My mother had opportunities to pursue higher education when she was young, but her parents did not see education the way she did. Attending school would have limited her ability to work and send money home, so her education was not prioritized. When she became a parent, she and my father made a different choice. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, my siblings and I always knew that our education was one of our parents' greatest priorities. We did not have much money, but they invested in our learning however they could. My father made sure our summers included opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Over the years, I learned to sew clothes, bake, and even code. Looking back, I realize my parents were teaching me something larger than any of those individual skills: if I was curious enough to learn something, my circumstances did not have to determine how far I could take that curiosity. That belief was tested when I entered university in Nigeria. Political disputes between the federal government and the union representing academic staff repeatedly disrupted university education. During one strike, I went eight months without classes. I watched months pass with no certainty about when my education would resume, and for the first time, I felt as though the future I had worked toward was slipping out of my control. So I started applying to universities in the United States. At first, I did not tell my parents. Studying abroad seemed financially unrealistic, so I learned to work around every barrier I could. I timed applications around periods when universities waived their application fees. When they did not, I emailed school officials and asked for waivers. I researched scholarships and looked for every opportunity that could make an American education possible. Eventually, what had started as my secret plan became something real enough to share with my parents. And they believed in it. My parents put everything they could toward helping me pursue an opportunity they could not easily afford. Their decision carried even more meaning because I knew my mother's story. A generation earlier, education had been something she was expected to sacrifice for her family's immediate financial needs. Now, my parents were willing to sacrifice financially so their daughter could pursue hers. That history has shaped the way I approach every opportunity I have in the United States. I maintain a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a bachelor's in Economics and Computational Analysis and a master's in Business Analytics, but my parents also taught me that education should extend beyond myself. As a tutor and academic coach, I have helped more than 100 students navigate business courses. I mentor younger students and share scholarships, professional programs, and resources I once had to search for myself. After two years leading my university's Economics Association, one of the things I am proudest of is leaving behind a stronger community than the one I inherited. My experiences have also shaped my career ambitions. I am drawn to economics, business, and data because they help me understand the systems that determine which opportunities exist, who can access them, and how better decisions can expand them. My mother's generation taught me what can happen when opportunity is limited. My parents taught me what can happen when someone chooses to invest in it. And my own journey has taught me that when circumstances threaten the future you imagined, sometimes you have to start building another one. I intend to spend my career doing exactly that, for myself and, wherever I can, for others.

Title: The Undercover Islander: A Game of Villa Mafia As a massive Love Island fan who spends my free time playing Mafia and Imposter with friends and designing mechanics for party games, I’ve realized a fundamental truth about the show. Everyone in the villa is already playing a role. Some are playing the loyal partner, others the heartbreaker. So, for a challenge, why don’t we just explicitly give them a role to play? "The Undercover Islander," a game that turns the villa into a psychological playground. The Morning Text The story begins on a lazy Tuesday morning. The Islanders are lounging by the pool when a text arrives: "Islanders, today nothing is as it seems. Last night, some islanders received a secret identity, while others didn't. #TrustNoOne #UndercoverIslander." Three islanders are secretly appointed as "Saboteurs." The Secret Missions Each Saboteur received a highly specific, secret objective they must complete by sunset without blowing their cover. The objectives are designed to look exactly like standard villa drama: The Petty Pivot: Start a completely baseless argument with your partner over something mundane( like how they make pancakes, lol), and sustain it for five minutes. The Ick Inception: Persuade a solid couple that one of them has a bizarre, made-up "ick" about the other. The Wardrobe Sabotage: Convince someone in the dressing room to wear a completely mismatched, chaotic outfit for the evening without telling them why. (only for girls because Love Island men just wear whatever sometimes) The Chaos Unfolds Throughout the day, the Saboteurs go to work. Suddenly, a previously solid couple is bickering by the daybeds over coffee ice cubes. Each person is left spinning, wondering: Is this conversation real, or is it just a Saboteur trying to win a challenge? The genius of this challenge is that it blurs the line between game mechanics and genuine emotions. It injects pure paranoia into the villa’s ecosystem. The Loyal Lovers must act as detectives, analyzing every conversation and side-eye to deduce who is acting out of character and who is being genuine. The Firepit Reveal At sunset, the Islanders are called to the firepit. The host reveals the three secret objectives that were assigned that morning, but not who received them. Absolute chaos ensues as the villa gets ten minutes to openly debate, point fingers, and finally vote on the identities of the Saboteurs. If a Saboteur completed their task and avoided detection, they win an exclusive night in the Hideaway with an islander of their choice. If the villa successfully deduces who the Saboteur is, the Saboteur gets "pied" in the face, and the winning Loyal Lovers get a private party. By blending the mechanics of games like Mafia with the natural drama of Love Island, "The Undercover Islander" tests trust, intuition, and communication. It proves whether a couple actually knows each other or if they are just playing a part, delivering the exact kind of messy, psychological television gold that fans live for. I hope y'all see the vision! This is such a lovely essay prompt. Thank you for letting me live out my secret desire of being a Love Island producer!

In Data Analytics, comfort comes from historical precedent. If you have enough data, you can build a predictive model to forecast the future with some level of accuracy. The day I arrived in the United States alone, my personal dataset went blank. I had no historical precedent for navigating a foreign immigration system, securing housing without a US guarantor, or silencing the panic of knowing that if I failed, there was no safety net to catch me. I also knew I couldn’t turn back. At home in Lagos, Nigeria, an 8-month-long strike by the academic union had brought my education to a halt. For me, education was Plan A and Plan B; there was no backup. So, I became my own unmodeled variable. I secretly applied to schools in the US, determined to find a system that worked. Like Maggie, who moved to the U.S. entirely alone, I possessed a stubborn mental bravery. I secretly applied to schools abroad, timing my applications to the days or weeks when application fees were waived. When I shared my admission offers with my family, my mother depleted her pension fund to cover my first semester. The weight of that sacrifice means failure is mathematically impossible for me. Yet, the reality of being an international student is terrifying. I learned what being alone truly meant during my freshman year when I sprained my ankle. My university’s understaffed international office took so long to process my health insurance that I was healed by the time it got approved. I spent days nursing my own ankle back to health with nothing but hot water, a towel, and the stark realization that I was my only safety net. I had survived, but I was furious that the system relied on the silent resilience of students like me. But Maggie didn't just endure her challenges; she attacked them. She was intellectually bold and fiercely advocated for what was right. Once my ankle healed, I lobbied the university administration until the international office was expanded. I then founded a community for international students in Huntsville, my city. This community has been thriving, and for the last three years, my apartment has been a Thanksgiving-holiday sanctuary for those who, like me, cannot go home. Maggie, as a structural engineer, refused to be intimidated by a male-dominated field. I see myself in her every time I step into quantitative finance and econometrics. Like her, I am bold and do not turn down any opportunity to exchange knowledge through debate. In my fields of analytics and finance, I noticed a severe confidence gap where brilliant women stay silent because they fear their ideas are not perfect, while men can confidently debate incomplete ideas. I now actively mentor young women to command the microphone and speak up, honoring Maggie’s belief in education and unapologetic advocacy. I approach Data Analytics with the same unyielding grit Maggie applied to engineering. But ambition cannot override my legal reality. My F-1 visa legally caps my working hours, and I am ineligible for federal aid. With shrinking resources for international students, scholarships like this are our absolute last hope. This award is the only bridge between the maximum I can legally work and the tuition I owe. By selecting me, you are investing in a woman who refuses to be derailed by broken systems, ensuring my mother’s ultimate gamble wasn't in vain, and fiercely carrying forward Maggie’s legacy of self-reliant ambition.

When I was 9, some unrest in the Middle East affected global oil prices; much like how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is affecting oil prices now. 9-year-old me was so fascinated by how something happening so far away changed my mum’s spending and rationing behavior so drastically. According to her, we lived in an ‘oil-power’ dependent economy, and everything was about to be affected. My mum worked as a teller at a bank. She picked up so much, so fast. I remained curious about how people made buying, spending, and policy decisions at both small and large scales. So, I chose to major in Economics and Data Analytics I found out about finance as a viable career choice for me in the second semester of my first year, through a competitive finance program called Wall Street Development Accelerator. That program gave me a broad understanding of the world of finance, and less than two weeks into the program, I added finance as a minor. That summer, I got the opportunity to intern in equity research at a hedge fund in DC focused on sustainable investing. This was my first real-world experience working in Finance, seeing how diverse the field could be. Financial decisions weren’t always about generating profit but also about investing in a sustainable economy. I learned so much that summer. When I got back to school the following semester, I was elected as the president of our Economics Association, where I realized that my passion for finance was most impactful when shared. I began curating events focused on campus-wide financial literacy, partnering with local banks and inviting alumni to pull back the curtain on the finance industry and share their experience. This leadership extended into the technical arena when I led our school’s team to participate in the College Fed Challenge for the first time, where we ultimately ranked among the top 18 schools in the country. My internships as a financial analyst for a real estate firm and a wealth management advisor taught me that the language of data is most powerful when used to drive tangible strategy. Today, I serve as a Portfolio Manager and Macro Analyst for our school’s Capital Management Fund, where I collaborate with seven other students to manage a $1.5 million portfolio. Throughout my college years, I’ve sought out and completed rigorous finance programs, such as Wall Street Bound and Girls Who Invest, which have provided me with the resources to earn eight separate financial certifications and sponsored my SIE Certification Exam, which I passed on my first attempt. As I’ve transitioned from student to Student Ambassador and Mentor within these same programs, I have observed a persistent "confidence gap" that no certification can solve. I notice my male mentees voicing incomplete ideas with absolute conviction, while my female mentees frequently wait for perfection before speaking up. I know many initiatives have successfully gotten women into the room; my own journey is a testament to that. But the next systemic evolution must focus on empowering women to not just occupy a seat, but to command the microphone. We can do this by fostering vocal empowerment. With my mentees, I actively create low-stakes environments where draft-thinking is celebrated over silence. By encouraging women to share their insights even when they’re not 100% ready, we can normalize the messy, iterative process of financial strategy. I hope to help build a system where the next 9-year-old girl doesn't just watch the economy change her world from the sidelines, but grows up knowing her voice is one that belongs at the decision-making table.

My name is Ore. I’m a 20-year-old International student from Nigeria majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. My interests include reading, basketball, violin, music, running, movies, etc. I believe pursuing as many of your interests as possible gives you a full life. I have been in the US since January 2023, and haven’t seen any of my family members since then. Getting my visa approved seemed like a ‘freak miracle’; because it happened out of nowhere. When I decided to leave Nigeria, I had been at the University of Lagos for 16 months but only completed one semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school. I had to leave. I took the SATs in secondary school, so I started applying to schools abroad without telling anybody. It wasn’t until I got into about 5 schools that I made my parents aware. They were proud of me but reasonably concerned because we couldn’t afford it. I am the last child and only girl in my family. I guess they decided if they were going to pour all their resources into anyone, it might as well be me. My mother depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. I am currently looking into transferring to a cheaper university. Life as an international student has definitely been tough, especially in a predominantly white institution. It took a while before I found my people and I struggled a lot. I couldn’t discuss these struggles with my mum because she battles severe anxiety from time to time and I didn’t want her to be worried about me. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. I’m glad that out of those struggles, I grew and evolved into the person I am today. I have definitely surprised myself by how strong I am and the potential I have for community building. Last 2 Thanksgivings, I hosted a lunch for international students like me from universities in the area who had nowhere to go for the break. They were mostly freshmen who had come to America that summer. I cooked Nigerian meals and we sat on the floor of my dorm singing rhymes we all marched to in primary school. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems. I decided it was what I wanted to do on a random Tuesday when I was 9; my mum bought 1 loaf of bread instead of 2 because “dollar was rising.” I wanted to understand what that was all about. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but seem to know little about the economic world. From a young age, I understood already how that fractured my country. My life’s goal is to contribute positively to society by creating innovative solutions that address pressing economic challenges in underdeveloped and developing countries.

I still remember when my plane touched down in the U.S. I didn’t cry, but my chest tightened with a quiet, powerful resolve: This is my shot. Not just at a degree, but at a future that felt impossible growing up in Nigeria —a future I was determined to make a reality. When I left Nigeria to pursue my education in the U.S., I didn't have everything figured out, but I had faith, grit, and the belief that if I kept showing up, opportunities would follow. I had been a student at the University of Lagos for over a year but had only completed one semester due to back-to-back academic staff strikes. Education in Nigeria was losing its rhythm, and with it, students were losing hope. I didn’t want to lose mine. So, without telling anyone, I started applying to universities abroad. Once I had acceptances in hand, I shared the news with my parents. They were proud but hesitant. We couldn’t afford it. My mother emptied her pension fund to cover my first semester. I arrived in Alabama in January 2023—alone, uncertain, but determined. To me, the American Dream isn’t just about upward mobility or material success. It’s about the freedom to pursue a better life, even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s about stepping into rooms where no one looks like you and refusing to shrink. It’s about turning your burdens—immigration status, financial limitations, lack of support—into building blocks for yourself and those who will come after you. As an international student, I fund my education entirely on my own. I’ve worked jobs, applied to countless scholarships, and sought out every opportunity not just to stay afloat but to thrive and advance professionally. There have been moments of deep uncertainty—times when I didn’t know if I could register for classes, afford textbooks, or keep a roof over my head when dorms closed. But my belief in the validity of my dreams has never wavered. At my predominantly white university, I didn’t see many students who looked like me or shared my experience. So, I created what I needed: a space for international students to feel seen and supported. I started a community where students could help each other open their first bank accounts, write their resumes, and apply for on-campus jobs. I’ve walked people to job fairs, edited applications late at night, and hosted Thanksgiving dinners for those who couldn’t travel home. That’s the American Dream to me—taking your experience, your empathy, and your resilience, and turning them into a foundation that others can stand on. I’m now studying Economics and Computational Analysis with a Finance minor because I want to make economic systems more equitable and accessible, especially for communities like the one I came from. I believe in building tools and policies that expand opportunity and create bridges for people still waiting on the other side of access. The American Dream doesn’t promise ease—it promises possibility. It’s about building value where there was once only scarcity. It’s about holding onto purpose when the world tells you to let go. When I think of the Dream, I think of my mother and father, who believed in me when all they had to give was hope. I think of the classmates I’ve helped, the scholarships I’ve shared, and the leader I’m becoming—one who will one day build systems that no longer leave students like me behind. The American Dream isn’t perfect, and it certainly isn’t easy. But I am not throwing away my shot. I’m here to make that dream real—for myself, and for others.

