Turning Barriers into Bridges: A Path to Equitable Education Picture yourself in a classroom, learning, but unable to fully grasp the language that is used. This was my experience when I moved from Lagos, Nigeria, to California. While I was fluent in English, the nuances of the language and cultural variations left me feeling isolated and angry. My experiences in both countries have driven my passion for closing education inequalities. I’ve learned that education isn’t just about books—it’s about having the right tools and support to succeed. Whether it is language barriers, resource deficiencies, or financial challenges, these hindrances place gaps in education that are difficult to bridge. The most frustrating thing is that many of these hindrances are not visible. Students who fail may not seek assistance, or worse still, go unnoticed and be left behind. As I am pursuing the field of computer science, I am interested in how technology can lower such barriers and provide avenues of learning for all, regardless of where they are from. Technology is so powerful that it can be able to break down most barriers that I have had and continue to face to others. I am particularly fascinated by building digital devices and platforms that provide remote access to learning material like interactive learning modules, online courses, and one-to-one tutoring, but technology alone will not achieve it. We need a change in culture on how we open our arms to education. We require systems that not only provide access to learning but also facilitate the social and emotional aspects of learning. It is not so much about having the content correct; it is about ensuring students are being heard and observed. To me, that translates into championing school systems that are responsive to the broad range of student needs and are flexible and inclusive. For example, students from rural or low-income communities would be assisted by the ability to access high-quality education without having to make a journey somewhere else or pay the cost of transportation to a school location. This would bridge the education gap and allow every student, regardless of where they are or the amount of money they have, an opportunity to learn and grow. Additionally, I believe that the educational systems of the world should be more culturally responsive and inclusive. I would like to use my education and skills to promote and support educational reform, particularly in creating more responsive systems for students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Lastly, the issue of quality education access is directly related to broader social and economic inequalities. I hope to use my computer science experience to make solutions more inclusive and accessible to everyone so that every student has the opportunity to excel, no matter what their background or situation.

Code Over Stethoscopes “You’re going to be a doctor.” That sentence followed me through childhood like a nickname. In my Nigerian household, where tradition and ambition are tightly woven, there was little room for imagining anything different. As the only daughter among three boys, I felt the pressure to fulfill a dream that wasn’t mine. Whereas the idea of becoming a doctor never really fancied me but at such a tender age I believed that the right path would be the one my parents laid down for me. So, if anyone asked what I wanted to be, I said, “a doctor.” Pediatrics was the one medical career that interested me. I’ve always loved babies, toddlers, and children, so I imagined that working with them would be enjoyable. I even spent hours researching it as a kid. But at the end of 10th grade—during the summer before 11th—everything changed, I decided to join a summer program that focused on an introductory level of coding it was organized by the company one of my brothers worked for, I thought it would be a fun experience and my brother encouraged me to try it. That program ended up being one of the best experiences I have had. From start to finish. I felt included and for the first time, it felt like I would enjoy pursuing a career in that field.  August of 2023 was the moment I realized that I, and only I, have control over my future. Since then, I’ve focused more on building my relationship with God as a Christian, and whenever I face challenges like this I always commit them into His hands. That summer, I finally told my parents about my decision. I was scared to stand up for myself, but I also felt excited—like I was finally getting to know who I was. Their response shocked me. They said they just wanted what was best for me and would support me no matter what. I felt so much joy and motivation. I began actively looking for opportunities and resources that could help me grow. That same summer, I enrolled in several programs, including the MAXIQ STEM program, CodeIT, and CodeOn. These experiences helped me build on the knowledge I gained from the first coding program. Now, I plan to pursue a career in Information Systems and Cybersecurity. Looking back, I would tell my younger self: “You have nothing to worry about. Speak up. Trust yourself. And don’t be afraid to let your parents in—they might surprise you.”

