The life of my dreams is not defined by material possessions or status, but by purpose, balance, and impact. I imagine a life where my education, professional work, and personal journey create opportunities not only for myself, but also for my children and others who share similar challenges and aspirations. As a mother of two, my dream life includes showing my children that hard work, persistence, and education can open doors to limitless possibilities. Balancing motherhood with full-time work and graduate studies is not easy, but it has strengthened my resilience and taught me the true meaning of determination. In my vision for the future, I see myself not only excelling in my career but also creating a legacy that my children can be proud of, one where they know that despite obstacles, dreams are always within reach. A central part of my dream life is also reflected in the organization I co-founded, Mentor Me. I helped create this initiative with the purpose of ensuring that young African Americans build their capacity to flourish in their desired career pathways. Mentor Me equips youth and emerging professionals with the skills, support, and connections needed to succeed and sustain themselves in competitive fields. I dream of expanding this work so that more young people have access to mentorship and guidance that can help them break barriers, gain confidence, and achieve their highest potential. In this dream life, I have completed my graduate degree while advancing in a career that allows me to directly improve lives and inspire others. I want my journey to be a visible example for younger African American women and mothers, that it is possible to thrive in demanding roles while also nurturing a family and continuing one’s education. My success would represent more than a personal victory; it would symbolize a breaking of cycles and the creation of new opportunities for those who come after me. My dream life also includes balance and wellness. I envision myself thriving in a career I love, but also prioritizing time for my children, my health, and my personal growth. The life of my dreams is not one of constant struggles, but of harmony where professional ambition, family life, and community impact can coexist. Ultimately, the life of my dreams is about fulfillment: fulfilling my own potential, fulfilling the sacrifices of those who came before me, and fulfilling my responsibility to uplift others. With the support of scholarships such as this one, I can continue on the path toward that dream, where education, perseverance, and the love I have for my children transform challenges into opportunities and create a life rooted in both success and service.

What Recovery Means to Me Recovery, for me, is more than just the absence of drugs or alcohol it is the rediscovery of my life, my worth, and my purpose. It is waking up each day with clarity, knowing that I have the power to make choices that align with the person I want to be. Recovery is not a single event, but an ongoing journey of healing, growth, and self-compassion. Initially, I thought recovery meant simply resisting the urge to use. Over time, I have learned it is about building a life so meaningful and full that people no longer feel the need to escape it. It’s about learning to sit with discomfort instead of numbing it, about rebuilding trust in relationships, and about facing each day with honesty and hope. Recovery give individuals their voice back. It allowed them to set goals for their future like pursuing education and to believe they deserve to achieve them. It’s also gives them the courage to be open about their story, so that others may see that change is possible. Most importantly, recovery is about connection, to personal self and to others, and to a community that understands the strength it takes to stay the course. It is proof that second chances are real, and that with commitment and support, life after addiction is not just possible, it can be beautiful.

I was born and raised in a modest community in East Africa, where food scarcity, limited access to clean water, and a lack of basic needs were part of daily life. Growing up in a place where every day there was a negotiation for survival taught me two powerful truths, which are resilience can grow in the most difficult soil, and education is one of the few tools that can transform both personal and collective futures. My parents, though they had little, instilled in me the unshakable belief that knowledge could open doors no circumstance could close. From a young age, I understood that education was my pathway out of poverty not only for myself but as a way to uplift my community. I witnessed neighbors and friends struggle without access to basic needs, and I dreamed of being part of a solution. That vision inspired me to pursue social work, a field where I could use my voice, my experiences, and my education to address systemic inequalities and provide tangible support to vulnerable communities like the one that shaped me. Moving from East Africa to the United States as an international student was both exhilarating and overwhelming. Suddenly, I found myself navigating not only a new educational system, but also a vastly different culture. Everyday interactions from classroom discussions to grocery store visits became lessons in adaptation. I had to learn to balance my own identity while embracing new customs, often feeling the weight of representing where I came from while also striving to succeed in a new environment. At the same time, I was a mother. Motherhood brought immeasurable joy, but it also meant carrying an added layer of responsibility. While my classmates could focus solely on academics, I was balancing coursework, childcare, and part-time work. There were moments of exhaustion, nights spent studying after my child was asleep, and days when I questioned whether I could continue. But I refused to let challenges define me. Instead, they became the very reasons I pushed forward. I wanted my child to see not only the value of education but also the strength it takes to persist when the odds are against you. Navigating school in a new country taught me resourcefulness and resilience. I learned to advocate for myself in unfamiliar systems, to seek out resources, and to build a support network from scratch. I also came to appreciate the beauty of cross-cultural exchange, how my background enriched my academic work, and how my classmates’ perspectives broadened my own worldview. Today, as as I pursue Master in Social Worker, my mission remains rooted in my beginnings. My upbringing gave me humility, empathy, and a deep understanding of community needs. My education earned through persistence and sacrifice has given me the tools to turn those values into action. I am committed to bridging gaps in access to food, healthcare, education, and opportunity, working to ensure that no one’s potential is limited by the circumstances of their birth. My journey has taught me that barriers can be transformed into steppingstones, and I am determined to use my story, skills, and passion to create lasting change.