Service, for me, is not an extracurricular; it’s a way of life. From mentoring students to tutoring peers and leading in faith-based settings, I’ve found that my most meaningful accomplishments are tied not to titles, but to the impact I've had. Like Priscilla Shireen Luke, I believe in leaving the world better than I found it—through intentional acts of leadership, compassion, and community building. I currently serve as President of my university’s Economics Association. When I first took on the role, the club was dormant, and many students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, felt disconnected from the field. I saw an opportunity to rebuild the club into something purposeful. With a diverse executive board and a shared vision, we hosted student panels, alumni networking events, games, debates, and career workshops. I also mentored new members, making sure they felt seen, supported, and confident as they explored their academic and professional paths. Today, the club is thriving, and I’m proud that it has become a place where students grow, lead, and collaborate. Outside of academics, I give back through mentorship and ministry. I volunteer to support first- and second-year international students, many of whom are navigating college without much outside help. Whether it’s reviewing résumés, offering scholarship resources, or just being someone to talk to, I try to be the kind of person I needed when I was in their shoes. I also serve as a student leader at my church, where I’ve helped plan women’s conferences and youth outreach events. I handle logistics, write and edit content, and help shape programs that foster healing, connection, and purpose. These are spaces where people often come seeking direction, and I take seriously the responsibility to help them feel uplifted. Service doesn’t always have to be large-scale to be meaningful. Over the past two years, I’ve hosted Thanksgiving lunches for international students who couldn’t afford to travel home. We share meals, culture, and stories—building bonds that remind us we’re not alone, even when we’re far from family. I believe that community is built not just through formal roles, but through small, consistent actions that make others feel valued and appreciated. Looking ahead, I plan to build a career in financial services with a deep commitment to equity. I’m studying Economics and Computational Analysis with a Finance minor, and my long-term goal is to launch a fund of funds that expands access to wealth-building opportunities for underrepresented communities. I want to serve small business owners, especially those excluded from traditional investment ecosystems, by creating retirement solutions backed by high-performing assets typically reserved for the wealthy. But more than that, I want to change the structure of finance itself. I envision a world where capital isn’t gatekept, where industry networks are inclusive, and where financial tools are used to uplift, not exclude. Whether I’m mentoring students, organizing community events, or planning systemic change, service is the throughline. It’s the reason I lead with empathy, the reason I strive for excellence, and the reason I want to build a career that gives more than it takes. Like Priscilla Shireen Luke, I hope to light a path for others, not because I have all the answers, but because I’m willing to walk beside them until they find their own.

"Doing your best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." – Oprah Winfrey Growing up as a first-generation Nigerian immigrant, I learned early that excellence wasn’t optional; it was a matter of survival. I have to do well with the cards I’ve been dealt, no matter how bad. Life is inherently hard, but hardship has never been a reason for me to stop moving forward. When I decided to leave Nigeria to pursue my education in the United States, it wasn’t because I had everything figured out; it was because I had faith, grit, and the belief that if I kept showing up, opportunities would follow. I had been a student at the University of Lagos for over a year but had only completed one semester due to back-to-back academic staff strikes. Education in Nigeria was losing its rhythm, and with it, students were losing hope. I didn’t want to lose mine. So, without telling anyone, I started applying to universities abroad. Once I had acceptances in hand, I shared the news with my parents. They were proud but hesitant. We couldn’t afford it. My mother emptied her pension fund to cover my first semester. I arrived in Alabama in January 2023, alone, full of uncertainty—but determined. Since then, every win has been a result of resilience. I’ve maintained a GPA of 4.0 while double-majoring in Economics and Data Analysis, tutoring fellow students in finance, accounting, economics, and business math. I also serve as the President of the Economics Association at my university, making me the only Black club president in the College of Business as of last year. That realization pushed me to mentor and encourage other Black students to pursue leadership roles across campus. Last year, my club was named one of the most impactful student organizations on campus. Helping others has always been part of how I navigate the world. Back in Nigeria, I volunteered with younger students, helping them prep for national exams. Here in the U.S., I’ve continued that work in academic spaces as a tutor, but also by offering emotional support to international students who, like me, arrived with nothing but hope. I’ve been the student helping someone set up their first bank account, write their first résumé, or apply for jobs they weren’t sure they’d get. I remember being the student needing that. Every Thanksgiving, I host lunch for international students in the area who don’t have a place to go. My most fulfilling experience of the past 2 years has been creating a home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. My experiences have taught me that grit and determination must be combined with kindness and empathy, so I do not lose sight of who I am. One of my long-term goals is to launch a fund of funds specifically designed to expand access to wealth-building opportunities for underrepresented communities. The fund would primarily serve small business owners—people who are often excluded from traditional investment ecosystems—by giving them access to retirement portfolios made up of high-performing assets typically reserved for the ultra-wealthy. But creating access to capital is only part of the solution. To ensure that asset managers of all backgrounds have a seat at the table, we need more than funding—we need intentional investment in diverse talent pipelines, industry mentorship, and a serious rethinking of how capital allocation decisions are made. I want to be part of that structural shift. Through policy, partnerships, and platforms, I hope to build a finance ecosystem where representation isn't a diversity metric, it's the norm.

Life is inherently hard, but hardship has never been a reason for me to stop moving forward. When I decided to leave Nigeria to pursue my education in the United States, it wasn’t because I had everything figured out; it was because I had faith, grit, and the belief that if I kept showing up, opportunities would follow. I had been a student at the University of Lagos for over a year but had only completed one semester due to back-to-back academic staff strikes. Education in Nigeria was losing its rhythm, and with it, students were losing hope. I didn’t want to lose mine. So, without telling anyone, I started applying to universities abroad. Once I had acceptances in hand, I shared the news with my parents. They were proud but hesitant. We couldn’t afford it. My mother emptied her pension fund to cover my first semester. I arrived in Alabama in January 2023, alone, full of uncertainty, but determined. Since then, every win has been a result of resilience. I’ve maintained a GPA of 4.0 while double-majoring in Economics and Data Analysis, tutoring fellow students in finance, accounting, economics, and business math. I also serve as the President of the Economics Association at my university, making me the only Black club president in the College of Business as of last year. That realization pushed me to mentor and encourage other Black students to pursue leadership roles across campus. Helping others has always been part of how I navigate the world. Back in Nigeria, I volunteered with younger students, helping them prep for national exams. Here in the U.S., I’ve continued that work in academic spaces as a tutor, but also by offering emotional support to international students who, like me, arrived with nothing but hope. I’ve been the student helping someone set up their first bank account, write their first résumé, or apply for jobs they weren’t sure they’d get. I don’t do it for recognition—I do it because I remember being that student, too. Every Thanksgiving, I host lunch for international students in the area who don’t have a place to go. My most fulfilling experience of the past 2 years has been creating a home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. I’ve also had the privilege of participating in programs such as Wall Street Bound and Girls Who Invest, which are focused on increasing the representation of people from low-income backgrounds in finance. My long-term goal is to create a fund that gives small business owners, especially those from underrepresented communities, access to retirement plans typically reserved for the ultra-wealthy. The Algers’ legacy of selfless service, unwavering support, and commitment to others is deeply inspiring. Their story reminds me of my parents, especially my mother, who gave everything to make my future possible. I see this scholarship not only as a financial opportunity, but as an honor – one that aligns with how I live, lead, and give. I plan to continue lifting others as I rise, just as the Algers did. And I hope to also make the kind of impact that outlives me.

“NAIJA NO DEY CARRY LAST.” Those words were printed on a banner at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. I remember thinking it was strange—almost comical. But I couldn’t shake it. As I sat on the floor (there were no empty seats), I thought about all the ways I had proven I would “never be last.” I’d been first in everything I had done since kindergarten. Maybe that’s why my entire family—immediate and extended—was willing to empty their accounts to send me to school in a foreign land. They trusted I’d excel there, too. The pressure to excel has been the backdrop to most of my projects and initiatives, but excellence, as I’ve learned, isn’t always about being the best. Sometimes, it’s about discipline. When I was too discouraged or tired to chase my dreams, I would say, “I may not be the most qualified, but at least I’ll be the one who showed up.” I am double-majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a concentration in Finance, driven by a lifelong curiosity about how systems shape everyday life. I decided this was my path on a random Tuesday when I was 9. My mum bought one loaf of bread instead of two because “dollar was rising.” I didn’t know what that meant, but I knew it had power. I grew up in a country run by men who mastered politics but misunderstood economics, and I saw how that fractured our systems. This scholarship wouldn’t just support my education, it would expand my capacity to build and lead at the intersection of finance, data, and development. My goal is to pursue a career in economic research and strategy, using data-driven tools to create more intelligent, inclusive systems, especially in emerging markets like Nigeria. With financial support, I can focus more deeply on technical training, research, and ultimately on shaping policy that improves livelihoods. Investing in me is investing in a future where STEM isn’t just used to analyze systems, but to rebuild them for equity and progress. The hardest part of my journey as a first-gen immigrant hasn’t just been balancing school, multiple jobs, and leadership roles like tutoring and being president of the Economics Association, it’s doing so with limited support. Being rejected from roles and opportunities because “this opportunity is only open to US Citizens and Permanent Residents” also stung. I went months without health insurance. I ate one meal a day and didn’t tell my family—I didn’t want them to worry. As far as they are concerned, I am working and earning enough money to pay my tuition, take care of myself, and send my mum some periodic stipends. Out of these struggles, I grew and evolved into who I am today. My way out of that depressive phase was by taking steps to help those like me. On Thanksgiving, I host a lunch for international students from universities around who have nowhere to go for the break. I cook Nigerian meals, and we sit on the floor of my dorm talking about random things. My most fulfilling experience of the last 2 years has been creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. That banner at the airport? I get it now. “Naija no dey carry last” isn’t about ego — it’s about resilience. It’s about refusing to be counted out. That’s the kind of leader I aim to be: not just first in line, but first to lead when it matters. Not only will I not be last, I will also be first.

When I became president of the Economics Association, I wasn’t stepping into a running machine, I was stepping into silence. The club hadn’t been active in about 2 years: no meetings, no events, no clear purpose. I had never even attended a meeting myself. One of my professors saw potential and encouraged me to revive it. I said yes, not fully realizing what I was signing up for. I just knew I wanted to make something meaningful. I think everyone should attempt to lead something at least once in their life; it teaches you so much more about yourself than you could imagine. I had a blank canvas and the choice to paint whatever I wanted. The first challenge was convincing others that this could work. There was no established team, no budget, and no student interest. I started with a vision: to turn the association into a space where students could explore real-world economics, connect with alumni, and build confidence in their academic and professional paths. I drafted a mission, recruited a small team, and we got to work. I was very particular about my team. I needed people who were passionate about starting something, but also had sufficient social capital to help us get the ball rolling on our first few events. Program planning was all on me for the first few months. Whenever I got stuck, I put myself in the shoes of the students I was trying to attract and planned events accordingly. I was shocked by the turnout and success of these events. Some of these events were ‘The economics of dating’, and ‘Think Like an Economist: An objective analysis of the economic policies offered by both presidential candidates.’ There were moments I was afraid no one would show up, or that I was in over my head. But I learned to delegate, to listen deeply, and to adapt when things didn’t go as planned. I started to see leadership as less about being the loudest in the room and more about creating space for others to thrive. As time went on, the rest of my team started proposing and executing their own program ideas. The results surpassed what I hoped for. Attendance grew steadily. Students who had never considered a career in economics or finance found direction. Alumni offered mentorship. And perhaps most rewarding, I started getting messages from first-years asking how they could join the executive board next year, and some students with undeclared minors chose economics as their minor. At the end of the school year, we were recognized as one of the most impactful registered student organizations of the year! This experience shaped how I see leadership—not as a title, but as a responsibility to build, empower, and serve. I’ve since applied these skills in other roles: as a tutor, an intern in finance, and a mentor to younger students navigating college. I approach problems with strategy and care. I stay curious, listen hard, and try to leave every room better than I found it. In the future, I plan to build a career in financial services, helping individuals and families make better financial decisions and gain access to tools that can change their futures. I want to lead with both technical skill and emotional intelligence—and use what I’ve learned to drive meaningful, people-centered innovation in finance. Leadership gave me my voice. Now I want to use it to create a lasting impact.

I use social media a lot. I moved to Alabama on my own 2 and a half years ago, and I haven't seen my family and childhood friends since then. Social media is how I stay connected to them and remind them that I love and think of them. Social media has become a central part of modern life, shaping how we connect, express ourselves, and consume information. I cannot deny its impact on building efficient communication over long distances, but I'm also well aware of its adverse effects. One of the most prominent effects of social media is its tendency to encourage comparison. Social media is often a 'highlight reel' for most; they showcase only the great and amazing things happening to and for them, but it is not a fully representative view of their lives. Users often present curated, idealized versions of their lives, picking and choosing what others get to see. I know this, we all know this, yet we can't help but feel inadequate or like we're falling behind when we watch these highlight reels. Constant exposure to others' highlight reels can distort self-perception, especially among adolescents and young adults. Numerous studies have linked excessive social media use with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and poor body image. Moreover, the feedback loops built into social platforms such as likes, shares, and comments can create a sense of validation that’s addictive and fundamentally shallow. This can make users, especially younger ones, equate self-worth with online approval. The fear of missing out (FOMO), cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a certain image all add further strain on mental health. At first glance, it may seem unbeatable and like something that we just have to deal with, but I argue that there are a few steps we could take as a society to curb these issues. We can start by teaching digital literacy more intentionally, especially among teens and young adults, to help them critically engage with what they see online and understand that most content is curated or exaggerated. Time management strategies, such as limiting screen time or taking regular digital breaks, can also help people reclaim focus and protect their peace of mind. We should replace these with physical and engaging play times that involve face-to-face human interaction. Growing up behind a screen is one of the reasons some people don't get the chance to build internal self-worth. I believe kids should wait till they are 15 or 16 to join some social media platforms. Social media companies themselves have a role to play by flagging harmful content, offering mental health tools, and changing algorithms to reduce toxic comparison. On an individual and societal level, we can promote a culture that values authenticity over performance by sharing realistic, diverse, and vulnerable content. And finally, we must normalize seeking help—talking openly about mental health and ensuring access to therapy and support networks can make a real difference. These structural and personal shifts can help us reshape the digital landscape into one that prioritizes wellness just as much as connection. In short, while social media can be a powerful tool for connection, it needs to be approached mindfully. Creating a healthier digital culture, rooted in empathy, awareness, and balance, can help safeguard mental well-being in an increasingly online world.

