrong. My dad had been living with renal cell carcinoma for years. He had been hospitalized plenty of times before, even surviving an 11-hour surgery in India, so I convinced myself this time would be no different. I chose to stay optimistic, even when he could barely open his eyes and was too weak to talk to me. I convinced myself he was fine. A week later, I lost my dad. I had to grow up very quickly, supporting my mum through funeral arrangements, holding it together for visitors, and trying to wrap my head around the fact that I had just lost a parent. It felt like I was in an alternate reality. Since then, life has been a series of ups and downs, but also a series of very important lessons. Journaling has become an integral part of my healing journey. I often write down the lessons I have learned and how they help me stay focused on my goal of becoming an oncologist. Three of these lessons are even plastered near my mirror to remind me every day: Heal: Allow yourself to grieve in whatever way feels right, as long as it doesn't hurt you or others. For me, that means using humor. Sometimes, inappropriate, but always helpful and necessary. Never let a good crisis go to waste: Let your pain be your push. While cancer claimed my father, I refuse to let it take anything more. This summer, I will be researching a cure for acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. I’ve spent time sitting with my grief, but now, I’m lacing up my boots and stepping into the lab as someone with something to fight for. Perspective: I’ve learned how fragile time is. I no longer sit on my dreams or delay hard conversations. I understand that tomorrow is not promised, so I strive to live every day to the fullest. My mindset has changed drastically since losing my dad, and for me, the most fulfilling thing has been showing up for others, even when I’m breaking inside. I find joy in spoiling my mum and brother, and in celebrating my friends. Losing my dad taught me that resilience is not about never losing control; it's about how you are able to regroup and rebuild.

I’ve always had a flair for healthcare; taking care of people and playing ‘doctor’s office’ came like second nature to me. Governed by this and an interest in the human body and mind, I scoured around in my home country, Nigeria to secure a shadowing placement with an Interventional Radiologist. I watched as he navigated his way through a complex pulmonary embolism and had to employ critical thinking skills as well as recall deep knowledge of the body's blood vessels. This confirmed to me that a career in medicine was well suited for my desires to be in a stimulating environment where I can be directly involved in improving patients' lives. My journey towards becoming a medical doctor has been uniquely challenging, primarily due to the fact that my dad is currently battling renal cell carcinoma. This has taken a massive financial and emotional toll on my family. His declining health meant he had to stop working, and half of my mum's earnings goes towards medical costs. Moreover, my mum earns in Nigerian Naira, a currency whose value is constantly depreciating and losing value to the American dollar every day. Rather than allowing these setbacks to deter me from pursuing medicine, I have been able to harness them as a source of inspiration. Witnessing my dads struggles and his unwavering support from his group of doctors constantly fuels my passion. When faced with the challenges of tough coursework, late nights in the research lab, and when the thought of switching career paths surfaces, I think of that one family I may care for in the future who would be grateful for my presence. My experiences have given me a realistic insight into a career in medicine and I understand the challenges facing doctors today. I am passionate about delivering quality patient care, whilst also exploring the fascinating workings of the human body. I possess the skills necessary to succeed as a doctor and I am committed to pursuing this career. The path towards becoming a medical doctor has been shaped by my unwavering passion, a transformative shadowing experience and the challenges my family and I have faced. I am determined and committed to provide quality healthcare to those in need of it. I look forward to the future where I get to don the white coat and contribute to improving the lives of patients and the world at large through medicine.

I’ve always had a flair for healthcare; taking care of people and playing ‘doctor’s office’ came like second nature to me. Governed by this and an interest in the human body and mind, I scoured around in my home country, Nigeria, to secure a shadowing placement with an Interventional Radiologist. I watched as he navigated his way through a complex pulmonary embolism and had to employ critical thinking skills as well as recall deep knowledge of the body's blood vessels. This confirmed to me that a career in medicine was well suited for my desire to be in a stimulating environment where I can be directly involved in improving patients' lives. My journey towards becoming a medical doctor has been uniquely challenging, primarily due to the fact that my dad is currently battling renal cell carcinoma. This has taken a massive financial and emotional toll on my family. His declining health meant he had to stop working, and half of my mum's earnings goes towards his medication. Moreover, my mum earns in Nigerian Naira, a currency whose value is constantly depreciating and losing value to the American dollar every day. As a result, it is becoming harder to secure the funds to pay my tuition at Howard University. Rather than allowing these setbacks to deter me from pursuing medicine, I have been able to harness them as a source of inspiration. Witnessing my dad's struggles and his unwavering support from his oncologist constantly fuels my passion. When faced with the challenges of tough coursework and late nights in the research lab, I think of all the people and families that I may care for in the future who would be grateful for my presence. My experiences have given me a realistic insight into a career in medicine and I understand the challenges facing doctors today. I am passionate about delivering quality patient care, whilst also exploring the fascinating workings of the human body. I possess the skills necessary to succeed as a doctor and I am committed to pursuing this career. The path towards becoming a medical doctor has been shaped by my unwavering passion, a transformative shadowing experience and the challenges my family and I have faced. I am determined and committed to providing quality healthcare to those in need of it. I look forward to the future where I get to don the white coat and contribute to improving the lives of patients and the world at large through medicine.