My experience in the mental health field has profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. Working with individuals impacted by trauma, crisis, and systemic barriers has strengthened my belief in the resilience and dignity of every person. It has shown me that mental health is not an isolated issue, but one that intersects with education, housing, justice, and community belonging. In my work whether providing crisis intervention, coordinating care for vulnerable populations, or training professionals, I have seen how compassionate, evidence-based support can change the trajectory of a person’s life. These experiences have sharpened my professional goals toward creating systems and programs that address the root causes of distress, expand access to services, and empower people to actively participate in their own recovery. They have also transformed my relationships. I approach others with greater patience, empathy, and openness, recognizing that everyone carries a story we cannot always see. I have learned to listen deeply, respect lived experiences, and foster environments where people feel safe to express themselves without fear of stigma. My understanding of the world is now grounded in the awareness that mental health is integral to human potential. I see that well-being emotional as much as physical is the foundation for learning, connection, and contribution. This perspective drives my commitment to advocacy, professional development, and program leadership, ensuring that individuals and communities have the support they need to thrive.

I am an African woman and an international student currently pursuing my degree in social work. My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to social justice and empowerment, particularly for women and girls from low-income backgrounds. My experiences living in different cultural contexts have fueled my passion for understanding the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. I am driven by a desire to create positive change, and I have dedicated my academic and professional pursuits to this goal. After graduation, I plan to work in nonprofit organizations focused on advocacy and support for at-risk populations. I aim to leverage my education and experience to develop programs that provide essential resources, mental health support, and educational opportunities. I also hope to engage in research that examines how cultural factors influence access to services, ensuring that support systems are inclusive and effective for all individuals. My long-term goal is to create a community-based organization that empowers women and girls, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. My first language is Kinyarwanda, and I also speak French, Kiswahili, and English. Being multilingual has both its challenges and benefits. One of the challenges I face is the occasional difficulty in code-switching, especially in professional settings where language nuances can impact communication. It can be overwhelming to navigate different cultural contexts and linguistic expectations simultaneously. Onother challenge I face as a multilingual individual is language attrition. Although I am fluent in Kinyarwanda, French, Kiswahili, and English, I sometimes find that my proficiency in Kinyarwanda and French can wane if I don’t use them regularly. For instance, when I’m primarily communicating in English for my studies and work, I occasionally struggle to recall specific vocabulary or grammatical nuances in my other languages. This can be frustrating, especially when I want to express myself clearly or connect with family and friends who speak those languages. Additionally, switching between languages can create a bit of mental overload for me. In moments where I need to communicate quickly, I sometimes hesitate or mix up words, especially if I am feeling stressed. This can lead to a lack of confidence, particularly in professional settings where clear and precise communication is crucial. I have had instances where I have found it challenging to articulate my thoughts in the right language, which has made me acutely aware of how important it is to practice and maintain my skills in all my languages. However, the benefits of being bilingual are immense. Speaking multiple languages has enriched my understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, which is invaluable in social work. It allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level, as I can communicate in their preferred language, fostering trust and rapport. Additionally, being multilingual enhances my ability to advocate for individuals from various backgrounds, as I can effectively articulate their needs and experiences. Overall, my language skills not only broaden my professional opportunities but also enable me to serve my community with greater empathy and understanding.

