Moving to a new country is a dream for many, but it is also filled with uncertainty and challenges. As a first-generation immigrant from Nigeria, I left behind the familiar comforts of home to pursue an education in the United States, knowing that this decision would push me far outside of my comfort zone. The journey was not easy, and I soon faced a challenge that threatened not only my academic goals but also my belief in my ability to succeed in this new environment. During my freshman year of college, I was struck with a deep sense of culture shock. Everything from how classes were taught to how my peers interacted with one another was extremely different from what I had known in Nigeria. I struggled to adjust, often feeling like an outsider because of my accent, upbringing, and identity as an international student. Additionally, the financial strain began to weigh heavily on me. Coming from a family that sacrificed much to afford my education abroad, I knew that failure was not an option, yet it often felt like the odds were stacked against me, times without a number. The obstacles I faced were numerous: isolation, self-doubt, and the constant pressure to prove myself worthy of the sacrifices my family had made. There were days when I questioned whether I truly belonged in this new place miles away from the life I had known. My goals of academic excellence and future career aspirations seemed increasingly out of reach. However, it is my identity as a first-generation immigrant that became my source of strength rather than a barrier. To overcome these challenges, I developed a strategy. First, I sought out communities of fellow international students and immigrants on campus regardless of how daunting it was for my timid self. Their shared experiences reassured me that I was not alone in my struggles. I found a great deal of comfort in knowing that many others have similar or the same struggles I have. We supported one another, discussing ways to navigate the academic and social systems, and I gradually learned to embrace the differences that once intimidated me. Secondly, I adopted a growth mindset. Rather than seeing obstacles as insurmountable, I began seeing them as opportunities for personal and academic growth. This mindset shift enabled me to approach difficult coursework, unfamiliar cultural norms, and financial challenges with resilience and determination. The most important lesson I have learned since I came to the United States is the value of persistence in the face of adversity. There will always be barriers on the road to success, but these so-called barriers can be overcome with patience, hard work, and a belief in one’s ability to rise above them. Today, the lessons I learned continue to shape my life. I am now a sophomore, and though I still face challenges, I approach them with a lot more confidence than I used to. My identity as a first-generation immigrant no longer feels like a burden but a source of pride. It has instilled in me resilience, empathy, and the ability to navigate new and difficult environments.

In the summer of 2022, a significant crossroad stood before me: to stay in Nigeria and further my education or chase my envisioned future of studying abroad. This decision-making process was marked by the heartache of leaving my closely-knit family for the first time. As a seventeen-year-old who just completed one year of college, I am still adjusting to life in the United States. The journey has been quite challenging, especially financially. Since the start of my first semester, the exchange rate between USD and NGN soared, making it difficult for my parents to send tuition payments. In addition to financial struggles, I have also faced challenges with social interactions. As I am usually the only black person or part of the few present at school events, church, class, and meetings. I typically stand out and feel left out of conversations because I find myself amid unfamiliar faces often. However, amidst these struggles, I have enjoyed meeting people from different countries, tasting delicacies from across the globe, and learning from diverse individuals within and outside the classroom. My reasoning and intellect have improved as a result of these experiences. This journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into a more resilient, open-minded, and determined individual. The financial and social challenges I have faced have taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability. By receiving this scholarship, I will be able to continue my education without the constant financial strain on my family and further immerse myself in the diverse cultural experiences that have enriched my life. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and using my education to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.