My name is Ore Isola, and I’m currently a junior at the University of Alabama, double-majoring in Economics and Data Analysis with a minor in Finance. I’m working toward a career that blends business strategy, innovation, and financial access — all driven by the desire to build systems that create opportunity, especially for people who’ve historically been excluded. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work: economies, markets, businesses, human behavior. That curiosity has led me to explore many different corners of the business world — from interning at a hedge fund, to working in property valuation and real estate modeling, to leading my school’s Economics Association. I’ve also run my own small business braiding hair, which taught me more than I expected — not just about cash flow and scheduling, but about how valuable it is to create something people rely on. My long-term goal is to work in investment strategy or business development, eventually starting a fund that helps underrepresented entrepreneurs grow their businesses and build generational wealth. I want to help people move from surviving to scaling. A strong business background gives me the tools I need to understand markets, evaluate risk, and help good ideas become real solutions. But to build that future, I need to keep investing in my education — and that’s where this scholarship would make a real difference. Like many students, I fund my education entirely on my own through work, scholarships, and strategic planning. Every bit of support helps me focus more on learning and less on financial strain. One of the most defining challenges I’ve faced was during my first year of college, when I found myself juggling multiple jobs, demanding classes, and deep homesickness as an international student. Coming to America was tough, and life as a teenage immigrant has been tougher. I struggled in silence for a long time. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted, and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. When I had no money and ate one meal a day, I couldn’t risk telling anyone in my family because I was afraid it would get back to my mum and trigger her schizophrenic episodes. Out of those struggles, I grew and evolved into who I am today. I am surprised by my strength and potential for community building because my way out of that depressive phase was by taking steps to help those like me. That Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch for 18 international students like me from universities in the area who had nowhere to go for the break. They were mostly freshmen who had come to America that summer. I cooked Nigerian meals and we sat on the floor of my dorm talking about random things. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. I’m still learning. Still building. But I know exactly where I’m headed — and I’m incredibly grateful for any support that helps me get there.

I’m a 20-year-old international student from Nigeria, majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. Before I left Nigeria, I had spent 16 months at the University of Lagos, but completed only one semester due to recurring strikes—first by academic staff, then non-academic staff. The academic calendar was in shambles, and students were steadily losing interest in school. I knew I had to leave. I started applying to universities abroad in secret. By the time I got accepted into five schools, I finally told my parents. They were proud but worried—we couldn’t afford it. I’m the last child and only girl in my family. My mother ultimately depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. I arrived in the U.S. in January 2023 and haven’t seen any of my family since. Immigrating alone as a teenager was disorienting. I experienced intense culture shock. It took months to get my health insurance sorted, and I often went untreated when I was sick. I struggled in silence—eating one meal a day, rationing medication, and avoiding calls from home because I was afraid bad news might trigger my mother’s schizophrenic episodes. At my lowest, I would stare at my reflection, wondering if I even deserved to be here. But I grew. I evolved. And I turned outward. My way out of that depression was through community. During the last two Thanksgivings, I've hosted a lunch for 18 international students from nearby universities who had nowhere to go during the break. Most were freshmen who had just arrived in the U.S. that summer. I cooked Nigerian meals and we sat on the floor of my dorm, sharing food and stories. That experience—creating a temporary home for people whose real homes were thousands of miles away—was the most fulfilling part of my year. These moments have shaped me, but they haven’t stopped me from looking ahead. My interest in economics began when I was nine. My mother came home one day and bought only one loaf of bread instead of two because “the dollar was rising.” I didn’t understand what that meant, but I never forgot it. I grew up in a country governed by people who understood politics, not economics—and I saw the cost of that firsthand. Women like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Kemi Adeosun, who held the Finance portfolio in Nigeria despite resistance and political interference, inspired my path. I want to be part of a new generation of economic thinkers—people who don't just analyze policy but craft it, improve it, and apply it to real-world challenges in underdeveloped and developing countries. My plan is to combine my BSc with an MSc, work for a few years, and repay every debt my family took on to get me here. After that, I hope to pursue an MBA focused on finance and international policy. I immigrated with a suitcase, a student visa, and a quiet belief in possibility. That belief has carried me this far—and with help from scholarships like this one, I know it will carry me further.

I want to build access. Not just access to education or opportunity, but to the kind of knowledge, tools, and capital that create lasting change. My dream is to build a fund — one that invests in people and ideas often overlooked by traditional finance. But before I do that, I’m building something even more foundational: myself. I’m currently a junior at the University of Alabama, double-majoring in Economics and Data Analysis with a minor in Finance. My goal is to enter the financial services industry and grow into a strategist who understands both the numbers and the stories behind them. I’ve interned at a hedge fund, earned alternative investment certifications, participated in real estate finance programs, and led student financial literacy efforts — but all of that learning has one goal: to build systems that work for more people. Finance is often seen as exclusive, inaccessible, or impersonal. I want to build the opposite. My long-term goal is to start a fund that increases access to high-quality investments for underrepresented communities, particularly Black and Brown entrepreneurs, students, and families. I want to help people move from budgeting to building wealth. I want capital to be something that flows through communities, not just around them. But what I’m building goes beyond my resume or future title. I’m also building a reputation for consistency, empathy, and impact. As President of my school’s Economics Association, I’ve built mentorship networks, hosted professional panels, and created opportunities for students who didn’t know where to begin. As a student working multiple jobs to fund my own education, I’ve built discipline and resilience. And as a peer and mentor, I’m building trust — the kind that makes someone feel like they belong in rooms they once felt too small for. This scholarship would support not just my education, but my mission: to take what I’ve learned and share it forward. Whether I’m building a spreadsheet, a community, or an investment portfolio, I want the outcome to reflect something better than what was there before. I want to build a career where success is measured not just in returns, but in reach. Building is not just about what I achieve — it’s about what becomes possible for others because I did. That’s what I want to contribute to my field, my community, and the future.

Studying the system to change it. I am a Black woman determined to thrive in an industry that has historically excluded people who look like me, not just to prove that I can, but to make it easier for those who come after me. I’m currently a junior at the University of Alabama, double-majoring in Economics and Data Analysis with a minor in Finance. I’m on track to graduate in December 2026 and pursue a career in Investing and financial services, where I will work at the intersection of data, investment strategy, and impact. But more than my major or career title, I am someone who believes in breaking cycles and building bridges, particularly for Black women navigating systems not designed with us in mind. Like Michele L. Durant, I believe deeply in the power of education, and I have pursued every opportunity I can find to grow, often while carrying financial burdens that require creative problem-solving, multiple jobs, and relentless organization. I have funded my own university education while leading student organizations, mentoring others, and maintaining a strong academic record. It’s not easy, but I know who I’m doing it for. My dream is not just to enter the financial industry — it’s to reshape how it serves people. I want to become a leader in investment strategy or alternative asset management, because these are the spaces where large-scale decisions are made about what gets built, who gets funded, and what kind of future is prioritized. Did you know that only 2% of venture capitalist funding is given to female entrepreneurs? I want to help direct capital with intention, toward innovation, equity, and long-term value. Ultimately, I plan to start my own fund that expands access to investment opportunities for underrepresented individuals and communities. Black women are too often told we can budget, but not build. I want to change that narrative — not just by example, but by designing systems that invite others in. Beyond my career goals, service is central to everything I do. I currently serve as President of my university’s Economics Association, where I’ve led initiatives around financial literacy, peer mentorship, and alumni networking. These are practical tools that make a difference, especially for first-generation students and students of color. I’ve also mentored younger students, worked with faith-based youth groups, and I host an annual Thanksgiving event for international students who couldn’t travel home for the holidays. These are the spaces where I feel most aligned — where leadership means showing up, building community, and offering clarity where there is confusion. Being a “forever student” like Michele Durant means never outgrowing your sense of responsibility to others. I’m learning all I can — not just to uplift myself, but to invest what I’ve learned into my community. This scholarship wouldn’t just lift a financial weight off my shoulders — it would be an investment in someone who is working hard to multiply impact. I plan to keep studying, keep building, and keep finding ways to make rooms wider and more welcoming for people like me.

I’ve always been fascinated by how systems shape people’s lives; how visible and invisible forces like credit access, compounding interest, or investment decisions can define someone’s future. When I was nine, my mum completely changed her spending habits after hearing news about oil lines in the Middle East. I didn’t understand it then, but I realize now that I was witnessing the real-world effect of global financial systems. That early curiosity is what led me to where I am today – a junior at the University of Alabama, double-majoring in Economics and Data Analysis with a minor/concentration in Finance, graduating in December 2026. My formal introduction to finance was through the Wall Street Diversity Accelerator in my second semester of college. After making a strong impression on one of the partners, I interned the following summer at his hedge fund, Terra Alpha Investments. There, I worked as an equity research analyst, creating reports on potential additions to our portfolio and updating coverage on companies we already held. Since then, I’ve deepened my involvement in finance both inside and outside the classroom. I became President of my university’s Economics Association, partnered with local bankers to launch student-focused financial literacy initiatives, and participated in RBC Capital Markets’ Women’s Advisory Program, where I worked on M&A simulations and continue to receive mentorship from professionals at a global investment bank. Through the Wall Street Bound Scholars Program, I earned a certification from the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association. Over four weeks, I dove deep into the world of alternative investments: hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, real assets, and more. It was the first time I truly saw how diverse, technical, and creative the asset management industry could be. What stood out wasn’t just the complexity of these instruments—it was their power to drive innovation, infrastructure, and long-term impact. Alternative investments revealed to me that finance is not just about returns; it’s about capital with intention. That realization solidified my commitment to a career in investment strategy. I continued building technical skills by completing a modeling and valuation training with Pillars and dedicating my spring break to passing the FINRA SIE exam. I also participated in two Project Destined programs: Financial Modeling for Real Estate and the Real Estate Private Equity Virtual Internship. This summer, I’m interning at a property management company affiliated with a real estate brokerage, where I work on modeling, valuation, debt sizing, and refinancing strategies. This fall, I’ll intern with a wealth management firm, supporting client meeting documentation and contributing to portfolio construction discussions. It would be less technical, but I’m looking forward to the amazing insights I will gain from the experience. My experiences all contribute to helping me be an impactful person in the finance industry. My short-term goal is to explore as many areas of finance as I can to find the intersection of my interests, aptitude, and passion. Long-term, I aspire to start my own fund and increase access to investment opportunities for underrepresented communities. To ensure that asset managers of all identities have a seat at the table, we need more than capital – we need intentional investment in diverse talent pipelines, democratized access to industry networks, and rethinking how allocation decisions are made. The truth is that the industry does not reflect the world it seeks to ‘serve’. Capital allocators actively partnering with emerging managers across backgrounds would be a great first step in the right direction. If I could shadow any investor, I would choose Howard Marks, macroeconomist and co-chairman of Oak Tree Capital Management. I recently read one of his memos and became deeply interested in credit investing and how he frames risk. His thinking pushes beyond numbers and into behavioral finance, cycles, and probability. My professor gave me a book called ‘A Short History of Financial Euphoria’ and I see Marks effectively apply the lessons from that book. I would want to learn how he balances conviction with humility and how he uses uncertainty to his advantage. I’m also curious to see if his perspective on risk translates into other areas of his life. If I weren’t pursuing a career in Finance, my professional expression would be in education or social work. I’ve seen how a lack of understanding and access can hold brilliant people back, and I want to be part of changing that. My guiding values — equity, clarity, and impact — would still apply. Finance is just the path I’ve chosen to live them out.

I’m a 20-year-old International student from Nigeria majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. When I decided to leave Nigeria, I had been at the University of Lagos for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school. I had to leave. I've been in the US since January 2023, and haven’t seen any of my family members since then. I started applying to schools abroad without telling anybody. It wasn’t until I got into about 5 schools that I made my parents aware. They were proud of me but concerned because we couldn’t afford it. I am the last child and only girl in my family. I guess they decided if they were going to pour all their resources into anyone, it might as well be me. My mother depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. Coming to America was tough and life as a teenage immigrant has been tougher. I struggled in silence for a long time. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted, and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. When I had no money and ate one meal a day, I couldn’t risk telling anyone in my family because I was afraid it would get back to my mum and trigger her schizophrenic episodes. Out of those struggles, I grew and evolved into who I am today. I am surprised by my strength and potential for community building because my way out of that depressive phase was by taking steps to help those like me. Last Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch for 18 international students like me from universities in the area who had nowhere to go for the break. They were mostly freshmen who had come to America that summer. I cooked Nigerian meals and we sat on the floor of my dorm talking about random things. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems. I decided it was what I wanted to do on a random Tuesday when I was 9. My mum bought 1 loaf of bread instead of 2 because “dollar was rising.” I wanted to understand what that was all about. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but seem to know little about the economic world. From a young age, I understood already how that fractured my country. Women like Okonjo-Iweala and Kemi Adeosun, who excelled in the Minister of Finance position despite constantly getting their power undermined by men, were also key players in my career decision. My life’s goal is to contribute positively to society by creating innovative solutions that address pressing economic challenges in underdeveloped and developing countries. My post-graduate plan is to combine my BSc with an MSc, work for about 4 years after, get on my feet, and pay off all the debt my family took out to send me to school. Then go back to school for an MBA in Finance and International policy.

Fighting for a seat at the table. From the moment I set my sights on a career in finance, I knew the road ahead would not be easy. Unlike many of my peers pursuing similar ambitions, I do not come from a target school with direct pipelines into Wall Street. There were no built-in recruiting teams, no well-trodden paths to prestigious internships, and no guarantees of a seat at the table. If I wanted to get there, I would have to fight for it. At first, the disparities were overwhelming. I watched as others effortlessly secured opportunities I had to chase for months. They had industry connections through family, professors who had worked at top banks, and alumni networks that practically placed jobs in their laps. Meanwhile, I was cold-emailing professionals, applying relentlessly, and preparing for interviews without access to the same resources. Each rejection, each door that didn’t open, could have been discouraging. But instead, it fueled me. I refused to accept that my background would limit my future. I built my own network, reaching out to industry leaders, attending every possible finance event, and securing mentorship through RBC’s Women’s Advisory Program. I sought out competitive programs like the AmplifyME Finance Accelerator, proving my skills in real-world simulations. As the president of my university’s Economics Association, I took the initiative to create opportunities not just for myself, but for others facing similar struggles. The disruptions I’ve caused in my wake will actually create opportunities for the ones who will come after me. I ask the professors and deans in my college to help me with things, and they say, “Maybe we should set up a program that gives our students access to these things.” In a few years to come, maybe there'll be no student at my school who has to go through what I’m going through. Every challenge has only strengthened my determination. I have learned that resilience is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about using them as stepping stones. I am not discouraged by how easy it has been for others; I am empowered by how hard I am willing to work. I know that my journey, though unconventional, has prepared me to excel in ways that privilege never could. Doing all this while working as many jobs as legally possible to support myself and my family, ensuring that I can graduate college debt-free. This scholarship would not only support my continued efforts but also reinforce the belief that perseverance matters. I will continue pushing forward, not just for myself, but for others who, like me, refuse to be defined by the barriers they face.