In my experience, as a social work student I have had the opportunity to assist students classiefied as at risk. This means student dealing with a range of obstacles like issues academic struggles and unstable family situations. My primary responsibility has involved offering assistance, motivation and hands on advice to assist these students in overcoming their challenges. I have supported them in building coping mechanisms recognise their capabilities and accessing support services, like therapy and mentorship initiatives. In addition, to that I have applied techniques that consider the impact of their experiences on their actions and mental health. This has played a role in establishing trust and fostering an atmosphere where they are at ease sharing their emotions. Collaborating with school counsellor's educators and guardians, I have contributed to implementing support structures that cater to the students’ emotional and social requirements. In the coming years ahead my intention is to utilise my background and professional experience, in the field of social work to further support to marginalised students. My objective is to integrate my expertise in mental health well-being, with an aware strategy to effectively assist varied communities. Ultimately I aspire to guarantee that all students are empowered to flourish both academically irrespective of their background and origins.

I am a non-traditional student mother of two under two attending Abilene Christian university taking a graduate Master degree in social work. I moved to Abilene more than 8,000 miles away from my hometown. Balancing work and caregiving as a mother of two under two presents significant challenges, particularly in managing time and energy. Juggling nap times, feeding schedules, and constant caregiving demands requires exceptional organizational skills. The physical and emotional toll of caring for young children can lead to burnout, impacting productivity and focus. Establishing clear boundaries between school and home life is crucial but often difficult, as the need to be present for family can interfere with professional responsibilities. These challenges also have a profound impact on career goals and personal growth. The necessity to maximize efficiency and prioritize tasks sharpened my time management and organizational skills. This experience cultivated in me a high degree of adaptability and resilience, as the ability to handle unexpected changes becomes essential. These skills are valuable in my career as a future social worker and will enhance my performance. Despite these challenges, the experience of balancing work and caregiving has fostered significant personal and professional growth. It has enhanced my problem-solving skills and adaptability become key strengths, as a mother i learned to manage unexpected demands and prioritize tasks effectively. This increased my efficiency, which supported me to improve overall productivity and effectiveness in both personal and professional spheres. Furthermore, the experience of balancing caregiving with school, work and family has deepened my sense of empathy and understanding, which are very beneficial and essential skill set for social workers. I have seen how empathy leads to a greater appreciation for work-life balance, influencing career choices and leadership styles. Ultimately, balancing work and caregiving build my resilience and empathy, shaping career goals in ways that reflect a deeper understanding of personal and professional fulfillment. On a personal level, balancing work and caregiving has influenced my ability to redefine success and a long-term perspective on career and life. This experience encouraged me to include a more holistic view of success, where both personal and professional goals are integrated. Furthermore, the demands of balancing these roles fostered a deeper appreciation for both work and family life, leading to more thoughtful career decisions and a greater sense of purpose. I have also built support networks and leveraged the use of technology. Which has significantly aid in managing the dual responsibilities of work and caregiving. I have also made connections with other parents, joining support groups, and seeking mentorship which provided me with practical advice, emotional support, and a sense of community.

As a first-generation graduate student, my journey has been defined by navigating uncharted territories and overcoming unique challenges. Growing up in a family where higher education and career paths were unfamiliar, I've had to forge my own path through determination and perseverance. I am A youth enthusiastic in connecting with like-minded people to empower, learn and develop. I am an outgoing and quick learner person. Since my childhood, animals, livestock, and agriculture surrounded me. Seeing my mother work hard on the farm fascinated my interest in learning more about agriculture, animal production, and its influence on the community’s livelihood and food security. Even if my mother did not have enough money to support my education; she has been my emotional supporter and motivator. Her hardworking abilities and resilience set an example to keep pushing and influenced my learning journey. It has long been my goal to learn and teach livestock production methods that can improve the lives of farmers, their livestock, and the consumers of animal products to uplift people like my mother and my neighbors. It means a lot to me to be a first-generation college student in my family and gives me the strengths and the courage to keep going. Now that I am a role model to my siblings and other family members, it is my duty to set a high educational standard so they keep having someone they look up to. I have the aspiration for community involvement, and I have taken part in multidisciplinary community actions. Check more about me here: https://linktr.ee/Nancysibo One of the key aspects of my personal philosophy is accountability. Holding myself accountable means taking ownership of my actions, decisions, and their consequences. This involves setting clear goals, making commitments, and following through on them with integrity. Accountability has been crucial in my journey towards success because it has kept me focused, disciplined, and resilient in the face of setbacks. Accountability has also taught me the importance of learning from mistakes and continuously improving. Instead of seeing failures as obstacles, I view them as opportunities for growth and development. This mindset has allowed me to adapt to challenges, refine my skills, and seize new opportunities along the way. Moreover, accountability extends beyond personal goals to how I interact with others and contribute to my community. Building trust and reliability in relationships has been essential in fostering collaborative efforts and achieving shared goals. Overall, as a first-generation individual, accountability has been a cornerstone of my success. It has empowered me to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and contribute positively to my personal and professional endeavors.