In the summer of 2022, a significant crossroad stood before me: to stay in Nigeria and further my education or chase my envisioned future of studying abroad. This decision-making process was marked by the heartache of leaving my closely-knit family for the first time. The road to university applications was very demanding, particularly in securing scholarships. My parents are neither rich nor poor but comfortable, but they were determined to send me abroad. I come from a middle-class family in Lagos, Nigeria, where I was born and bred. As the eldest child and daughter, I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility to set a positive example for my younger brothers to follow. This drive has propelled me to excel academically from a young age. Throughout elementary school, I consistently earned academic awards, ranking among the top three in my class. In middle and high school, I also received behavioral awards, reinforcing my reputation as the family’s "nerd."Despite my academic achievements, I struggled to find a passion for extracurricular activities. Although I dabbled in volleyball, swimming, and dance, none of these pursuits captivated me. Consequently, I devoted my energy and focus to my studies, where I found my true calling. The story of Dr. Benjamin Carson has been a profound inspiration in my life, motivating me to pursue a medical career. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a world-renowned neurosurgeon resonated with me deeply and solidified my decision to seek higher education in the United States. The educational system in Nigeria, despite its merits, faces numerous challenges, including delays in university admissions, frequent strikes by the Academic Staff Union for Universities, and the difficulty of securing a job even with excellent academic credentials or distinctions. In contrast, the United States is renowned for its high academic standards and efficient educational system. The resources available to students, such as extensive libraries, cutting-edge laboratories, and well-equipped sporting facilities, are unparalleled. Moreover, the career opportunities and job placements provided by U.S. institutions are exceptional, offering a clear path for many individuals to advance in their respective fields. As a seventeen-year-old who has just completed one year of college, I am still adjusting to life in the United States. The journey has been quite challenging, especially financially. Since the start of my first semester, the exchange rate between USD and NGN soared, making it difficult for my parents to send tuition payments. At the start of my second semester, I was unenrolled due to an outstanding balance from the first semester. This was a particularly tough time, as the exchange rate had tripled since my admission, posing a significant financial burden on my parents. Despite these obstacles, my parents continued to send what they could afford, and thankfully I completed my second semester. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous relief for my family, allowing us to overcome these financial hurdles and enabling me to continue my education. In conclusion, my background has shaped my determination to pursue higher education in the United States. My immediate goal is to earn a bachelor's degree in biology, which will lay the foundation for my ultimate aspiration of attending medical school. The academic challenges I have faced have only strengthened my resolve to succeed. This scholarship would not only alleviate the financial strain on my family but also bring me one step closer to realizing my dream of becoming a doctor. I am eager to continue this journey, confident that with the right support and resources, I can achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact in the field of medicine.

One significant influence was my mother, who was the first person I ever saw get hospitalized because she had leukopenia and malaria, a common disease in many tropical countries. The nurses who cared for her not only tended to her physical needs but also provided emotional support and comfort to our entire family. Their holistic approach to care made a tangible and substantial difference in my mother's quality of life and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the nursing profession. Furthermore, the nurses that have ever treated me right from birth, also allowed me to interact with nurses from diverse backgrounds and specialties. Hearing their stories and witnessing their impact on patients solidified my decision to pursue nursing as a career path. Their passion for helping others and commitment to making a difference in people's lives resonated with me deeply, motivating me to embark on this rewarding journey. I am in awe of how they carry out their roles in patient care so effortlessly and gracefully too, if I must say. I plan to specialize in dermatology, a field that fascinates me due to its intricate nature and the significant impact it has on individuals' health and self-esteem. Dermatology, however, is often overlooked, particularly in my home country of Nigeria and across other African countries. I am determined to further my education in this field and share my knowledge to as many people as possible, especially within African communities. My ultimate goal is to establish my practice, which will provide me with the platform to share my expertise in dermatology, offer high-quality care, and raise awareness about skin health. By doing so, I hope to make a substantial difference in the lives of many and contribute to the advancement of dermatological care in regions where it is most needed. Overall, my experiences with compassionate nurses, including those who cared for my family and those I encountered while volunteering, have shaped my decision to choose nursing as a career. I am inspired by the nurses’ dedication, empathy, and ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and I am eager to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the healthcare field with compassion and excellence. I need this scholarship to support me through my years in nursing school and enable me to give back to society through healthcare in any way I possibly can. Thank you so much for considering my application.

I am an international student from Nigeria who has just finished her first year of college. My initial career path was to become a medical doctor but upon getting into college and coming to the realization of the work I need to put in to attain this successful career life I want, I soon realized I was not prepared or willing to go along with it. It simply was not a career I had enough passion for to go through the years of training. I switched my major to nursing during my first semester and I chose nursing because of its profound impact on individuals and communities. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the compassionate care by nurses to my family members during times of illness. Their dedication, empathy, and clinical expertise left a long-lasting impression on me and inspired my desire to pursue a career in nursing. One significant influence was my mother, who was the first person I ever saw get hospitalized because she had leukopenia and malaria, a common disease in many tropical countries. The nurses who cared for her not only tended to her physical needs but also provided emotional support and comfort to our entire family. Their holistic approach to care made a tangible difference in my mother's quality of life and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the nursing profession. Furthermore, the nurses that have treated me right from birth, also allowed me to interact with nurses from diverse backgrounds and specialties. Hearing their stories and witnessing their impact on patients solidified my decision to pursue nursing as a career path. Their passion for helping others and commitment to making a difference in people's lives resonated with me deeply, motivating me to embark on this rewarding journey. I am in awe of how they carry out their roles in patient care. Overall, my experiences with compassionate nurses, including those who cared for my family and those I encountered while volunteering, have shaped my decision to choose nursing as a career. I need this scholarship to support me through my years in nursing school and enable me to give back to society through healthcare in any way I possibly can. I am inspired by the nurses’ dedication, empathy, and ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and I am eager to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the healthcare field with compassion and excellence.