I had to turn it up past 11 in my second semester of college. Before then, I didn’t really know anyone and no one knew who I was. I was a quiet international student who came in the spring semester. I went to class, the cafeteria, the library, and my dorm; nowhere else. But that all changed when I fell sick – not the homesickness type. It was horrible. I was weak and throwing up everything I ate. I could not tell my parents because my mum battles severe anxiety and I did not want to trigger an episode. The worst part of all this was the health insurance. I have health insurance through my school’s health insurance provider and because the office that dealt with international students was only 2 people working out of cubicles in the Office of Graduate Studies, it took more than 2 weeks to get my insurance sorted. By the time I was finally able to get prescriptions, I was already starting to get better naturally. After I fully recovered, I started to wonder how many international students had to pass through the same ordeals as me. I reached out to people to introduce myself, talk to them, and try to bond over shared experiences. Motivated to enact change, I scheduled meetings with deans and directors to address this issue. I did not stop until I was sure something would be done. As a result of these discussions and advocacy efforts, the international students' office is now a stand-alone office with more staff and funding. I am happy to have worked with them on initiatives that improved the support systems available to international students on campus. This experience taught me so much about the importance of speaking up and being resilient about things that matter. I learned that change doesn’t happen unless someone takes the initiative and that my voice could make a real impact even as a quiet international student. It shaped my confidence, leadership style, and commitment to advocating for those who may not have the resources or platform to do so themselves. More than anything, it reinforced my belief in the power of community—how meaningful connections can turn individual struggles into collective progress. Through this journey, I also realized the immense value of guidance from those who have navigated similar challenges before. For Thanksgiving in the last 2 years, I have hosted over 30 international students from 4 different universities in the area to lunch in my dorm room. I cooked African meals and we sat on the floor of my dorm, singing rhymes we all marched to in primary school. We talked about the things that made us happy, sad, afraid, and optimistic. I wanted to create a community for them to feel like they were not alone. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. So I would love to participate in Inspire11's mentorship program because I know firsthand how transformative the right guidance can be. Having navigated challenges that required resilience, resourcefulness, and self-advocacy, I deeply appreciate the value of learning from those who have walked similar paths. The chance to engage with world-class innovators, technologists, and data scientists—mentors who can provide insight, challenge my thinking, and help me refine my goals as a global economist—would be invaluable as I continue striving for excellence. I am eager to contribute my perspective, embrace new challenges, and grow into a future leader who embodies Inspire11’s spirit of innovation and impact.

“What drives a global economy to change course in the blink of an eye?” – let’s keep this question in mind. Our universe, vast and interconnected, resembles an intricate economic design – dynamic, ever-evolving, and profoundly complex. The complexity and interconnectedness of our world is not limited to conventional sciences alone. As an Economics and Data Analysis major, I view the quest to understand the universe as not just an endeavor to uncover the principles that govern the cosmos, but also the systems we build within it. Just as scientists analyze the distribution of dark matter, mapping the gravitational influences of celestial bodies, economists develop models to predict market behavior and assess systemic risk. Now, many would argue that these two have nothing to do with one another but I think physics and economics have a few bridges. One area that particularly fascinates me is the concept of entropy—a fundamental principle in both thermodynamics and economics. In economic systems, entropy manifests as inefficiency and disorder; in the universe, it drives the arrow of time. Exploring how entropy shapes the evolution of galaxies, ecosystems, and markets could yield insights into the underlying symmetry between natural and human-made systems. My earliest memory of grappling with the interconnectedness of economic systems was when I was nine. There had been a disruption to oil lines in an Arabian country—I believe it was Saudi Arabia. This news rippled across the globe and reached my household, altering my mother’s spending habits. She began buying more and rationing heavily, explaining, “Didn’t you see the news? The economy is headed south.” ‘The economy.’ What an intriguing concept to an inquisitive 9-year-old—how could events in a distant country transform behaviors in my small community in Lagos, Nigeria? I thought about it some more and went back to my mum for an explanation. She admitted that she did not fully understand how our own economy was headed south just that it would happen. True enough, prices went high, inflation tripled and there was a fuel scarcity all within the month. The “sudden” shifts in our world – economic downturns, market booms, or even paradigm-shifting discoveries – are often the compounded effects of countless small actions, like my mother’s adjustments to our spending and consumption. People may blink, acting mindlessly for a moment, but the forces shaping our world are always in motion, building toward those pivotal points we later recognize as change. Nothing really happens in the blink of an eye. I was doing some research on Ellen Langer’s work when I first came across the Mindscape Podcast. I had decided some days prior that I liked the way Ellen thought. Naturally, the first episode I listened to was the one with Ellen – Mindfulness and the Body. Since then I became a fan of the podcast, which is how I found this scholarship last week. The conversation with Ellen pointed out the mindless way we have come to treat knowledge and I think it was so profound. Man’s never-ending battle is between thinking we know why things happen and the concept of Uncertainty. Ellen said she realized she didn’t know anything when a horse ate meat after she said “Everyone knows horses don’t eat meat.” It seems trivial but it shows that the more we learn, the less we tend to know, and the less we pay attention to our universe and our perception of it. Ultimately, I think the pursuit of knowledge about the universe is a pursuit of self-awareness. As humans, we are not mere observers but participants in the cosmic story. By MINDFULLY leveraging the analytical frameworks of economics and data analysis, I hope to contribute to unraveling this story, revealing not only how the universe works but also how we can navigate and harmonize with it. In doing so, we not only illuminate the cosmos but also chart a path toward more sustainable and equitable economic systems on Earth.

My greatest achievement is daring to dream. Growing up in a third-world country, you hear about universities in America but never really think you can make it there. For a time, I gave into that narrative and believed there wasn’t a way for me to get the education I so desperately wanted. The day I changed my mind, I had to keep it to myself so noone would think I was crazy. When I decided to leave Nigeria, I had been at the University of Lagos for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union, and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school. I had to leave. I took the SATs for fun in secondary school, so, I started applying to schools abroad without telling anybody. I would time my application to that one week when universities and colleges would waive their application fees because I didn’t even have a bank card to use to pay. It wasn’t until I got into about 5 schools that I made my parents aware of what I was doing. I couldn’t go to them empty handed armed with only a dream. I will eternally be grateful for their support because my mum depleted her pension fund to ensure I was set up for at lease the first semester of college. Armed with nothing but a dream, I started my life as an immigrant. Being a first-generation anything is not easy. There is a pressure to exceed expectation and show that going a different path was not a mistake – keeping a perfect GPA, being active on campus, working to pay tuition and send money back home, and getting nominated for awards. My school is a predominantly white institution (I didn’t know what that meant before I came to the US). It took a while before I found my people and I struggled a lot. I couldn’t discuss these struggles with my mum because she battles severe anxiety from time to time and I didn’t want her to be worried about me. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. Yet, somewhere between navigating new cultures and battling systemic inequalities, I found the strength to dream beyond my circumstances. In my second semester, I fell really sick. It took weeks to get my student health insurance sorted and I went without treatment for weeks – I wondered how many other international students faced similar challenges. The international students office in my school was made up of 2 staffs working out of an office within the Office of Graduate Studies. Motivated to enact change, I scheduled meetings with deans and directors to address this issue. As a result of these discussions and advocacy efforts, the International Students office is now a stand-alone office with more staff and funding. I am happy to have worked with them on initiatives that improved the support systems available to international students on campus. During the last 2 thanksgivings, I have hosted about 30 international students from 4 different universities in the area to a lunch in my dorm room. I cooked African meals and we sat on the floor of my dorm singing rhymes we all marched to in primary school, among other things. My most fulfilling experiences have been, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away.

Quiet Defiance Rosa Parks is often remembered as the tired seamstress who refused to give up her bus seat on December 1, 1955. That moment of quiet defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a cornerstone in the Civil Rights Movement, and cemented her as a symbol of courage and resilience. But her story, like the struggles of so many marginalized people, is deeper and more complex than the version often told in mainstream media. For someone like me, who has faced struggles rooted in systemic inequities, Rosa Parks is more than a historical figure—she’s a reminder that change often begins with individuals who refuse to compromise their dignity. Growing up in a low-income household, I know what it feels like to navigate systems that aren’t designed for people like me. When I think of Rosa Parks, I see a woman who understood the weight of those systems but chose to resist them anyway, not just for herself, but for everyone who came after. Mainstream narratives often depict Rosa Parks as a lone, weary, stubborn figure, acting on impulse in a single moment of defiance. While this framing highlights the personal bravery of her decision, it sometimes strips away the years of preparation and activism that led to that day. Parks was a seasoned NAACP organizer long before she stepped onto that bus. Her refusal wasn’t an isolated act of rebellion but part of a larger strategy to challenge segregation and inspire collective action. For people like me, this context is vital. It shows that even the most transformative movements require groundwork and that ordinary people, equipped with purpose and community, can become extraordinary forces for change. Rosa Parks didn’t just sit on a bus—she stood against injustice in a way that echoes across generations. Her story also reminds us that resistance doesn’t always come with instant gratification. The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted over a year, testing the resolve of thousands of participants who walked miles every day instead of taking the bus. This perseverance mirrors the challenges I’ve faced as an immigrant, adjusting to a new country and rationing resources to survive. Like the boycotters, I’ve learned that progress often comes through sacrifice and solidarity. Rosa Parks' portrayal in mainstream media as a quiet, accidental activist is both inspiring and frustrating. It inspires because her humility makes her relatable to everyday people; it frustrates because it oversimplifies the relentless, intentional work behind her legacy. For someone like me, who has had to navigate systemic barriers, her story is a reminder that every small act of defiance and resilience matters because eventually one act will leave a mark. It also pushes me to tell my own story with nuance, refusing to let anyone reduce my journey to a single moment or stereotype. Rosa Parks signifies the power of courage and the importance of seeing yourself as part of a larger movement. Her legacy teaches us that while we may not all start with privilege, we can still claim power through our choices. She reminds me that the struggles of today can inspire the victories of tomorrow, and that even when the world feels overwhelming, quiet defiance can be the spark that lights a revolution.

The perfect ending to The Bear would be chaos—organized, satisfying chaos—because that’s the only way it could go. Carmy finally opens his dream Michelin-starred restaurant, but it’s in the same old, cramped Chicago kitchen. Why? Because tradition. He’s learned to balance his perfectionism with actually letting people help, though he still screams “Yes, chef!” in his sleep. Sydney is now a culinary rock star, touring the world as a guest chef—but she still calls Carmy at 3 a.m. to rant about undercooked risotto. Richie? Richie becomes a motivational speaker. Somehow. His “cousin energy” turns into a TED Talk called You’re Not Yelling, You’re Leading, and his merch outsells the restaurant’s new menu. He still drops by Carmy’s kitchen just to annoy him, though. Marcus opens his own dessert shop, and it’s an instant hit. He wins awards, gets invited to The Great British Bake Off, and brings the vibes. Meanwhile, Tina and Ebraheim secretly take over the restaurant’s Instagram, making it the most-followed food account with their “No Cap, Chef” series. The final episode ends with the team sitting around a crowded kitchen table, laughing and eating (something not burned this time). Sydney and Carmy share a look that could mean “we’ve made it” or “we’ll never escape this madness,” and Richie drops one last inappropriate joke before the credits roll. That’s how The Bear should end: a little messy, a lot funny, and absolutely heartwarming—just like the show itself.

Growing up in a very low-income household, I learned the art of perseverance in the face of adversity. When I became an immigrant 2 years ago, the challenges intensified. Financial constraints forced me to ration food, often eating only once a day to get through. These experiences not only shaped my resilience but also fueled my determination to create opportunities for others facing similar struggles. This drive has led me to take on leadership and humanitarian roles, such as serving as the president of my university’s economics association and on the board of SOAR (Serving, Organizing, Advocating and Reflecting). Through these platform, I’ve organized initiatives that educate my peers about financial literacy and economic equity. I’ve also collaborated with community organizations like Free-2-Teach to help students from low-income backgrounds access resources that can support their education and career aspirations. My goal is to use my education in economics and international finance to develop programs that address financial disparities and empower underprivileged communities. I envision creating accessible financial tools and policies that provide stability for families like mine, ensuring no one has to endure the same hardships I faced. Receiving the Lotus Scholarship would alleviate my financial burden and enable me to continue turning my experiences into impactful action. With your support, I am confident in my ability to make meaningful contributions to my community and beyond.

As an economist who is obsessed with Monopoly, the game I have come up with is called - "Islandopoly: The Game of Love and Strategy." Islandopoly is a life-sized board game where Islanders become "game pieces" and navigate a love-themed course full of challenges, secrets, and tough decisions. This challenge tests compatibility, teamwork, and how well Islanders can strategize under pressure. Setup: A giant board game layout is created in the villa’s garden with colorful spaces that represent different challenge categories and each couple rolls a giant die to move across the board. Truth Square - spill a secret or answer a tough question. Dare Square - perform a flirty or funny dare. Couples Challenge Square - complete a team activity with the couples. Wild Card Square - expect the unexpected—could be a bombshell twist or dramatic villa gossip. Movie Peek Square - Any Islander who lands here will have a moment they were a part of the previous day televised for the other islanders to watch. Special Rewards: Some spaces on the board grant Love Tokens, which Islanders can redeem for cute prizes like a private hideaway date or a letter from their family. Some spaces reveal Mystery Cards, which contain fun or dramatic tasks like: “Swap partners for one round.” “Reveal the couple you think will be dumped next.” Winning the Game: The first couple to reach the finish line wins immunity from the next dumping and a romantic surprise (a special date or exclusive villa privilege).

Something happened when I was 9 that baffled me. My mum decided to buy a loaf of bread instead of 2. We were a pretty big family and 1 loaf of bread had never been enough. I remember being so confused when she gave her reason to be that "the economy is bad." I asked her how she knew that, and she said, "Don't you pay attention when we watch the news? That's what they are saying!" My little head asked a million questions that day, "who are 'they', how did 'they' decide the economy was bad, and why are we taking their word for it?" I knew that day, that I wanted to be 'they' - only that I would deliver news that the economy was better, and everyone would believe me. That was what began my profound interest in economics and the world of global finance. I read so much and started paying attention to the news. It was also around that time that I realized how poor we were. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but appear to know very little about the economic world. With time, I realized that governmental authority may be one of our only real powers as humans. My whole life, I have seen people who abuse this power in so many ways. Every academic and professional decision I have made since I was 9 has been geared toward molding me into someone who can harness such power to better my economy. I will gather as much knowledge and understanding as possible about the economic, financial, and social structures of the world. I will develop skills and expertise that can address pressing social and environmental issues facing my community, through research, policy advocacy, and community outreach initiatives. I had a personal project a few years ago, where I analyzed the effects of global policies on small-scale economies. Small-scale economies make up large-scale economies, so, the true effect of large-scale policies depends on how it affects small-scale economies. I had the opportunity to present this project at a Women In Business Leadership event last year. I hope to one day be in a position to influence the policies that affect small and large-scale economies alike. In a nutshell, I want my life and career to inspire positive economic change and inspire people to take the steps necessary to implement those changes. My journey through education has been marked by the challenges posed by my financial situation. My parents are very poor and have taken out so many loans, that any more would take away the roof from over their heads. However, these obstacles have only fueled my determination to succeed and make a meaningful impact on society. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden that has impeded my academic pursuits and serve as a catalyst for achieving my dream of becoming a leader in my field. Thank you!

