In the book "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the author tells a powerful story about Nigerian immigrants navigating life in the United States. This narrative closely mirrors my own family's journey, particularly that of my mother, a Black woman whose resilience and determination have been a constant source of inspiration in my life. My mother immigrated to the United States in her twenties with no clear plan, no support system, and only a fierce determination to make a better life for herself. Despite the many obstacles she faced, she enrolled in Cerritos Community College, working tirelessly to earn a nursing degree. Balancing raising two kids and school, her journey was anything but easy, yet she persevered. Watching my mother navigate these challenges and emerge successful has been a constant source of inspiration. She did what would be considered impossible for most immigrants, paving the way for my sister and me. This is why I have always worked so hard in school, to honor her sacrifices and achievements. Throughout high school, I maintained a 4.2 GPA, balancing rigorous academic commitments with involvement in sports and other extracurricular activities. My mother’s journey taught me the importance of resilience, hard work, and determination, and I have carried these lessons with me into adulthood. As a first-generation Nigerian American university student, I look up to my mother not just as a parent but as a role model and a beacon of possibility. She showed me that anything is achievable, even in a world that often seems stacked against the success of black women. Her story is particularly significant as a black woman in a predominantly white profession. Her presence in the healthcare field is part of the small but vital increase in diversity, and I am determined to follow in her footsteps. As a biomedical engineering major, I am acutely aware of the gender and racial disparities in engineering. According to the National Science Foundation, only 2.9% of engineering degrees were awarded to Black women in 2018. My goal is to change this narrative and inspire others by showing that Black women can and do excel in STEM fields. Ultimately, with my degree I aspire to become a dentist and make a tangible impact in my community. Dentistry is a field where Black female representation is even scarcer. The American Dental Association reports that only 3.8% of dentists in the whole United States are Black. My aim is to be part of the small percentage of Black female dentists, bringing inclusivity and representation to a field that desperately needs it. My mother’s journey has taught me that Black women are some of the smartest and most resilient people in the world, and I am committed to continuing that legacy. By pursuing this path, I hope to be a role model for the future generations of young Black girls, just as my mother is for me.