Legacy to me, encompasses the impact we leave on the world both tangible and intangible. It is about the values, principles, and contributions we pass down to future generations. This could be through our actions, achievements, relationships, and the way we positively influence others. Legacy is about leaving a lasting imprint that continues to shape the world even after we are gone. My upbringing has played a significant role in shaping my path in life, being a first-generation graduate student. I am a young enthusiastic person in connecting with like-minded people to empower, learn and develop. I am an outgoing and quick learner person. Since my childhood, animals, livestock, and agriculture surrounded me. Seeing my mother work hard on the farm fascinated my interest in learning more about agriculture, animal production, and its influence on the community’s livelihood and food security. Even if my mother did not have enough money to support my education; she has been my emotional supporter and motivator. Her hardworking abilities and resilience set an example to keep pushing and influenced my learning journey. It has long been my goal to learn and teach livestock production methods that can improve the lives of farmers, their livestock, and the consumers of animal products to uplift people like my mother and my neighbors. It means a lot to me to be a first-generation college student in my family and gives me the strengths and the courage to keep going. Now that I am a role model to my siblings and other family members, it is my duty to set a high educational standard so they keep having someone they look up to. I have the aspiration for community involvement, and I have taken part in multidisciplinary community actions. Check more about me here: https://linktr.ee/Nancysibo The values instilled in me by my family, the experiences I have had, and the lessons learned have all influenced the person I am today. Positive aspects of my upbringing, such as strong moral values, a sense of resilience, and a commitment to hard work, have provided a solid foundation for me to build upon. However, my upbringing isn't perfect, and there have been aspects that I aim to improve upon or break away from. The way that I have chosen to approach this, is consciously choosing to approach situations differently, seeking new perspectives, or actively working on personal growth and development. In most cases, I strive to challenge and change those patterns to create a better future for myself and those around me. In terms of continuing a positive legacy, I aspire to live authentically and in alignment with my values. This includes contributing positively to my community, fostering meaningful relationships, and striving for personal and professional growth. By doing so, I hope to leave a positive impact on others and inspire future generations to do the same. Ultimately, legacy is about the mark we leave on the world, and I believe it's shaped by our choices, actions, and the way we navigate challenges and opportunities throughout our lives.

As a fan of Sabrina Carpenter, her music and career have truly resonated with me. One of the reasons I admire her is her incredible talent across multiple disciplines such as acting, singing, and songwriting. Her ability to effortlessly switch between these roles while maintaining authenticity in her music is truly inspiring. Sabrina's music has impacted me by providing a soundtrack to different moments of my life. Whether it is her empowering anthems or heartfelt ballads, her lyrics often speak to experiences of love, growth, and self-discovery that I can relate to on a personal level. Her songs have an amazing ability to uplift and empower, making tough times easier to bear and joyful moments even brighter. Moreover, watching Sabrina Carpenter's career evolve over the years has been a journey in itself. From her early days to becoming a respected artist and actress, she has shown resilience, creativity, and a genuine passion for her craft. Seeing her grow not just as a performer but also as a person has taught me the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself. Overall, Sabrina Carpenter isn't just an artist I listen to; she's someone whose journey and music have made a lasting impact on me, encouraging me to embrace my own path and find strength in my passions.

