My name is Nneoma Ijeoma Nwaiwu, a freshman majoring in Biology at Jackson State University, and my journey to the United States was filled with its own fair share of triumphs and setbacks. Pain, joy, laughter, tears— all were important pieces of this puzzle of my life. From rewriting the SAT to applying for scholarships, and navigating the barriers I faced in Nigeria, I fought hard. But the one experience that brought out the resilient tigress in me was my F-1 student visa interview. After being denied a student visa in late June, I frantically searched for another interview date, fully aware that I was supposed to resume school by the first week of August. Finally, I found one: Monday, Jul 8, 2024— a date that I am unlikely to forget. That day, I remained bold and undeterred by the demeanor of those who were not approved. I was not going to fall prey to that trap again. As I stood in line, the four people ahead of me got rejected. When it was my turn, I took a deep breath and whispered to myself, "It is not or never". The interview was tougher than the first one, but I matched the consular officer's energy, answering her questions confidently. At the end, she said the words that I had been yearning to hear: "Congratulations, I am approving your visa". I was overwhelmed with joy. As an foreign student in the United States, my undergraduate experience so far has been nothing short of amazing. Having just completed my first semester in college, the transition from high school to college has been both exciting and eye-opening. As an international student from Nigeria, I have enjoyed meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and immersing myself in a new environment. I have also appreciated connecting with others who share the same cultural roots as me. However, it has not been all roses. There are some limitations I face, such as not being eligible for certain scholarships. Additionally, with the high dollar-to-naira conversion rate, the money my parents send to me does not always suffice. In the few months I have spent in America, I have learned a lot about myself, but the most exciting part of my college journey has been seeing how much I have grown personally. Back in high school, my mother ensured I woke up early, got to school, and completed my homework on time. Now, I am on my own, and college is teaching me to stay ahead of my tasks. I have also learned to overcome procrastination, something I struggled with in the past. This newfound independence has shaped my personal growth, and I am proud of the progress I have made. Being away from Nigeria has also helped me to see my country in a new light. Whenever I am asked where I am from and I say "Nigeria", people light up, often expressing admiration for our culture. Of course, there are moments of adjustment- from how bright it stays until 7 p.m. on a normal day to how it suddenly starts getting dark at 5 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time, and even down to measurements. I still think in kilograms and not pounds. These small differences remind me of where I come from and how far I have come. Ultimately, my journey to America has revealed a strength that I did not know I had. Each moment- challenging or beautiful- has been like a puzzle piece, coming together to shape the version of me I see today: bold, resilient, and full of spirit. Thank you.

"Sorry, but I won't be approving your visa today. Here is a paper stating why you were not granted a visa and..." Those words echoed in my mind for days after my visa interview. Fear gripped me, whispering,"Your dreams are over, you are staying in Nigeria." After the worries came the tears, followed by the endless reflections on that single moment- what I would have said differently and how happy I would have been if things had gone as planned. I lived in Enugu, and my trip to Abuja was supposed to last for a week. The interview was on Monday, and I planned to travel back by Friday, but God had a different plan for me. My name is Nneoma Nwaiwu, a biology major on the pre-medicine track at Jackson State University. As a Christ-loving teenage girl, I grew up in the Christian faith and I am grateful to my parents for that foundation. In primary school, I consistently ranked first in my class, with second place being my lowest position. Secondary school, however, came with challenges; I once ranked eight, and though my grades improved, I felt like I was going back and forth each term. Still, my final GPA was good enough for my college applications. I could say that my college application journey was the most challenging period of my life. From taking the SAT to applying for scholarships and facing the visa interview, every step was marked by delays. I had to rewrite the SAT after falling short of my target score the first time. I turned to God and cried on my knees for help. When my second SAT score came out, it improved significantly, giving me hope to pursue my dream of studying in the United States. This increase in my SAT score opened up scholarship opportunities for me. While waiting for my school's decision, I wrote essays for external scholarships. On the last day of February, I was awarded an academic scholarship from Jackson State University- it felt like the heavens smiled upon me. Life felt like a bed of roses, but the visa interview brought me back to earth. Despite thorough preparation, seeing many applicants denied shook my confidence and I feared that the same would happen to me. I tried to stay calm, but when I was called forward, I was overwhelmed with nerves. My mind went blank, and I fumbled through my answers which led to more questions. At the end of the interview, the visa officer handed me a pink paper which meant a denial. I saw my dream of studying in the United States fade into oblivion. That rainy Monday, I curled up on my bed and cried myself to sleep. But even in my sleep, the interview replayed in my mind. Waking up to see the pink paper reminded me it was all real. I refused to feel defeated, I smiled faintly and said, "My destiny cannot be delayed." Those words of faith sparked boldness in me, and I had total confidence in God. When the day of my second interview arrived, I told myself, "It is now or never". In the end, my visa was approved, and I was overwhelmed with joy. The same God who came through for me in the past will continue to do so in the future. I stand on His word which says never to be afraid and on this I depend. Through every challenge, I trust God’s plan knowing He is the Author of my story. Thank you.

Whenever I see a child struggling with an illness, I can't help but wonder, what more can be done? I recall one of my visits to the hospital and I watched a child bravely endure rounds of treatment, her tiny hands clutching her mom's for comfort. My name is Nneoma Nwaiwu, a Biology major on the pre-medicine track at Jackson State University. My love for kids could be considered "out of this world" which drives my passion to pursue a career in pediatrics. This career path combines my love for science and my commitment to caring for children, offering me the chance to make a meaningful difference in their lives. So, after earning my Bachelor of Science in Biology, I hope to get into medical school and fulfill my dream of becoming a pediatric doctor. My purpose is not only to provide medical care to children, but to also be a source of comfort and assurance to my young patients and their families during difficult times. In the end, I hope to give them my top treatment, love. I am currently in my freshman year in college and applying for Summer Research Programs, as I understand their importance for a future medical student. Participating in a research program this summer would equip me with invaluable skills such as presentation skills, scientific writing and even data analysis which I can utilize throughout my career. I am particularly interested in cancer research and I have even considered specializing in pediatric oncology. However, this remains a consideration, and I hope to gain more clarity as I progress through my undergraduate years.