My journey to America was one of many bumps and hurdles. And my journey after getting here has been even bumpier. Somehow, I draw immense strength from within myself, daily, to fight for my dreams. When I decided to leave Nigeria, the place I call home, I had been at the University of Lagos for 16 months; only completing 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year, and students were losing interest in school. I had to leave. I started applying to American schools without telling anybody. After I got into about 5 schools, I made my parents aware. They were proud of me but concerned because we couldn’t afford it. My mother depleted her pension fund to pay for the portion of my first-semester tuition not covered by scholarships. Getting my visa approved taught me to be a tenacious quick-thinker. The consul who interviewed me decided against approving my visa because she didn’t think I would make it to school in time for my first day of classes. These interviews lasted 5 minutes or less, and once you missed your chance, it was over. That was 8 am in Nigeria and 1 am in Alabama, where my school is located. I knew no one would be in-office to attend to me at that time, so I asked the embassy to give me a slip permitting me back into the embassy, the next day. This wasn’t a normal thing, but they made one for me – the consul looked amused. I went home and emailed every official on my school's website explaining my situation. I left voicemails and messages saying I needed help. When they asked what they could do, I attached a draft of a letter saying my school would accept me even if I resumed a week late and asked if they would put their signature on it and send it to the American embassy before I went back the next day. I don’t know how many people signed it but when I got to the embassy the next day, they had decided to approve and expedite my visa so I could make it for the first day of class. That experience taught me how to fight for my needs. Last semester, I went sick without health insurance for over a week. When I got better, I lobbied and advocated for better conditions for international students until an association dedicated to catering to our needs was established and I was elected president. In a world where dreams are often constrained by circumstance, I stand as a beacon of hope. I dared to dream that I could do what most considered impossible for “someone like me.” My love for education and belief in the power of diligence and determination brought me to where I am today. My path has been marked by resilience, unwavering commitment, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge. Again, I dare to dream of being a world-renowned economist who advocates for policies that will turn economies around for good. I want my life to inspire positive economic change, and inspire people to take the necessary steps to implement those changes on small AND large scales.

Some would rather believe that colonization, imperialism, and slavery are things of the past. Unfortunately, they’re not. These issues have created systems of marginalization and segregation all around the world. I plan to use my education in economics, data analysis, and international finance to shed light on these issues and how they affect specific communities. I will also research and formulate policies that can help the international community move past the effects of the atrocities that were committed toward black people and other marginalized races and ethnicities. These policies will empower Black communities by creating opportunities for economic mobility, fostering entrepreneurship, and advocating for diversity and equity in business practices. My education equips me with the tools to understand economic systems and how they impact marginalized communities. I aim to leverage this knowledge to create financial literacy programs specifically tailored to Black individuals and underserved communities. By promoting financial education, I can help others build wealth, invest wisely, and understand the broader economic factors that shape their opportunities. As I advance in my career, I plan to advocate for diversity at leadership levels in the corporate world. As a black woman who has worked multiple jobs, I have only had a boss who looked like me once, and it was one of my best work experiences ever. I’ll never forget her; her name is Nicole Howard and she taught me so much. I was 18. She has had a massive impact on how I see myself and the rooms I permit myself to be confident in. It was an amazing feeling and every black girl deserves to experience it too. Black representation in boardrooms and executive positions remains limited, and with my background, I aim to be a voice pushing for inclusive hiring practices and diversity in decision-making roles. Using my education, I can make a strong case for the business and ethical value of diversity, showing companies how inclusive policies lead to innovation and long-term success. I also recognize the importance of networking and mentorship. Throughout my career, I intend to create and be part of initiatives that connect Black professionals with opportunities and mentors who can guide them. Education is not just about personal success; it’s about pulling others up with you, and I plan to use my platform to do exactly that. I am an alumnus of some of these programs such as WSDA (Wall Street Diversity Accelerator) and WSB (Wall Street Bound). I intend to become a mentor in these programs once I start making my way in my career. By combining my education with these initiatives, I hope to pave the way for future generations of Black business leaders who can challenge the status quo and contribute to a more equitable and diverse business world.

Something happened when I was 9 that baffled me. My mum decided to buy a loaf of bread instead of 2. We were a pretty big family and 1 loaf of bread had never been enough. I remember being so confused when she gave her reason to be that "the economy is bad." I asked her how she knew that, and she said, "Don't you pay attention when we watch the news? That's what they are saying!" My little head asked a million questions that day, "who are 'they', how did 'they' decide the economy was bad, and why are we taking their word for it?" I knew that day, that I wanted to be 'they' - only that I would deliver news that the economy was better, and everyone would believe me. That was what began my profound interest in economics and the world of global finance. I read so much and started paying attention to the news. It was also around that time that I realized how poor we were. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but appear to know very little about the economic world. With time, I realized that governmental authority may be one of our only real powers as humans. My whole life, I saw people with this power, abuse it in so many ways. Every academic and professional decision I have made since I was 9 has been geared toward molding me into someone who can wield such power and harness it to better my economy. I will gather as much knowledge and understanding as possible about the economic, financial, and social structures of the world. I will develop skills and expertise that can address pressing social and environmental issues facing my community, through research, policy advocacy, and community outreach initiatives. I had a personal project a few years ago, where I analyzed the effects of global policies on small-scale economies. Small-scale economies make up large-scale economies, so, the true effect of large-scale policies depends on how it affects small-scale economies. I had the opportunity to present this project at a Women In Business Leadership event last year. I hope to one day be in a position to influence the policies that affect small and large-scale economies alike. In a nutshell, I want my life and career to inspire positive economic change and inspire people to take the steps necessary to implement those changes. My journey through education has been marked by the challenges posed by my financial situation. My parents are very poor and have taken out so many loans, that any more would take away the roof from over their heads. However, these obstacles have only fueled my determination to succeed and make a meaningful impact on society. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden that has impeded my academic pursuits and serve as a catalyst for achieving my dream of becoming a leader in my field. Thank you!

As an international student from Nigeria, my identity is deeply rooted in my experiences growing up in a region that is both diverse and underrepresented/misrepresented on the global stage. Coming from a continent that often faces economic and social challenges, my journey has been shaped by the complexities of these circumstances, as well as the richness of African culture and resilience. Studying economics and international finance, I have a clear vision of how my background influences my academic path and how it will continue to impact my future. Growing up in Africa, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in wealth distribution, limited access to resources, and the impact of global financial policies on developing nations. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but seem to know little about the economic world. From a young age, I understood already how that fractured my country. I fully decided Economics was what I would study on a random Tuesday when I was 9. My mum bought 1 loaf of bread instead of 2 because “Dollar was rising.” I wanted to understand what that was all about. These experiences and many others have fueled my desire to understand economics and finance at a deeper level so that I can contribute meaningfully to solving these challenges both within Africa and globally. The obstacles I have faced, such as limited educational opportunities, have made me even more determined to succeed. Access to quality education in many African countries can be a privilege rather than a right, and overcoming these barriers has taught me the value of perseverance and resourcefulness. My journey as an international student is a testament to the aspirations of many young Africans who strive to make a difference despite facing systemic obstacles. It is this understanding that drives me to not only pursue a career in international finance but also to advocate for equitable economic development that benefits marginalized communities. In the future, I aim to leverage my education and professional career to bridge the gap between developing and developed nations, particularly focusing on policies that promote sustainable economic growth in Africa. I believe that by understanding the financial systems that govern global markets, I can contribute to creating more inclusive financial policies that uplift underrepresented populations. My background, while often seen as a challenge, is my greatest strength, and it gives me the determination and outlook to challenge the status quo and work toward a more equitable global economy. As I continue my academic journey, I recognize that my identity as an African student in economics and international finance is a significant asset. It allows me to bring a unique voice to discussions about global finance, especially as they relate to developing nations. I am committed to using this platform to advocate for policies that are not only economically sound but also socially just. I will help build a future where economic opportunity is not determined by geography, but by potential.

Adversity is a state or instance of serious and continued difficulty. My name is Ore and unfortunately, I know what adversity means. From that, I have also come to learn what resilience means - the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, and maintain psychological well-being in the face of adversity. My name is Ore. I’m a 19-year-old international student from Nigeria majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. When I decided to leave my country, family, and everything I knew, I had already been in a Nigerian University for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school; I had to leave. Coming to America was tough and life as a teenage immigrant has definitely been tougher. It took a while before I found my people and I struggled a lot. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted, and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. Even when I had no money and ate one meal a day, I couldn’t risk telling anyone in my family because I was afraid it would get back to my mum and trigger her schizophrenic episodes. These struggles lit a spark in me to build a community for international students at my predominantly white university. When I fell ill and struggled to have my health insurance sorted for over a week - I wondered how many other international students faced similar challenges. Motivated to enact change, I scheduled meetings with deans and directors to address this issue. As a result of these discussions and advocacy efforts, plans for a new union dedicated to serving the needs of international students have been set in motion. I am honored to have been selected as the president of this forthcoming union and eager to lead initiatives that will improve the support systems available to international students on campus. Whenever someone thanks me for doing it, I tell them I did it for myself as much as I did for them. The African philosophy of Ubuntu says, “I am because we are.” Dysfunctionality births dysfunctionality until one person steps out and breaks the cycle. That is who I want to be. My adversity showed me how resilient and compassionate I actually am and I am grateful for my experiences and all the people I met along the way. My advice to anyone facing adversity now is to remember that it doesn’t last forever. Keeping that in mind, do not be afraid to accept offers of help from others, and don’t ever think you are not in a position to offer help to others. The journey out of adversity is even more fulfilling when it turns out you helped other people despite your own struggles.

I’m a 20-year-old International student from Nigeria majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. When I decided to leave Nigeria, I had been at the University of Lagos for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school. I had to leave. I've been in the US since January 2023, and haven’t seen any of my family members since then. I started applying to schools abroad without telling anybody. It wasn’t until I got into about 5 schools that I made my parents aware. They were proud of me but concerned because we couldn’t afford it. I am the last child and only girl in my family. I guess they decided if they were going to pour all their resources into anyone, it might as well be me. My mother depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. Coming to America was tough and life as a teenage immigrant has been tougher. I struggled in silence for a long time. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted, and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. When I had no money and ate one meal a day, I couldn’t risk telling anyone in my family because I was afraid it would get back to my mum and trigger her anxiety and schizophrenic episodes. Out of those struggles, I grew and evolved into who I am today. I am surprised by my strength and potential for community building because my way out of that depressive phase was by taking steps to help those like me. Last Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch for 18 international students like me from universities in the area who had nowhere to go for the break. They were mostly freshmen who had come to America that summer. I cooked Nigerian meals and we sat on the floor of my dorm talking about random things. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems. I decided it was what I wanted to do on a random Tuesday when I was 9. My mum bought 1 loaf of bread instead of 2 because “dollar was rising.” I wanted to understand what that was all about. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but seem to know little about the economic world. From a young age, I understood already how that fractured my country. Women like Okonjo-Iweala and Kemi Adeosun, who excelled in the Minister of Finance position despite constantly getting their power undermined by men, were also key players in my career decision. My life’s goal is to contribute positively to society by creating innovative solutions that address pressing economic challenges in underdeveloped and developing countries. My post-graduate plan is to combine my BSc with an MSc, work for about 4 years after, get on my feet, and pay off all the debt my family took out to send me to school. Then go back to school for an MBA in Finance and International policy.

I knew life as an international student would be hard but I had to do it anyways. I am an international student from Lagos, Nigeria and when I left my family and country behind to come to the USA in January, 2023, I had been in the university for almost 2 years but had only completed 1 semester. The education system in my country was getting worse and I needed to leave. All around me, people were dropping out to do other things but school was my plan A and I couldn't afford to drop out. I need to gain knowledge to impact the world in the way that I want to. My goal in life is to contribute positively to society by creating innovative solutions that address pressing economic challenges in underdeveloped and developing countries. In today's fast-paced and complex world, understanding economic trends, mastering data interpretation, and applying financial principles are not just beneficial but essential. These skills empower individuals, organizations, and governments to navigate uncertainty, drive informed decision-making, and foster sustainable growth. I started applying to schools in America without telling anyone in my family and I didn't tell anyone until I got accepted into 4 schools. My parents fought tooth and nail to get me where I am today. I have struggled in this country with no family or health insurance, working 2 or more jobs. Knowing that my hard work will eventually pay off and I can impact the world in the way that I'm trying to, keeps me going and stops me from giving up.

The last time I felt empowered was when I was empowering others. One of my favorite musicians, Davido, has a famous quote that goes “We rise by lifting others.” While many may think this statement has a selfish spin to it, I think it’s rather selfless. How much power can you really say you have if the people around you are not empowered? No man is an island and we should always do our best to empower others. It’s important because if we want to see good in the world, we should be harbingers of good ourselves. Coming to America was tough but life as a teenage immigrant has been tougher. It took a while before I found friends and I struggled a lot. I couldn’t discuss these struggles with my mum because she battles severe anxiety from time to time and I didn’t want her to be worried about me. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. The struggles I faced lit a spark in me. I recognized that the needs of international students were not always promptly addressed. When I fell ill and struggled to have my health insurance sorted for over a week - I wondered how many other international students faced similar challenges. Motivated to enact change, I scheduled meetings with deans and directors to address this issue. As a result of these discussions and advocacy efforts, plans for a new union dedicated to serving the needs of international students have been set in motion. I am honored to have been selected as the president of this forthcoming union and eager to lead initiatives that will improve the support systems available to international students on campus. Last Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch for 18 international students like me from 3 universities in the area who had nowhere to go for the break. They were mostly freshmen who had come to America that summer. I cooked African meals, and we sat on the floor of my common area talking about the things that brought us together, the things that made us happy, and the things that made us terrified. I wanted to do my best to let them know they were not alone. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems. On a random Tuesday, when I was 9, my mum stopped buying 2 loaves of bread and started buying one. I was so confused when she gave her reason to be that some guy on the news said the economy would soon get worse because of something that happened with Saudi Arabia, on a different continent. My goal in life is to contribute positively to society by creating innovative solutions that address pressing economic challenges in underdeveloped and developing countries. In today's fast-paced and complex world, understanding economic trends, mastering data interpretation, and applying financial principles are not just beneficial but essential. These skills empower individuals, organizations, and governments to navigate uncertainty, drive informed decision-making, and foster sustainable growth. I want my life to represent positive change and to inspire people to take the necessary steps to make those changes.