Chappell Roan's music has been a significant part of my life because her lyrics resonate deeply with me. Her ability to blend raw emotion with haunting melodies creates a listening experience that is both introspective and cathartic. I support her career because she is a talented artist who stays true to her unique style while continuously evolving as a musician. Her music has a way of capturing moments of vulnerability and strength, making her songs feel personal yet universally relatable. Supporting her career means supporting authentic artistry that has the power to touch and inspire listeners on a profound level. Chappell Roan's music has impacted me by providing a soundtrack to moments of introspection and emotional exploration. Her lyrics often delve into themes of love, loss, and personal growth, offering a sense of companionship through her storytelling. Each song feels like a journey through her experiences and reflections, which in turn encourages me to reflect on my own. One of Chappell Roan's notable songs is "Pink Pony Club." This track showcases her distinctive blend of ethereal vocals and poignant lyrics. The song explores themes of identity and self-expression, wrapped in a dreamy, atmospheric sound. "Pink Pony Club" stands out for its evocative storytelling and emotional depth, making it a compelling example of Chappell Roan's ability to craft introspective and memorable music. Her voice, combined with the song's atmospheric production, creates a captivating listening experience that resonates with listeners on a personal level. I support her career because I believe in the importance of artists who share genuine stories and emotions through their music. Chappell Roan has a unique ability to convey complex feelings with sincerity and authenticity, which is a rare quality in today's music industry. By supporting her, I feel like I am contributing to the continuation of meaningful artistry that has the potential to impact lives positively. Moreover, her evolution as an artist is inspiring. From her early releases to her latest work, there is a noticeable growth in her sound and lyrical depth, showing a commitment to artistic development and staying true to her artistic vision. This dedication resonates with me and reinforces my admiration and support for her career.

Growing up in a place with limited resources I have personally witnessed the challenges of socio economic inequality and the lack of access to basic necessities that many individuals and communities face. These experiences have fueled my passion for social work and my unwavering determination to address these issues head on. By pursuing a career in social I have gained knowledge and skills that enable me to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. I am committed to expanding my understanding of issues and intervention strategies through ongoing education and training. One of the ways that I intend to make an impact is by raising awareness about the difficulties faced by marginalized populations in my country. My goal is to be their voice when they may not have the opportunity or means to speak up for themselves. Through advocating for policy changes and increased resources, I hope to create opportunities for everyone most specifically for vulnerable population. I strongly believe that social work is a profession where direct engagement, with communities holds power. By collaborating with organizations, non-profits and grassroots initiatives I intend to offer assistance and services where they are most needed. I strongly believe in the value of empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant and adaptable. Through programs, skill development and mentoring initiatives, my aim is to assist people in unlocking their potential and enhancing their quality of life. Bringing about change often requires collaboration and cooperation, with minded individuals who share similar objectives. I plan on working alongside social workers, community leaders and organizations to maximize our collective influence. As a student in social work I also recognize the significance of research in shaping policies and practices. My intentions are to engage in research projects that shed light on issues while advocating for evidence-based solutions. Coming from a low-income country myself I understand the importance of sensitivity and respect for perspectives. When undertaking my work I will approach it with a mind while appreciating the traditions and customs of the communities I serve. Overall as a social work student hailing from a low-income country my ultimate goal is to act as a catalyst, for change by striving to enhance the lives of individuals and communities. By utilizing my knowledge of promoting causes and actively participating I aim to make an impact, on creating a fair and inclusive society both within my community and, on a global scale.

My Social media handle is: IG @nancysibo1 https://instagram.com/nancysibo?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