Bridging of Two Worlds My roots are in Lagos, Nigeria. My name is Paula Osaseri Oghomwen. I am a product of two worlds, one shaped by Nigeria's rich culture, traditions, and vibrant community spirit and the other by the diverse, fast-paced environment of California. I moved to many states within the country because my dad was in the Nigerian Air Force, so I had assumed that moving to California would not have been an immense problem for me, but it was. The most significant challenge I faced was the language barrier, although the national language in Nigeria is English. I still encountered problems with communication; also, the school system was very different than I had imagined. In August 2024, I relocated to Eastvale, California, I got into many schools such as the University of California, Riverside; California Baptist College; and the University of California, Santa Cruz; but because of my age, I had to go back to redo my senior year of high school which I had previously completed back in Nigeria. I am currently enrolled at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, and I plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science at the University of California, Riverside, this fall rather than going to Community college as I had planned. I plan to use all resources efficiently to achieve this goal. Growing up, I faced many challenges, particularly struggling with self-love and accountability. Despite being surrounded by a loving family, I often felt disconnected from who I was. However, one constant in my life has always been God. During those challenging years, I dedicated myself to deepening my connection with Him. God became my anchor, and it is his guidance that motivates me to keep moving forward. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from this journey is the importance of a supportive community. When faced with challenges, I did not hesitate to seek help and enhance my mindset. I learned that success is not just about individual effort but also about building relationships with others who share the same drive. This lesson has shaped me into someone who values collaboration and is eager to contribute positively to the communities I am a part of. My passion for computer science drives me to seek out opportunities and grow. I have participated in coding clubs and programs such as Girls Who Code, CodeIT, and Robotics Club, where I gained hands-on experience in coding, problem-solving, and decision-making. These experiences deepened my interest in tech and prepared me for the challenges and opportunities. My biggest inspiration is my brother he has always been there for me encouraging me when I felt overwhelmed, reminding me of my strengths, and pushing me to believe in myself even when I doubted my abilities. His support, along with my faith in God, has been a driving force in my pursuit of growth and excellence. After earning my degree in computer science, I plan to pursue a career in artificial intelligence, I want to leverage technology to solve real-world problems, through developing AI-driven solutions, securing digital systems, or improving healthcare technology to enhance patient outcomes.

To me, success is not merely about personal achievements or reaching predefined goals. It is about resilience in the face of challenges and the growth that comes from overcoming those obstacles. Throughout my life, I’ve faced many challenges, particularly when I moved from Nigeria to the United States. The cultural, social, and academic adjustments were enormous, but through it all, I learned to remain steadfast, adaptable, and resourceful. Having lived in two different worlds—Nigeria and California—I have come to understand the importance of having a strong mindset and the value of a supportive community, learning from every experience whether it’s a success or a failure. When I moved to Eastvale, California, I experienced firsthand what it meant to be resilient. I had to redo my senior year of high school, something I never anticipated. It was a tough decision, but it reinforced my determination to succeed in an unfamiliar environment. I wasn’t just dealing with the transition to a new school, but also navigating a new culture, new friends, and a new educational system. Despite the difficulties, I remained committed to my goals and focused on what I could control: my education, my mindset, and my growth. In these moments, I learned that success is not about avoiding hardships but about how you rise above them. This scholarship would be an invaluable resource as I continue on this path of resilience and growth. Financially, it would alleviate the burden of tuition and allow me to focus more on my studies and career development. As someone pursuing a degree in computer science, I am keen to take full advantage of all the academic and extracurricular opportunities available to me. However, the high costs associated with attending college can be a major obstacle, making it difficult to fully engage in these opportunities without worrying about finances. With the support of this scholarship, I would be able to maximize my potential, dedicate myself to my studies, and participate in coding clubs, internships, and workshops that are essential for my career development. Moreover, this scholarship would not just support my academic journey—it would also allow me to continue growing as a person. I’ve learned that success is about more than just individual achievement; it’s about building a community of like-minded people who are also striving for greatness. My experiences in programs like GirlsWhoCode and my involvement in the Robotics Club have already shown me how valuable it is to collaborate with others. This scholarship would enable me to continue engaging with these communities and make a meaningful impact in the world of technology. I would use the resources available to me to contribute positively to the field of computer science and help create innovative solutions to problems that matter. Ultimately, success to me is about making a difference, not just for myself but for the communities I belong to. With the help of this scholarship, I can take one more step towards achieving my goal of becoming a leader in the tech industry and making a lasting impact on the world around me.