I’m a 19-year-old International student from Nigeria majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. When I decided to leave Nigeria, I had been at the University of Lagos for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school. I had to leave. I've been in the US since January 2023, and haven’t seen any of my family members since then. I started applying to schools abroad without telling anybody. It wasn’t until I got into about 5 schools that I made my parents aware. They were proud of me but concerned because we couldn’t afford it. I am the last child and only girl in my family. I guess they decided if they were going to pour all their resources into anyone, it might as well be me. My mother depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. Coming to America was tough and life as a teenage immigrant has been tougher. I struggled in silence for a long time. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted, and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. When I had no money and ate one meal a day, I couldn’t risk telling anyone in my family because I was afraid it would get back to my mum and trigger her schizophrenic episodes. Out of those struggles, I grew and evolved into who I am today. I am surprised by my strength and potential for community building because my way out of that depressive phase was by taking steps to help those like me. Last Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch for 18 international students like me from universities in the area who had nowhere to go for the break. They were mostly freshmen who had come to America that summer. I cooked Nigerian meals and we sat on the floor of my dorm talking about random things. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems. I decided it was what I wanted to do on a random Tuesday when I was 9; my mum bought 1 loaf of bread instead of 2 because “dollar was rising.” I wanted to understand what that was all about. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but seem to know little about the economic world. From a young age, I understood already how that fractured my country. Women like Okonjo-Iweala and Kemi Adeosun, who excelled in the Minister of Finance position despite constantly getting their power undermined by men, were also key players in my career decision. My life’s goal is to contribute positively to society by creating innovative solutions that address pressing economic challenges in underdeveloped and developing countries. My post-graduate plan is to combine my BSc with an MSc, work for about 4 years after, get on my feet, and pay off all the debt my family took out to send me to school. Then go back to school for an MBA in Finance and International policy.

Adversity is a state or instance of serious and continued difficulty. My name is Ore and unfortunately, I know what adversity means. From that, I have also come to learn what resilience means - the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, and maintain psychological well-being in the face of adversity. My name is Ore. I’m a 19-year-old international student from Nigeria majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. When I decided to leave my country, family, and everything I knew, I had already been in a Nigerian University for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school; I had to leave. Coming to America was tough and life as a teenage immigrant has definitely been tougher. It took a while before I found my people and I struggled a lot. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted, and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. Even when I had no money and ate one meal a day, I couldn’t risk telling anyone in my family because I was afraid it would get back to my mum and trigger her schizophrenic episodes. These struggles lit a spark in me to build a community for international students at my predominantly white university. When I fell ill and struggled to have my health insurance sorted for over a week - I wondered how many other international students faced similar challenges. Motivated to enact change, I scheduled meetings with deans and directors to address this issue. As a result of these discussions and advocacy efforts, plans for a new union dedicated to serving the needs of international students have been set in motion. I am honored to have been selected as the president of this forthcoming union and eager to lead initiatives that will improve the support systems available to international students on campus. Whenever someone thanks me for doing it, I tell them I did it for myself as much as I did for them. The African philosophy of Ubuntu says, “I am because we are.” Dysfunctionality births dysfunctionality until one person steps out and breaks the cycle. That is who I want to be. My adversity showed me how resilient and compassionate I am and I'm grateful for my experiences and all the people I met along the way. My advice to anyone facing adversity now is to remember that it doesn’t last forever. Keeping that in mind, do not be afraid to accept offers of help from others, and don’t ever think you are not in a position to offer it to others. The journey out of adversity is even more fulfilling when it turns out you helped other people despite your own struggles. Thank you for this opportunity!

My siblings and I used to ask each other when we were younger; If you could choose any job or career to do for the rest of your life, and money was not a determining factor, what would you pick? And every time I had the same answer, I would be a tourist. I didn't even have to think about it twice. If money were not a problem, I would explore 24 countries each year going to 2 countries every month. I would immerse myself in different cultures, music, foods, and folklore; I'd be a citizen of the world! I'd start from Africa because it's home, and then make my way across all the other continents. I wanted to see how each trip would change and modify my perception and understanding of my own home and the rest of the world. It fascinates me how several cultures have different versions of the same story. Travel has a remarkable capacity to shape and transform individuals in profound ways. It transcends mere sightseeing or vacationing; it is an immersive journey that opens doors to new cultures, perspectives, and environments, fostering personal growth and development. My first conscious experience with travel that I can remember was when I was 12. We had a school trip to the Whispering Palms in Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria. To provide context, Badagry is the ancient town where the transatlantic slave trade commenced. In 1473, a Portuguese merchant named Ferman Gomez initiated the slave trade by selling slaves to Europe through the port of Badagry. Our teachers took us to see the Badagry Heritage Museum, and it was on that day that I truly grasped the profound impact of slavery and colonization on African civilization. I distinctly remember seeing chains from the 15th century and struggling to accept that they were designed for human necks. A 20-minute ride across the sea took us to Benin Republic, a neighboring country. Here, we went to the Bronze Arc in Ouidah, Benin. This was the place that the slaves at that time referred to as the "point of no return." If the slave traders were able to get you past this Arc, you could as well kiss your freedom goodbye. Ever since that day, I have wanted to see the depiction of slavery in the museums of other countries. In April, I had the opportunity to go to the African American Museum of History and Culture in DC and it felt like a continuation of the story that had ended at the Bronze Arc in Benin. I cried as I learned about the lives of the people who passed the point of no return. Next, I want to see Olympus, Greece; the home of Greek Mythology. I have read about it my whole life and going to Olympus is like fulfilling the wishes of my inner child. Traveling is so significant because it is not merely about the places we visit but the profound impact they have on our hearts and minds.

Hello, my name is Ore. I’m a 19-year-old international student, majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 in pursuit of a better education. The struggles I faced as an international student lit a spark in me. I recognized that the needs of international students were not always promptly addressed. When I fell ill and struggled to have my health insurance sorted for over a week - I wondered how many other international students faced similar challenges. Motivated to enact change, I scheduled meetings with deans and directors to address this issue. As a result of these discussions and advocacy efforts, plans for a new union dedicated to serving the needs of international students have been set in motion. I am honored to have been selected as the president of this forthcoming union and eager to lead initiatives that will improve the support systems available to international students on campus. Last Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch for 18 international students like me from 3 universities in the area who had nowhere to go for the break. They were mostly freshmen who had come to America that summer. I cooked African meals, and we sat on the floor of my common area talking about the things that brought us together, the things that made us happy, and the things that made us terrified. I wanted to do my best to let them know they were not alone. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. Since moving to America and joining my school, I've had numerous opportunities to actively engage with its community. I serve as a member of both the student government body and the Green Club, where I contribute to initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental awareness. Additionally, I'm part of a new campus team called SOAR (Serving, Organizing, Advocating, and Reflecting). With SOAR, I've participated in two impactful programs: The Big Event, a day of service at over 15 locations in the Huntsville area, and the Swap Shop, where students donated clothes and had the opportunity to 'shop for free.' Any remaining clothing was donated to the Salvation Army. This summer, I had the opportunity to work with an investment firm whose philosophy is centered around driving a more sustainable economy. After this experience, I can categorically say that climate change – and the lack of awareness of it, is the biggest issue in society today. Many people may have heard the terms ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’ but there is still a gap in the awareness and understanding of the threat that climate change poses for our planet. Research shows that while there is a general awareness of climate change, the understanding of its gravity and urgency may not be fully realized by the public. This underscores the need for continued education and communication about the impacts and risks of climate change as well as what we can do personally and collectively to help As individuals, we must educate ourselves, pay attention to the changes in our ecosystem, and make sustainable life choices concerning our diet and transportation. How we invest our money matters. Our ecosystem is an asset and climate change is an asset management problem. I hope to bring awareness of this in my community and to all those around me

My greatest achievement is daring to dream. Growing up in a third-world country, you hear about universities like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford but never really think you can make it there. For a time, I gave into that narrative and believed there wasn’t a way for me to get the education I so desperately wanted. My name is Ore, I’m a 19-year-old international student from Nigeria, majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 in pursuit of a better education. I graduated high school at the age of 16 and was ready to take in all the world had to teach me about Economics and global finance. Unfortunately, things didn’t go that way. When I decided to leave my country, family, and everything I knew, I had already been in the university for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. The flow of education in my country was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school; I had to leave. I did my research and started applying to schools in America without telling anyone. I knew that I would be discouraged and for good reasons, too. I come from an average family in Nigeria which translates to a very poor country in America. My mum was getting sick more often, too. She suffers from severe anxiety and gets schizophrenic from time to time. She went undiagnosed for a very long time and my family was constantly recovering from her episodes. It wasn’t until I got into about 5 schools that I told my parents about it. They were happy and proud but considerably worried because we couldn’t afford it. All the thoughts I had about being perceived as selfish by my family melted away when my mother told me she would close her pension fund to pay for my first semester. I had a dream and she was going to stand by me till it was fulfilled. Getting my visa approved taught me how much of a tenacious quick-thinker I am. The consul who interviewed me decided against approving my visa because she didn’t think I would make it to school in time for my first day of classes. These interviews lasted 5 minutes or less, and once you missed your chance, it was over. That was 8am in Nigeria and 1am in Alabama where my would-be school was located. I knew there would be no one in school to attend to me even if I called so I asked the embassy if they could give me a slip permitting me back into the embassy, the next day. This wasn’t a normal thing, but they made one for me – the consul looked amused. I went home and emailed every official on my school's website explaining my situation. I left voicemails and messages saying I needed help. When they asked what they could do, I attached a draft of a letter saying my school would accept me even if I resumed a week late and asked if they would put their signature on it and send it to the American embassy before I went back the next day. I don’t know how many people signed it but when I got to the embassy the next day, they had decided to not only approve but expedite my visa so I could make it for the first day of class. That experience taught me how to fight for my needs. Last semester, I went sick without health insurance for over a week. When I got better, I lobbied and advocated for better conditions for international students until an association dedicated to catering to our needs was established. In a world where dreams are often constrained by circumstance, I stand as a beacon of hope. I dared to dream that I could do what most considered impossible for “someone like me.” My love for education and belief in the power of diligence and determination brought me to where I am today. My path has been marked by resilience, unwavering commitment, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge. Again, I dare to dream of being a world-renowned economist who advocates for policies that will turn economies around for good. I want my life to inspire positive economic change, and inspire people to take the necessary steps to implement those changes on small AND large scales.

When I was growing up, no one talked about their mental health. That’s how it is in most African societies. As long as you’re not locked up in an institution or roaming the streets without a clue what you’re doing, there is “nothing wrong with your mental health.” I was very young when I realized how dysfunctional that was. In secondary school, back in Nigeria, I wrote random essays about my thoughts but kept them private. One of my essays was titled “I’m mentally stable or at least I think I am.” In this essay, I talked about how the man living down my street was probably bipolar and not tormented by evil spirits as people said; the rich man’s wife who was never happy was not ‘ungrateful’ and was perhaps going through a depressive phase; and the little boy who everyone labeled stubborn and restless, was probably on the ADHD spectrum. I was 13. Many years later, my mom’s younger sister found the book where I wrote those things and encouraged me to have that particular essay published. I think she knew how much I suffered quietly but didn’t know how to help me. I’m glad I listened to her because the first blog I reached out to, Ayanfe, published my essay the next week. I was happy to see a lot of comments agreeing with me. At the very least, I thought, the next generation of Africans would not go around mislabeling people struggling with mental health issues. My mother suffers from severe anxiety and she went most of her life without a diagnosis. She would have these violent schizophrenia-like episodes, that doctors we could afford couldn’t explain, and those lasted about 2 weeks. Apparently, she gave birth to me during one of those episodes. Nobody in my family ever talked about my mum’s issues the way they needed to be talked about. We would always pray, restrict her from leaving the house, and keep all the sharp objects locked away. When I was younger, my dad shielded me from a lot of the ugly stuff but it was hard to hide. One day I woke up in the middle of the night and found my mum on the floor in the corridor sitting in her poop and hitting her head on the wall repeatedly. My brother and I carried her to the bathroom to clean her up. I cried quietly throughout the day. The funny thing about these episodes is that once they were over, she would get better, go back to work, and have no recollection of the weeks that passed. All she knew was that she was sick and we nursed her back to health. My dad always said not to talk about it once she got better. And then we would go over two years without another. Because we didn’t know much about my mom’s sickness, I nursed a fear that it was hereditary. I did a lot of personal research into whatever could have caused my mum’s sickness. I know her mum died when she was young and she had to take care of a lot of things for her siblings because her father was a polygamous drunk. I guessed that was the beginning of her anxiety. Whatever the opposite of anxiety was, I wanted that. I never thought about things outside my control and protected my peace a little too severely. As a result, I developed low blood pressure. I was 16 when my hypotension was confirmed. My blood pressure was about 83/57 when I was active and about, and even lower in the mornings. I didn’t care, as long as I was as far away from my mum’s illness as possible. My brother had his first schizophrenic episode in 2019. I was in boarding school at the time, so my family kept it from me. When it happened again in 2021, I was there to witness it. It was so subtle and sudden. I didn’t catch the signs because I didn’t know to look out for them. I was a mess but couldn’t show it because I had to take care of him while my parents and eldest brother were at work. Being an international student far from home, I sometimes feel guilty for leaving them. My mum has had one episode since I moved to America in 2023 and I called home every day to check up on her. The process of coming to America was tough and life as a teenage immigrant has definitely been tougher. It took a while before I found my people and I struggled a lot. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. Even when I had no money and ate one meal a day, I couldn’t risk telling anyone in my family because I was afraid it would get back to my mum and trigger her anxiety. These struggles lit a spark in me to build a community for international students at my predominantly white university. Whenever someone thanks me for doing it, I let them know that I did it for myself as much as I did it for them. The African philosophy of Ubuntu says, “I am because we are.” Dysfunctionality births dysfunctionality until one person steps out and breaks the cycle. That is who I want to be. I will continue to use my voice to advocate for the sensitization and destigmatization of mental health issues in communities all around the world.