I grew up in a rural community of Rwanda located on its east coast where cows are abundant, but milk production remains very far below the needs of the farmer, due to poor farm management skills and knowledge of proper animal care and husbandry. My family’s herd of lactating cows performs very poorly, and we have lost many cows because of our inability to select appropriate treatments for them when sick. Further, our lack of understanding about the use of antibiotics contributed to inefficient and improper administration of antibiotics for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes. It has long been my goal to learn and teach livestock production methods that can improve the lives of farmers, their livestock, and the consumers of animal products. Maintaining the health and well-being of farm animals and studying this topic, I also gained interest in learning about antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans. In this regard, I developed a mobile app called Mobile Cow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZivbLj-IdWc), a technological solution designed to assist small-scale dairy farmers in accessing management information, veterinary services, and consumer markets. The application guides farmers to adopt practices that optimize the nutrition, health, and care of cows and calves, while also linking them with consumers to establish potential markets. My doctoral program in natural resource sciences will prepare me for the research and laboratory analysis and protocols needed to carry out projects.I have become engaged with several researchers from Biological Systems Engineering, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Food Science, and the School of Natural Resources whom I am working to define a unique and innovative project that involves research, outreach, and evaluation of program impacts focused on mitigating antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related health risks among humans, animals, and the environment. The results of my dissertation project are intended to influence policymakers, communities, and scientific audiences to recognize the critical role of farmers in achieving sustainable food production and food security while influencing farmers to adopt best practices that minimize their contributions to AMR-related human, animal, and environmental health risks. Through my doctoral program, I will establish a linkage between farmers in Rwanda and the community in Nebraska to create a favorable environment of cooperation where Rwandan farmers can learn from advanced farmers through extension programs. I will develop strategies to increase cattle productivity and improve antibiotic stewardship by establishing frameworks and metrics for cattle nutrition and husbandry and communicate these with policymakers in Rwanda. While it is a pleasure to pursue my studies at a top-leading university in agricultural sciences and natural resources, I understand the importance of building a network of other researchers and scientists through a program that offers professional development and mentorship. Being awarded this scholarship I will use the funds to improve my professional development by attending conferences and other opportunities, which will provide me with extracurricular and soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, innovation, and critical thinking. Therefore, it will strengthen my networking and communication skills with other like-minded researchers and scientists with whom I will learn, exchange ideas, and share other professional skills. A truly unique opportunity exists in the exposure and knowledge that I will gain through the professional development opportunities will be a ground-building point to advance my professional goals and competitiveness to solve challenges surrounding the rise of AMR in farm animals. I am confident that if I am awarded this scholarship, it will position me to actively promote and conduct research that benefits my home country of Rwanda and the research community. In the next years, I would like to conduct research and create synergy among experts in antibiotic stewardship and sustainable agricultural systems.

Growing up as a girl in rural Rwanda, my father was abusive rather than helpful, making many things difficult. This abuse and intimidation, simply because I was born a girl, shook my confidence and interfered with my school performance and social life. I regained my self-esteem by participating in capacity-building programmes in high school. I was fortunate to grow out of the situation. Still, hundreds, if not thousands, of young girls in families like mine lacked access to education and professional services due to poor gender-censored leadership and outreach in my community.I founded the Girls Effect Initiative (GEI) as a university student. This youth-led organization seeks to empower Rwandan communities through education, capacity building, and entrepreneurship opportunities for young women and girls. I facilitated many workshops for rural women and girls through the organization to help them shift their mindsets, implement their skills, and reach their full potential. We have seen some incredible things happen because of the self-confidence gained from participating in the workshops: trained women take out loans and open businesses to advance their businesses. Village councils are made up of aspiring community leaders. Bright young graduates apply to find new professional and academic opportunities. I am a Master's student in Social Work at Abilene Christian university. This degree will better position my professional goals in developing programs and recommendations that foster empowerment. It will reinforce my understanding of the capacity-based empowerment role in transforming societies and gender norms around the globe. I want to be involved in research that explores areas of women's empowerment to reduce the disadvantages they face at the household, community, and societal levels, coupled with exploring the social determinant of health to improve their socioeconomic position. My professional aspiration is to support children, women, and girls’ welfare through the identification of effective interventions across home, school, and alternative settings. A degree in social work at Abilene Christian University will provide me with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to achieve this goal. I volunteered at the community center as both an enrolment and follow-up facilitator. These opportunities gave me firsthand exposure to the difficulties faced by girls and women with a variety of different societal backgrounds family histories, educational backgrounds, exposure, knowledge, and or disabilities, and the barriers they must overcome. The assistance I provided to them, such as supporting them in their activities of daily living and teaching them to organize their work, plan their meals, manage their households, and take effective notes enabled them to live independently and thrive in their communities, which would not have been possible without individualized support.