As an international student from Nigeria, my educational journey has been interwoven with determination, resilience, and discipline. Each step along this path has shaped not only my academic trajectory but also my personal growth and commitment to making a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. My educational journey began with the pursuit of a dream – a dream to gain a world-class education and contribute to society in a significant way. Leaving the comfort of my home country, I embarked on a journey to a foreign land, driven to broaden my horizons and acquire knowledge that transcends borders. The initial challenges of adapting to a new culture, educational system, and societal norms were daunting but fueled my determination to succeed in a foreign land. It has not been the smoothest journey but I have been given an opportunity that many others do not have. This has pushed me further to strive for excellence against all odds. I encountered twists and turns throughout my educational journey, including career and major switches. I was initially on the path to becoming a medical doctor but switched my major to nursing during my first semester of college when I realized I did not want to pursue that career anymore. These transitions were not merely changes in direction but reflections of my evolving interests and a continuous search for alignment between my skills, values, passions, and aspirations. As an international student aspiring to be a nurse, I understand the universality of healthcare needs and the importance of cultural competence in the field, ensuring effective care. The diversity of my educational journey has equipped me with a unique perspective, fostering adaptability and an appreciation for the richness of different healthcare systems. I need this scholarship to support me through my years in nursing school and enable me to give back to society through healthcare in any way I possibly can. With the economic instability in my home country, it has been a struggle for my parents to fund my college education all by themselves. In conclusion, my educational journey as an international student has been a transformative experience, marked by perseverance, adaptability, and a passionate commitment to becoming a nurse. Each phase of my journey, including career and major switches, has contributed to my growth and prepared me for the challenges ahead. As I stand at this juncture, I am not just an international student but an aspiring nurse ready to contribute to the global system of healthcare with compassion and dedication.

As an international student, my educational journey has been interwoven with determination, resilience, and discipline. Each step along this path has shaped not only my academic trajectory but also my personal growth and commitment to making a meaningful impact in healthcare. My educational journey commenced with the pursuit of a dream – a dream to gain a world-class education and contribute to society in a significant way. Leaving the comfort of my home country, I embarked on a journey to a foreign land, driven to broaden my horizons and acquire knowledge that transcends borders. The initial challenges of adapting to a new culture, educational system, and societal norms were daunting but fueled my determination to succeed in a foreign land. I encountered twists and turns throughout my educational journey, including career and major switches. I was initially on the path to becoming a medical doctor but switched my major to nursing during my first semester of college when I realized I did not want that career anymore. These transitions were not merely shifts in direction but reflections of my evolving interests and a continuous search for alignment between my skills, values, and aspirations. One pivotal moment in my journey was the realization of my calling to be a nurse. The "aha" moment was a gradual understanding shaped by various experiences. It was a combination of witnessing the compassionate care provided by healthcare professionals, volunteering in healthcare settings, and recognizing the profound impact nurses have on individuals and communities. This realization sparked my passion to become a healthcare professional who could make a difference in people's lives. As an international student aspiring to be a nurse, I understand the universality of healthcare needs and the importance of cultural competence in providing effective care. The diversity of my educational journey has equipped me with a unique perspective, promoting adaptability and an appreciation for the richness of different healthcare systems. In conclusion, my educational journey as an international student has been a transformative experience, marked by perseverance, adaptability, and a passionate commitment to becoming a nurse. Each phase of my journey, including career and major switches, has contributed to my growth and prepared me for the challenges ahead. As I stand at this juncture, I am not just an international student but an aspiring nurse ready to contribute to the global tapestry of healthcare with compassion and dedication. I would love to be awarded this scholarship to honor the memory of Christina Taylese Singh.