I am an immigrant. My experience as a teenage immigrant has been somewhat different from that of the child or grandchild of an immigrant in the sense that I had to grow up very fast. My name is Ore, I’m a 19-year-old international student from Nigeria, majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 in pursuit of a better education. When I decided to leave my country, family, and everything I knew, I had already been in the university for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school; I had to leave. Life as an immigrant has been tough and I have had to be tougher. My parents are poor by American standards and the only reason they let me move here was because I said I would take care of myself. In my family, I’m the big dreamer; the one who dares. It took a while before I found my people and I struggled a lot. I couldn’t discuss these struggles with my mum because she battles severe anxiety from time to time and I didn’t want her to be worried about me. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. There were days I cried throughout because I was tired of working 2 jobs to take care of myself. In all this, I couldn’t quit. So many people are banking on my success, and I cannot afford to let them down. The struggles I faced lit a spark in me. When I fell ill and had no insurance, I recognized that the needs of international students were not always promptly addressed - I wondered how many other international students faced similar challenges. When I got better, I met with directors and deans and advocated for better conditions for international students. A new union dedicated to serving the needs of international students has been set in motion and I am honored to have been chosen as the president. If I could walk in someone’s shoes for a day, it would be the president of a country, maybe the USA. As an economics major, this opportunity would allow me to gain invaluable insights into the intersection of economic policy and governance, understanding how decisions made at the highest level impact millions of lives. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems. I have always been fascinated by such things, even as a child. I knew I wanted to be an economist at the age of 9. I have a personal project where I analyze the effects of global policies on small-scale economies. Small-scale economies make up large-scale economies, so, the true effect of large-scale policies depends on how it affects small-scale economies. People often tell me that my dreams are too big or that wanting to impact change on such a large economic scale is only a phase I will grow out of but I don’t think so. Every academic and career decision I have made has been geared toward molding me into someone who can yield economic or governmental power for the greater good and I definitely will.

Ms. Eleanor was unto something when she said 4 ingredients were necessary to achieve positive educational outcomes. Support, access, funding, and drive. At various points in my life, I have lacked one or more of these things but one has always been present: Drive. Even when I battled with my self-image, my drive and ambition saw me through. My name is Ore. I’m a 19-year-old international student majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. When I decided to leave my country and everything I knew, I had already been in a Nigerian University for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school; I had to leave. I started applying to schools abroad without telling anyone. It wasn’t until I got into about 5 schools that I made my parents aware. They were proud of me but reasonably concerned because we were poor. I am the last child and only girl in my family. I guess they decided if they were going to pour all their resources into anyone, it might as well be me. My mother literally depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. I started classes in January 2023 and was just grateful to be there. But as the months passed, many strange feelings began to creep in. I questioned myself in ways I never had before. Adjusting to a new country on your own, as a teenager, is challenging physically, financially, and emotionally. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. I couldn’t discuss these struggles with my mum because she battles severe anxiety from time to time and I didn’t want her to be worried about me. I had access to the education I so desperately wanted but I had lost my support system in the process. My journey out of that hole was one of growth and self-discovery. I built my support system by creating support for others. After the debacle with my health insurance, I wondered how many other international students faced similar challenges. As a result of many meetings and advocacy efforts, a new union for international students was announced and I am honored to have been elected the first president. Last Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch for 18 girls who were international students like me and had nowhere to go for the break. They were from 3 different universities in the area and were glad to come as many of them had gotten to America that summer and didn’t know many people. We sat on the floor of my common area, ate, and talked about the things that brought us together, the things that made us happy, and the things that made us terrified. I wanted to do my best to let them know they were not alone. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. Of all 4 ingredients, funding is the only one I still lack. I am faced with the possibility of being asked to withdraw from the University next fall. This scholarship will enable me to keep everything I have worked for. Thank you for the opportunity!

The story of my life has taught me not to fear adversity because what doesn’t kill you, can definitely make you stronger. My first semester at my current university was a lot for me. I thought I was strong; I thought I could handle it, after all, I had fought tooth and nail to be there. My name is Ore. I’m a 19-year-old international student from Nigeria majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. When I decided to leave my country and everything I knew, I had already been in a Nigerian University for 16 months but only completed 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school; I had to leave. I started applying to schools abroad without telling anyone. It wasn’t until I got into about 5 schools that I made my parents aware. They were proud of me but reasonably concerned because we were poor. I am the last child and only girl in my family. I guess they decided if they were going to pour all their resources into anyone, it might as well be me. My mother literally depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. I started classes in January 2023 and was just grateful to be there. But as the months passed, many strange feelings began to creep in. I questioned myself in ways I never had before. Adjusting to a new country on your own, as a teenager, is challenging physically, financially, and emotionally. It took a while before I found my people and I struggled a lot. I couldn’t discuss these struggles with my mum because she battles severe anxiety from time to time and I didn’t want her to be worried about me. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. The littlest things sent me into a spiral. One of the dinner ladies at the cafeteria couldn’t understand my accent; it made me sad for days. It was less about that particular interaction and more about what it meant. I felt like a fish on dry land a lot of the time. I’m glad that out of those struggles, I grew and evolved into the person I am today. I was able to carve a support system in my community. My church was my support system. I found so many other people like me. I even ran into someone who attended the same high school as me in Nigeria. On my first day at the church, I was overwhelmed in the best way possible. I got to my dorm and called my mum to tell her all about it. They took care of me, let me stay at their houses over Christmas, and drove me to Walmart whenever I needed to go. The struggles I faced lit a spark in me. I recognized that the needs of international students were not always promptly addressed. When I fell ill and struggled to have my health insurance sorted for over a week - I wondered how many other international students faced similar challenges. Motivated to enact change, I scheduled meetings with deans and directors to address this issue. As a result of these discussions and advocacy efforts, plans for a new union dedicated to serving the needs of international students have been set in motion. I am honored to have been selected as the president of this forthcoming union and eager to lead initiatives that will improve the support systems available to international students on campus. Last Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch for 18 international students like me from universities in the area who had nowhere to go for the break. They were mostly freshmen who had come to America that summer. I cooked African meals, and we sat on the floor of my common area talking about the things that brought us together, the things that made us happy, and the things that made us terrified. We sat on the floor of my common area and talked about the things that brought us together, the things that made us happy, and the things that made us terrified. I wanted to do my best to let them know they were not alone. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. Adversity is mostly caused by factors that we cannot control. I find that the easiest way through is to focus on the factors we can control. In my case, I found my people. Walking with someone can make even the darkest tunnel seem less daunting.

My name is Ore. I’m a 19-year-old International student from Nigeria majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. My interests include reading, basketball, violin, music, running, movies, etc. I believe pursuing as many of your interests as possible gives you a full life. I have been in the US since January 2023, and haven’t seen any of my family members since then. Getting my visa approved seemed like a ‘freak miracle’; because it happened out of nowhere. When I decided to leave Nigeria, I had been at the University of Lagos for 16 months but only completed one semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union and another by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school. I had to leave. I took the SATs in secondary school, so, I started applying to schools abroad without telling anybody. It wasn’t until I got into about 5 schools that I made my parents aware. They were proud of me but reasonably concerned because we couldn’t afford it. I am the last child and only girl in my family. I guess they decided if they were going to pour all their resources into anyone, it might as well be me. My mother basically depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. I am currently looking into transferring to a cheaper university. Life as an international student has definitely been tough, especially in a predominantly white institution. It took a while before I found my people and I struggled a lot. I couldn’t discuss these struggles with my mum because she battles severe anxiety from time to time and I didn’t want her to be worried about me. I was met with various culture shocks and felt lost all the time. It took months before I got my health insurance sorted and I went sick without treatment many times. I would stand in front of my mirror and question if I even deserved to be there. I’m glad that out of those struggles, I grew and evolved into the person I am today. I have definitely surprised myself by how strong I am and the potential I have for community building. Last Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch for 18 international students like me from universities in the area who had nowhere to go for the break. They were mostly freshmen who had come to America that summer. I cooked Nigerian meals and we sat on the floor of my dorm singing rhymes we all marched to in primary school. My most fulfilling experience of 2023, was creating a temporary home for people whose real homes are 8000 miles away. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems. I decided it was what I wanted to do on a random Tuesday when I was 9; my mum bought 1 loaf of bread instead of 2 because “dollar was rising.” I wanted to understand what that was all about. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but seem to know little about the economic world. From a young age, I understood already how that fractured my country. My life’s goal is to contribute positively to society by creating innovative solutions that address pressing economic challenges in underdeveloped and developing countries.

The funny thing about being an entrepreneur in college is that you are most likely the labor and the capital too. Staying ahead of your school work is the best way to go, so you have enough time to be all three for your business. My name is Ore, I’m a 19-year-old international student majoring in Economics and Data Analytics. I have been braiding hair since I was 15. I come from a low-income family and the only way I can realistically finish college is by working part-time to cover the tuition. Being an international student, I do not qualify for many loans and financial aid opportunities. I work part-time as an administrative and events coordinator for a department on campus, while also being a part-time braider. As a braider in college, your schedule is not as predictable and organized as you may prefer. You could get calls from clients on Saturday morning begging if they can be squeezed in before Monday, and you’d have to take it because those appointments make you the most money. I have learned to complete assignments as early as possible, so, I can make appointments with clients whenever they need my help. Thankfully, I enjoy braiding hair. I enjoy taking care of hair and making sure hair is treated with love and understanding because that is how I grew up seeing hair. Growing up, I learned so many organic and nutritious techniques for taking care of hair from the elderly people around me, and I hope to pass it on for generations. I want to create a haircare line made without harmful chemicals that would cater to all hair types from 1a to 4c, and all the combinations in between. I want my brand to cater to diseases plaguing women's and men’s hair. I learned from my grand aunt that silk is the best material for hair. Its smooth texture, moisture retention, hypoallergenic nature, and anti-frizz benefits contribute to healthier, shinier, and more manageable hair. My line will also curate silk packages for hair care - sheets, pillowcases, hair wraps, bonnets, scrunchies, and hair ties all made from ‘“the best material for hair.” Despite having busy schedule with work and class, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in my campus community at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I am a member of the student government body and the Green Club. I joined a team on campus called SOAR (Serving, Organizing, Advocating, and Reflecting). With SOAR, I participated in 2 impactful programs: The Big Event, a day of service at 15+ service locations throughout the Huntsville area, and the Swap Shop, where students donated clothes and “shopped for free.” The leftover clothes were donated to the Salvation Army. Beyond the campus, I’m a part of the WomenInTech Huntsville‘s Operations team. I volunteer with the Food Bank of North Alabama 3 times a month, and the Women in Economic Development Council (WEDC) through a program called IMMERSE. On Sundays, I teach ages 6-9 at Sunday school in my local church. During Thanksgiving, I hosted a lunch in my dorm room for 18 girls from 3 universities in Huntsville who were international students like me and had nowhere to go for the break. My most fulfilling experience in 2023 was creating a temporary home for girls whose real homes were 8000 miles away.

Hello, my name is Ore and I am an international student from Nigeria. I am majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. I love to crochet, read, and play the violin. I enjoy spending time with my friends and making conscious efforts to create a community for international students around me. My goal in life is to be the first female Central Bank Governor in Nigeria and hopefully build a career in governance and politics. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but know little about the economic world. For the longest time, I tried to understand why women are deemed the inferior subspecies. The few women in my country who have held positions of power, such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Kemi Adeosun, have done exceptionally well despite having their positions sometimes undermined by men in power. I have come to realize that governmental authority may be the only real superpower that humans have. My whole life, I have seen people who have this power, abuse it in so many ways. Every academic and professional decision I have made since I was 12 has been geared toward molding me into someone who can wield such a superpower and harness it to better my economy. I will gather as much knowledge and understanding as possible about the world's economic, financial, and social structures. I will develop skills and expertise that can address pressing social and environmental issues facing my community, through research, policy advocacy, and community outreach initiatives. I want to develop strategies that will turn underdeveloped economies around for good. I have a personal project where I analyze the effect of global policies on small-scale economies, because small-scale economies make up large-scale economies, so, the true effect of large-scale policies depends on how it affects small-scale economies. In a nutshell, I want my life to inspire positive economic change and inspire people to take the steps to implement those changes. As a leader and pioneer in multiple clubs and associations in my school, I have been able to build a sense of social responsibility and commitment to my community. My father used to say to me, “Train a girl child, train a nation.” I am fortunate that I grew up with parents who emptied their bank accounts to ensure their only daughter was educated. Unfortunately, not every girl grew up with that. Just this week, the speaker of a State House of Assembly in Nigeria disclosed that 100 female orphans who lost their parents in banditry attacks will “have dowries provided for them and be given out in marriage this month.” In 2024, this is how some people in power still regard women as property to be bought and sold. There was no effort to educate or grant these young girls some form of autonomy over their lives, but it should not be so. I know that most parties in a developing or underdeveloped economy suffer to some degree but I believe that the women in these countries are put through some of the most dehumanizing trials ever. I will continue to use my voice on whatever scale I can, to advocate for the rights and education of the girl child because I believe that they are the agents of change that we need in the future and we deserve better.

Hello, my name is Ore. I'm an international student from Nigeria. I am majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. My goal in life is to be the first female Central Bank Governor in Nigeria and receiving this scholarship will help me achieve that goal. I will pay this forward by continuing to use my voice on whatever scale I can, to advocate for the rights and education of the girl child because I believe that they are the agents of change that we need in the future. After graduating from secondary school during COVID-19, I faced one challenge after the other. I was admitted into the University of Lagos, Nigeria almost immediately after graduation, which is no easy feat. Because of the backlog from COVID-19, it took a year before I resumed. Since my set was scheduled to start classes in November 2021, the university decided to merge my set with the 2021 graduating class. Because of that, they had to drop some of their previously admitted students. I made it through that process and started my classes in the Economics program in 2021. After a few months, the Academic Staff Union went on an 8-month-long strike and schools were shut down. My decision to leave my country, friends, and family behind to come to America on my own was not an easy one. I had to leave because I could feel my goals and dreams being truncated. Growing up in Nigeria and witnessing firsthand, the effects of economic instability and political mismanagement influenced my desire to make a difference. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global economic systems. I want to effect positive change in my home country and beyond. I could not see myself achieving those dreams if I continued in my university back home. I took matters into my own hands and started applying to schools in America without telling anyone. It wasn't until after I got into about five schools that I brought my parents into it. They were very proud of me, but there was some hesitancy because none of the schools had offered me a full-ride scholarship. I could understand their hesitancy as we were not rich. I convinced them to allow me to go to the school that offered me the most money, and I would get as many scholarships as possible, to cover the rest. My mother depleted her pension fund to pay for my first year. That was only the first of the difficulties I faced coming to America. Getting my student visa approved only a week before classes started was a feat I had to surmount with calmness and resilience. My Visa was denied because the consulate at the embassy believed I would not be able to make it to school in time for the beginning of the semester. I called every phone number on my school's website and left a message directing them on how to contact the US embassy to get them to issue my Visa, anyway. This was not protocol but I had to think fast and remain level-headed if I was going to cross this hurdle. It worked. It is with this tenacity that I have tackled every hurdle that has come my way since I stepped off that plane on the 12th of January 2023. Thank you for this opportunity to help girls pay for higher education and thank you for reading my story.