With the fact that women occupy most of the poor because of cultural norms and values, gendered division of assets, and power dynamics between men and women. Indeed, women and girls bear an unequal burden of unpaid domestic responsibilities and are overrepresented in informal and precarious jobs. These Inequalities jeopardize the individual and professional development goals of women. It is important to understand that inequality is not inevitable, Public policy can help to reduce the inequality that undermines women’s careers. The first aspect ranges in closing the diverging pay gap between women and their male counterparts on the salary scheme. Not only this aspect hinders women’s career development but also discourages them from climbing the ladders to advance their careers. The second is to provide opportunities that consider gender equity and closed the gender disparities in the workforce and workplaces. Investing in transforming workplaces as Equitable and enforced to women's progress is the best option to solving the situation. Creating an inclusive environment where everyone wants to continue working and bring their whole self to work each day and feels valued, heard, and able to make an impact while progressing their careers. Lastly, invest in fair education, that gives equity opportunities to women and men. it is observed that differences in early education and school quality are important components contributing to persistent Inequality across generations. Investments in equity education, can increase economic mobility, contribute to increased productivity and decrease inequality.

I grew up in a rural community of Rwanda located on its east coast where cows are abundant, but milk production remains very far below the needs of the farmer, due to poor farm management skills and knowledge of proper animal care and husbandry.My family’s herd of lactating cows performs very poorly, and we have lost many cows because of our inability to select appropriate treatments for them when sick.Further, the lacack of understanding about the use of antibiotics contributed to inefficient and improper administration for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes.It has long been my goal to learn and teach livestock production methods that can improve the lives of farmers, their livestock, and the consumers of animal products.I also gained interest in learning about antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans. In this regard,I developed a mobile app called Mobile Cow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZivbLj-IdWc),a technological solution designed to assist small-scale dairy farmers in accessing management information,veterinary services.The application guides farmers to adopt practices that optimize the nutrition, health,and care of cows and calves.My doctoral program in natural resource sciences will prepare me for the research and laboratory analysis and protocols needed to carry out projects.I have become engaged with several researchers to conduct a unique and innovative project that involves research,outreach,and evaluation of program impacts focused on mitigating antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related health risks among humans, animals, and the environment.The project's results will influence policymakers,communities, and scientific audiences to recognize the critical role of farmers in achieving sustainable food production and food security.Through my doctoral program,I will establish a linkage between farmers in Rwanda and the community in Nebraska to create a favorable environment of cooperation where Rwandan farmers can learn from advanced farmers through extension programs.I will develop strategies to increase cattle productivity and improve antibiotic stewardship by establishing frameworks and metrics for cattle nutrition and husbandry and communicate these with policymakers in Rwanda.While it is a pleasure to pursue my studies at a top-leading university in agricultural sciences and natural resources,I understand the importance of building a network of other researchers and scientists through a program that offers professional development and mentorship.As an international student and A first-college generation,it is often challenging to fit in the community with culture, experience, and knowledge differences.Being awarded this scholarship I will use the funds to improve my professional development by attending conferences and other extra-curricular opportunities, which will provide me with soft skills,such as teamwork,leadership,innovation,and critical thinking.Therefore, it will expose me to other platforms of like-minded researchers and scientists with whom I will learn, exchange ideas, and share other professional skills.A truly unique opportunity exists in the exposure and knowledge that I will gain through the professional development opportunities will be a ground building point to advance my professional goals and competitiveness to solve challenges surrounding the rise of AMR in farm animals.I am confident that if I am awarded this scholarship, it will position me to actively promote and conduct research that benefits my home country of Rwanda and the whole research community.

