As a 17-year-old first-generation Nigerian American and the youngest in my family, I’ve always felt a mix of pride and pressure when it comes to making my own path. While many of members of my family have built careers in the medical field, I’ve found my passion in something different—the science of the atmosphere and ocean, and the engineering that makes it possible to understand them. I will be entering university this year as an Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences major, something I’ve dreamed about since sixth grade, long before I even knew the term for it. I’ve always been fascinated by how the world works: how weather patterns form, how ocean currents affect global ecosystems, and how technology allows us to collect and study that data in real time. I see myself working with organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where I can be part of developing and sustaining the advanced instruments and satellite systems used to monitor climate, predict weather events, and study changes in ocean conditions. Whether I’m helping monitor weather instruments or improving the strength of sensor technology in differing environments, I desire to be on the front lines of environmental transformation. The work done by the NOAA and similar agencies is not just about science, it’s about people. Accurate forecasts and climate models continuously save lives, guide policies, and help communities prepare for extreme weather. I’m especially passionate about using my future career to improve access to environmental data in vulnerable regions, especially areas affected by rising sea levels, drought, and other climate induced challenges. To me, science should never be gatekept, there should always be a goal of making science more accessible. By developing tools that work remarkably in real world conditions and encouraging more environmental education, we can empower more people outside of big government agencies to take action not only in their communities but wide scale. As someone who’s often been the only person in the room excited about extreme thunderstorms or the launch of new satellites orbiting the Earth, I know what it’s like to be different. But I also know how powerful that difference can be. Being the first in my immediate family to pursue a career in environmental science and engineering has given me a deep sense of responsibility—to learn and to give back. Through my education and future career, I hope to become a strong force for change. One that connects science and engineering with global impact, and one that helps create a more sustainable and environmentally aware world.

Throughout my life, I have always pushed myself to be engaged in my school, church, and local organizations, always seeking ways to support those around me. Doing this has helped me develop a strong connection with my community and placed having a meaningful impact as one of my own top priorities. I believe that excellence is not only about personal achievements but also about creating lasting change. For two years, I served as a videographer for my school’s basketball team, ensuring the team had access to high-quality footage. This role required attention to detail, reliability, and a strong commitment to helping the team be their best. It also taught me the importance of playing a role behind the scenes and how dedication to any task, no matter how small, can contribute to a greater goal. Additionally, I collaborated with community and school members to start food and blood drives, helping provide essential resources to those in need. These experiences strengthened my commitment to service and fortified the importance of giving back. I also became president of my school's National Honor Society. I recruited new members, led service projects such as gift bags for children's hospitals, blankets for the homeless and so much more. These projects have strengthened my belief in the power of taking action and shown me the difference that small acts of kindness can make in someone's everyday life. Beyond school, this sense of leadership extends to my church, where I assist with daycare children’s programs. By providing support for young children, I help relieve some of their parents' responsibilities. I also serve on my church’s production team to ensure services and sermons run smoothly. These experiences have enhanced my communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills while allowing me to uplift my community. As a leader in my school and church, I promote inclusion and kindness. Whether stepping in when someone is mistreated or creating spaces where people feel heard, I strive to be an advocate for those who may not feel strong enough to stand up for themselves. Through the National Honor Society, I have also encouraged service projects that address mental health awareness, helping students understand the importance of respect and empathy. By combining leadership, service, and advocacy, I exemplify a spirit of excellence in my everyday life, consistently striving to leave a positive impact on those around me and in turn, giving back to my community.

I am a 17-year-old first-generation Nigerian American. Throughout my life, I have actively engaged in my school, church, and local organizations, always seeking ways to support those around me. This involvement has helped me develop a strong connection with my community and prioritize making a meaningful impact. For two years, I served as a videographer for my school’s basketball team, ensuring they had access to high-quality footage. Additionally, I collaborated with community members to start food and blood drives, providing essential resources to those in need. These experiences strengthened my commitment to service and highlighted the importance of giving back. I also became president of my school's National Honor Society, where I recruited new members and led service projects, such as creating gift bags for children's hospitals and blankets for the homeless. This sense of leadership extended to my church, where I assist with children’s programs to help relieve parents' stress and serve on the production team to ensure services run smoothly. These experiences have enhanced my communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills while uplifting my community. Receiving this scholarship would not only recognize my commitment but also enable me to further my education and expand my impact. With this support, I will continue building on my foundation of service, inspiring others, and creating positive change. As I transition into higher education, financial need is a significant factor in my academic journey. My family has limited resources and was unable to pay for my siblings’ higher education. Over the years, even discussing college funding has become taboo. Despite these obstacles, I remain determined to pursue my education and make a difference. This scholarship would ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and leadership efforts without constant stress. More importantly, it would empower me to continue my community involvement, ensuring I can give back in meaningful ways. Education is not just about personal success; it is about using knowledge and skills to uplift others. With this scholarship, I will be able to do just that. One of the most pressing issues today is ensuring the safety of children and youth, both in-person and online. Bullying has lasting effects on self-esteem and mental health, which I can relate to. In my community, I prioritize creating safe and supportive environments, especially for younger children. As a leader in my school and church, I promote inclusion and kindness. Whether stepping in when someone is mistreated or creating spaces where people feel heard, I strive to advocate for those who may feel powerless. Through the National Honor Society, I encourage service projects that address mental health awareness, helping students understand the importance of respect and empathy. Beyond in-person interactions, I recognize the dangers of cyberbullying. Social media can be a powerful tool but can also expose people to harassment. I discuss responsible digital behavior, recognizing harmful online actions, and seeking help when needed. Through open discussions, I work to make online spaces safer and more inclusive. With this scholarship, I will continue advocating for the well-being of young people, both in-person and online. I believe change starts with one person taking a stand, and I am committed to being that person. Through education, leadership, and community involvement, I will work to create a safer and more supportive environment for all.