We are a product of our environment. I don't believe that people are born with an innate purpose to be doctors, lawyers, or engineers. I believe the things we see, hear, and experience shape what we think our purpose is. I don't have much, but I count myself lucky in one way: I know what I want to do with my life. When I was 9, my mum brought a loaf of bread home. My family always ate 2 loaves of bread, so she always bought 2 loaves of bread, but this day, she bought 1. I remember being so confused when she gave her reason to be that "the economy is bad." I asked her how she knew that, and she said, "Don't you watch the news? That's what they are saying!" My little head asked a million questions that day, "who are 'they', how did 'they' decide the economy was bad, why are we taking their word for it?" I knew that day that I wanted to be 'they' - only that I would deliver news that the economy was getting better and everyone would believe me. As years passed, 'they' delivered more bad news, and the economy got worse. This started to affect so many other things in my country, such as education. By the time I decided to leave Nigeria, I had been in the university for 16 months but was only able to complete 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union, and then another strike by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school. I had to leave. When I was 18, I moved to America by myself to start university all over again, majoring in the same course, Economics. This was not an easy move, but I am grateful that my parents believed in me; My mother depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. And even now she sinks into more and more debt to keep up, as the value of the naira keeps falling against the dollar, so that I will not be asked to withdraw from my school. I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but know little about the economic world. I have come to realize that governmental authority may be the only real superpower that humans have. My whole life, I have seen people who have this power, abuse it in so many ways. Every academic and professional decision I have made has been geared toward molding me into someone who can wield such a superpower and harness it to better my economy. I will gather as much knowledge and understanding as possible about the world’s economic, financial, and social structures. I want to develop skills and expertise that can address pressing social and environmental issues facing my community, through research, policy advocacy, and community outreach initiatives. I have a personal project where I analyze the effect of global policies on small-scale economies, because small-scale economies make up large-scale economies, so, the true effect of large-scale policies depends on how it affects small-scale economies. In a nutshell, I want my life to inspire positive economic change and inspire people to take the steps to implement those changes. I want to develop policies and strategies that can turn underdeveloped economies around for good.

Something I discovered at a young age is that you get better at something if you teach it to someone else. Personal development is vital, but you cannot truly have a transformative impact by keeping to yourself. I attended a highly competitive boarding school for the most formative years of my life, ages 10 to 16, and I can say that I thrived by carrying others along. Once I had a firm grasp of any topic or subject we were being taught, I would find someone in my class who hadn’t gotten it yet and explain it to them to the best of my ability. Sometimes, in the process of explaining it to them, I’d get a better understanding of the topic myself. People always wondered how I got perfect scores on tests and exams; my secret was remembering those conversations. Knowledge is like a candle. Lighting another person’s candle with yours doesn't diminish your light – it only illuminates the path forward. I've embraced a dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement, recognizing that my ability to help others be their best is linked to my personal growth. I seek opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, seminars, online courses, and certifications, to expand my skills. I also do not shy away from my interests and have gained skills consequently. For example, I have always wanted to know how to play the violin, so, this spring, I bought one and have been teaching myself using resources on YouTube. I have skills that I have been told are unimportant to my career. The society we live in today has a subtle way of killing curiosity. The older you get, you’re expected to find one thing and dedicate all your time and resources towards being that thing. This, in turn, hinders many people from developing diverse skills that interest them. Society encourages us to kill our interests in fields that aren’t our careers, and I wish it were not so. If you want to learn a new instrument, go ahead! You can be a data scientist and a saxophonist. During the first semester of my sophomore year, I undertook a significant initiative that I am immensely proud of. As a student at a predominantly white institution, I recognized that the needs of international students were not always promptly addressed. This realization struck me when I fell ill and struggled to have my health insurance sorted for over a week - I wondered how many other international students faced similar challenges. Motivated to enact change, I scheduled multiple meetings with deans and directors to address this issue. As a result of these discussions and advocacy efforts, plans for a new union dedicated to serving the needs of international students have been set in motion. I am honored to have been selected as the president of this forthcoming union and eager to lead initiatives that will improve the support systems available to international students on campus. I was honored as one of the top 20 students at my college earlier this year and a piece was published about me. I was told that what made me stand out as a candidate for this award was my love and dedication to creating a community in the midst of whatever challenges I faced. If you would like to read the piece, you can access it via this link: https://www.uah.edu/business/orgs/the-top-20/stories/18516-ore-isola. Thank you!

Hello, my name is Ore and I am an international student from Nigeria. I am majoring in Economics and Data Analytics, with a minor in Finance. I love to crochet, read, and play the violin. I enjoy spending time with my friends and making conscious efforts to create a community for international students around me. My goal in life is to be the first female Central Bank Governor of Nigeria. I come from a low-income family of 5. My family has poured all of their resources into ensuring that I succeed in life. I am so grateful for all their efforts but it is, unfortunately, not enough. I am still in debt to my school and doing all I can to ensure I don't get asked to withdraw. I have applied to over a 100 scholarships with little to no success. Any form of scholarship will help me immensely, and also put my parents' minds at ease. I work a lot and last semester, I had to reduce the hours I dedicated to the clubs and extra-curriculars I love, to work more. Winning this scholarship will take me one step closer to having the college experience I desire. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but appear to know very little about the economic world. For the longest time, I tried to understand why women are deemed the inferior subspecies. The few women in my country who have held positions of power, such as Okonjo Iweala and Kemi Adeosun, have done exceptionally well despite having their positions sometimes undermined by men in power. I have come to realize that governmental authority may be the only real superpower that humans have. My whole life, I have seen people who have this power, abuse it in so many ways. Every academic and professional decision I have made since I was 12 has been geared toward molding me into someone who can wield such a superpower and harness it to better my economy. I will gather as much knowledge and understanding as possible about the economic, financial, and social structures of the world. I will develop skills and expertise that can address pressing social and environmental issues facing my community, through research, policy advocacy, and community outreach initiatives. I have a personal project where I analyze the effect of global policies on small-scale economies, because small-scale economies make up large-scale economies, so, the true effect of large-scale policies depends on how it affects small-scale economies. In a nutshell, I want my life to inspire positive economic change and inspire people to take the steps to implement those changes on small AND large scales. My journey through education has been marked by the challenges posed by my financial situation. However, these obstacles have only fueled my determination to succeed and make a meaningful impact on society. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden that has impeded my academic pursuits and serve as a catalyst for achieving my dream of becoming a leader in my field. Thank you!

Hello, my name is Ore and I am an international student from Nigeria. I am majoring in Economics and Data Analytics with a minor in Finance. I love to crochet, read, and play the violin. I enjoy spending time with my friends and making conscious efforts to create a community for international students around me. My goal in life is to be the first female Central Bank Governor in Nigeria. My decision to pursue a career in Economics is fueled by my dedication to understanding the complexities of global and local economic systems I grew up in a country, run by men who are experts in the game of politics but appear to know very little about the economic world. For the longest time, I tried to understand why women are deemed the inferior subspecies. The few women in my country who have held positions of power, such as Okonjo Iweala and Kemi Adeosun, have done exceptionally well despite having their positions sometimes undermined by men in power. I have come to realize that governmental authority may be the only real superpower that humans have. My whole life, I have seen people who have this power, abuse it in so many ways. Every academic and professional decision I have made since I was 12 has been geared toward molding me into someone who can wield such a superpower and harness it to better my economy. I will gather as much knowledge and understanding as possible about the economic, financial, and social structures of the world. I will develop skills and expertise that can address pressing social and environmental issues facing my community, through research, policy advocacy, and community outreach initiatives. I have a personal project where I analyze the effect of global policies on small-scale economies, because small-scale economies make up large-scale economies, so, the true effect of large-scale policies depends on how it affects small-scale economies. In a nutshell, I want my life to inspire positive economic change and inspire people to take the steps to implement those changes. My father used to say to me, “Train a girl child, train a nation.” I am fortunate that I grew up with a father who would sacrifice himself to ensure his only daughter was educated. Unfortunately, not every girl grew up with that. Just this week, the speaker of a State House of Assembly in Nigeria disclosed that 100 female orphans who lost their parents in banditry attacks will “have dowries provided for them and be given out in marriage this month.” In 2024, this is how some people in power still regard women as property to be bought and sold. There was no effort to educate or grant these young girls some form of autonomy over their lives, but there was money for their dowries. I know that most parties in a developing or underdeveloped economy suffer to some degree but I believe that the women in these countries are put through some of the most dehumanizing trials ever. I will continue to use my voice on whatever scale I can, to advocate for the rights and education of the girl child because I believe that they are the agents of change that we need in the future.

We are a product of our environment. I don't know if I believe that people are born with an innate purpose to be doctors, lawyers, or engineers. I believe that the things we see, hear, and experience shape what we think our purpose is. I don't have much, but I count myself lucky in one way: I know what I want to do with my life. When I was 9, my mum brought a loaf of bread home. My family always ate 2 loaves of bread, so she always bought 2 loaves of bread, but this day, she bought 1. I remember being so confused when she gave her reason to be that "the economy is bad." I asked her how she knew that, and she said, "Don't you watch the news? That's what they are saying!" My little head asked a million questions that day, "who are 'they', how did 'they' decide the economy was bad, why are we taking their word for it?" I knew that day that I wanted to be 'they' - only that I would deliver news that the economy was getting better and everyone would believe me. As years passed, 'they' delivered more bad news, and the economy got worse. This started to affect so many other things in my country, such as education. By the time I decided to leave Nigeria, I had been in the university for 16 months but was only able to complete 1 semester. There had been an 8-month-long strike by the academic staff union, and then another strike by the non-academic staff. The flow of education was being disrupted every year and students were losing interest in school. I had to leave. When I was 18, I moved to America by myself to start university all over again, majoring in the same course, Economics. This was not an easy move, but I am grateful that my parents believed in me; My mother basically depleted her pension fund to pay for my first semester. I grew up in a country, run by people who are experts in the game of politics but appear to know very little about the economic world. I have come to realize that governmental authority may be the only real superpower that humans have. My whole life, I have seen people who have this power, abuse it in so many ways. Every academic and professional decision I have made since I was 12 has been geared toward molding me into someone who can wield such a superpower and harness it to better my economy. I will gather as much knowledge and understanding as possible about the economic, financial, and social structures of the world. I want to develop skills and expertise that can address pressing social and environmental issues facing my community, whether through research, policy advocacy, or community outreach initiatives. I have a personal project where I analyze the effect of global policies on small-scale economies, because small-scale economies make up large-scale economies, so, the true effect of large-scale policies depends on how it affects small-scale economies. In a nutshell, I want my life to inspire positive economic change and inspire people to take the steps to implement those changes.

When I was much younger, my siblings and I would ask each other this question, "If you could choose any job or career to do for the rest of your life, and money was not a determining factor, what would you pick?" And every time I had the same answer, I would be a tourist. I didn't even have to think about it twice. If money were not a problem, I would explore 24 countries each year going to 2 countries every month. I would immerse myself in different cultures, music, foods, and folklore; I'd be a citizen of the world! I'd start from Africa because it's home, and then make my way across all the other continents. I wanted to see how each trip would change and modify my perception and understanding of my own home and the rest of the world. It fascinates me how several cultures have different versions of the same story. Travel has a remarkable capacity to shape and transform individuals in profound ways. It transcends mere sightseeing or vacationing; it is an immersive journey that opens doors to new cultures, perspectives, and environments, fostering personal growth and development. My first experience with travel that I can remember was when I was 12. My secondary school organized an excursion to the Whispering Palms in Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria, for me and my peers. To provide context, Badagry is the ancient town where the transatlantic slave trade commenced. In 1473, a Portuguese merchant named Ferman Gomez initiated the slave trade by selling slaves to Europe through the port of Badagry. Our teachers took us to see the Badagry Heritage Museum, and it was on that day that I truly grasped the profound impact of slavery and colonization on African civilization. I distinctly remember seeing chains from the 15th century and struggling to accept that they were designed for human necks. A 20-minute ride across the sea took us to Benin Republic, a neighboring country. Here, we went to the Bronze Arc in Ouidah, Benin. This was the place that the slaves at that time referred to as the "point of no return." If the slave traders were able to get you past this Arc, you could as well kiss your freedom goodbye. Ever since that day, I have wanted to see the depiction of slavery in the museums of other countries. Destinations like The International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, UK, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, among others, have long been on my list of places to visit at least once in my life. I recently got accepted into a competitive program at my school called IMMERSE. This program includes a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC. I guess I can finally check off one of the destinations on my very long list. In the summer, I want to go to Olympus, Greece; the home of Greek Mythology. I have read about it my whole life and it would be so fulfilling to see. Going to Olympus might just heal my inner child. Traveling is so significant because it is not merely about the places we visit but the profound impact they have on our hearts and minds.

"And I bought all the clothes that they told me to buy, I chased some dumb ideal my entire life And none of it matters and none of it ends, you just feel like shit over and over again." - Pretty isn't Pretty by Olivia Rodrigo. Yes, women have always been held to ridiculous standards by society but what even were those standards? You could ask multiple young women what they perceived as the societal requirements of a woman, and while their answers may be similar in some ways, they will also differ in some. The most annoying thing about the standards that we are held to as women is the elusiveness of it all. In a world saturated with societal expectations and constructed ideals, many women find themselves entangled in the pursuit of an elusive standard of perfection. All my life, I have been told, "That's not ladylike." But who set the ideal for what lady-like should be? Once again, you could ask different people to describe a lady to you or give an example of someone who is perfectly ladylike, and they would have different answers. I love how "pretty isn't pretty" captures the futility of conforming to externally imposed standards. The standards themselves have no basis. They were formed to satisfy some other person's inner expectations of the world, so why not yours? Why can't I make my own standards for 'pretty' or 'ladylike' and live by them? You really could buy all the clothes that you're told to buy and it wouldn't matter if you're not happy. The journey toward empowerment begins with dismantling these molds, rejecting prescribed ideals, and embracing individuality. Societal pressures can take such a toll on a person's well-being, from conforming to beauty standards to pursuing materialistic goals, the relentless pursuit of external validation can result in a perpetual cycle of dissatisfaction. Recognizing and questioning these pressures is the first step towards reclaiming one's power and fostering a sense of self-worth. You need to have the GUTS to ask why. Every great discovery that was made began with the question 'why.' I see Olivia's lyrics in this song as a straightforward reminder of the pitfalls of chasing societal ideals and the toll it can take on my well-being. Not to shame anyone, but even the most 'perfect' people get cheated out of the pleasures of life, so, I'd rather be happy than be perfect.