I grew up in a rural community of Rwanda located on its east coast where cows are abundant, but milk production remains very far below the needs of the farmer, due to poor farm management skills and knowledge of proper animal care and husbandry. My family’s herd of lactating cows perform very poorly, and we have lost many cows because of our inability to select appropriate treatments for them when sick. Further, our lack of understanding about the use of antibiotics contributed to inefficient and improper administration of antibiotics for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes. It has long been my goal to learn and teach livestock production methods that can improve the lives of farmers, their livestock, and the consumers of animal products. Entering the university, I majored in animal production and became fascinated with issues surrounding animal husbandry, productivity, and farm management. Maintaining the health and well-being of farm animals and studying this topic, I also gained interest in learning about antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans. In this regard, I developed a mobile app called Mobile Cow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZivbLj-IdWc), a technological solution designed to assist small-scale dairy farmers in accessing management information, veterinary services, and consumer markets. The application guides farmers to adopt practices that optimize the nutrition, health, and care of cows and calves, while also linking them with consumers to establish potential markets. In 2018, a census showed that milk production increased by 11% for Mobile Cow users. (https://karinganire.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/meet-nancy-sibo-the-geeky-girl-behind-the-mobile-cow-app-idea/). After completing my undergraduate studies, I joined the Global Health Corps as a Food Security and Livelihoods Program Fellow. In this position, I supported the design of a strategic roadmap of community nutrition interventions within the placement organization catchment areas aligned with the National Food and Nutrition Policy. I also cooperated in the delivery of several workshops focusing on building awareness among small-scale dairy farmers about veterinary drug usage and factors leading to antibiotic residues in animal products. For three years, I served as a teaching assistant at Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (Huye, Rwanda) in the Department of Veterinary Technology, leading four (4) courses: ruminant farming, animal nutrition, fodder crop production, and pasture management. For the past two years, I have been actively pursuing opportunities to develop my research skills to improve my ability to help farmers understand and adopt antibiotic stewardship practices that support efficient and safe food production. My post-graduate travels and fellowship opportunities helped me consolidate experiences and led to significant personal and professional growth as a teacher, student, and fellow. These experiences served as an invaluable contribution to my evolving understanding of the interaction of humans, animals, and their environment. They also inspired me to pursue a Master of Science in Global Health Delivery that equipped me with skills to promote and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships in the One health approach and the capacity to encourage applied research at the human-animal-ecosystem interface. My doctoral program in natural resource sciences will prepare me for the research and laboratory analysis and protocols needed to carry out projects. Since arriving on campus in September 2020, I have become engaged with several researchers from Biological Systems Engineering, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Food Science, and the School of Natural Resources who I am working with to define a unique and innovative project that involves research, outreach, and evaluation of program impacts focused on mitigating antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related health risks among humans, animals, and the environment. The results of my dissertation project are intended to influence policymakers, communities, and scientific audiences to recognize the critical role of farmers in achieving sustainable food production and food security while influencing farmers to adopt best practices that minimize their contributions to AMR-related human, animal, and environmental health risks. Through my doctoral program, I will establish a linkage between farmers in Rwanda and the community in Nebraska to create a favorable environment of cooperation where Rwandan farmers can learn from advanced farmers through extension programs. I will develop strategies to increase cattle productivity and improve antibiotic stewardship by establishing frameworks and metrics for cattle nutrition and husbandry and communicate these with policymakers in Rwanda. Finally, I intend to develop educational programs that continually and systematically respond to the agricultural marketplace, which is the Rwanda economy's foundation. Through these efforts, I aspire to stimulate and foster the spirit of free enter¬prise, inspire entrepreneurship and innovation, and facilitate projects that improve food security, income level, and nutrition among rural women and farming families in Rwanda. While it is a pleasure to pursue my studies at a top leading university in agricultural sciences and natural resources, I understand the importance of building a network of other researchers and scientists through a program that offers professional development and mentorship. Being awarded this scholarship I will use the funds to improve my professional development by attending conferences and other opportunities, which will provide me with extracurricular and soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, innovation, and critical thinking. Therefore, it will strengthen my networking and communication skills with other like-minded researchers and scientists with whom I will learn, exchange ideas, and share other professional skills. I feel that a truly unique opportunity exists in the exposure and knowledge that I will gain through the professional development opportunities will be a ground building point to advance my professional goals and competitiveness to solve challenges surrounding the rise of AMR in farm animals. I am confident that if I am awarded this scholarship, it will position me to actively promote and conduct research that benefits my home country of Rwanda and the whole research community. In the next five years, I would like to conduct research and create synergy among experts in ruminant nutrition, forage production, antibiotic stewardship, and sustainable agricultural systems.