As a Nigerian international student majoring in nursing, my journey is not only about personal growth and academic achievement but also about contributing to the betterment of my home country. Nigeria, like many developing nations, faces numerous healthcare challenges, such as inadequate access to quality healthcare services, a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, and prevalent health discrepancies among its population. Through my education and future career in nursing, I am committed to making a positive impact on the healthcare landscape of Nigeria. First and foremost, I plan to leverage the knowledge and skills acquired through my nursing education to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. By returning to my home country and practicing as a registered nurse, I aim to provide competent care to those in need, particularly in underserved communities where healthcare resources are limited. Whether it's working in rural clinics, urban hospitals, or community health centers, I am dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of Nigeria's population. In addition to direct patient care, I plan to engage in community outreach and health education initiatives to empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health. By raising awareness about preventive measures, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and providing accessible health education resources, I hope to contribute to the long-term improvement of public health in Nigeria.I acknowledge the importance of preventive care and health education in promoting overall wellness and reducing the burden of preventable diseases Moreover, I aspire to play a role in advancing nursing education and professional development within Nigeria. As a future nurse educator or mentor, I aim to inspire and empower the next generation of Nigerian nurses, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to the healthcare system. By fostering a culture of constant learning and professional growth, I believe we can improve the standard of nursing practice and ultimately enhance the quality of care delivered to patients across the country. In conclusion, my journey as a Nigerian international student majoring in nursing is driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Through my future career and the education I have received, I aspire to contribute to the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria, tackling healthcare disparities, promoting preventive care, empowering communities, advancing nursing education, and advocating for policy reforms. By working collaboratively with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members, I am confident that together we can create a brighter and healthier future for Nigeria.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, I am a Nigerian Yoruba immigrant who is currently in her first year of college. I embarked on this adventure with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Despite being a shy and socially awkward teenager, I carried with me a fierce determination to succeed, fueled by my intelligence and strong work ethic. Reflecting on my academic journey, distinction has always been a guiding principle. From primary school, I consistently ranked among the top students in my class, striving to secure a position within the top five each year. This dedication paid off as I proudly graduated third overall in my year. Transitioning to secondary school brought new challenges and distractions, yet I remained committed to academic excellence. While the competitive environment shifted, I persevered and maintained my position on the honor roll throughout my secondary school years. Entering college in the United States marked a new chapter filled with both zeal and distress. Despite the movies and other media I had seen about college life in the United States, reality did not turn out to be as rosy as I imagined. Homesickness became an unwelcome companion, manifesting in moments of overwhelming sadness and longing for the familiarity of home. The culinary delights, the warmth of familiar faces, the climate, and the sense of belonging all seemed like distant memories that I yearned for. Navigating the cultural and social dynamics of life in the United States presented its own set of challenges. As a black woman, I found myself grappling with issues of identity in ways I had never experienced back home. Race filled almost every aspect of life, forcing me to stop and reconcile my sense of self in a society that constantly categorized and compartmentalized individuals based on skin color. Despite these challenges, I have persevered. My academic achievements, including making the dean's list and being invited to join the honors college, stand as testaments to my resilience and determination. Each day presents an opportunity for growth and self-discovery as I continue to navigate the complexities of life as an international student in the United States. As an international student aspiring to be a nurse, I understand the universality of healthcare needs and the importance of cultural ability in providing effective care. The diversity of my educational journey has equipped me with a unique perspective, promoting an appreciation for the richness of different healthcare systems. In essence, my journey embodies the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a testament to the courage to venture into the unknown, embrace discomfort, and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side. As I continue on this newfound journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities ahead of me and a deep sense of pride in how far I have come.

As an international student, my educational journey has been woven with determination, resilience, and discipline. Each step along this path has shaped not only my academic trajectory but also my personal growth and commitment to making a meaningful impact in healthcare. My educational journey commenced with the pursuit of a dream – a dream to gain a world-class education and contribute to society in a significant way. Leaving the comfort of my home country, I embarked on a journey to a foreign land, driven by the desire to broaden my horizons and acquire knowledge that transcends borders. The initial challenges of adapting to a new culture, educational system, and societal norms were daunting but fueled my determination to succeed in a foreign land. I encountered twists and turns throughout my educational journey, including career and major switches. I was initially on the path to becoming a medical doctor but switched my major to nursing during my first semester of college when I realized I did not want that career anymore. These transitions were not merely shifts in direction but reflections of my evolving interests and a continuous search for alignment between my skills, values, and aspirations. One pivotal moment in my journey was the realization of my calling to be a nurse. The "aha" moment was a gradual understanding shaped by various experiences. It was a combination of witnessing the compassionate care provided by healthcare professionals, volunteering in healthcare settings, and recognizing the profound impact nurses have on individuals and communities. This realization sparked my passion to become a healthcare professional who could make a difference in people's lives. As an international student aspiring to be a nurse, I understand the universality of healthcare needs and the importance of cultural competence in providing effective care. The diversity of my educational journey has equipped me with a unique perspective, promoting adaptability and an appreciation for the richness of different healthcare systems. In conclusion, my educational journey as an international student has been a transformative experience, marked by perseverance, adaptability, and a passionate commitment to becoming a nurse. Each phase of my journey, including career and major switches, has contributed to my growth and prepared me for the challenges ahead. As I stand at this juncture, I am not just an international student; I am an aspiring nurse ready to contribute to the global tapestry of healthcare with compassion and dedication. I would love to be awarded this scholarship to also honor the life of Joseph Joshua Searor.