Codes over Stethoscopes “Your going to be a doctor” that sentence followed me through my childhood like a song. In my Nigerian family, where traditions are tightly woven having a dream for your self felt a disappointment. I grew up as the youngest daughter of three older boys and I had expectations had felt impossible. My parents started calling me a doctor before I could even read or write and as I grew older I embraced it knowing I had I always had a passion for computer’s. My interest in computers started from curiosity of how it worked, how a bunch of codes and metal could form such a power machine. During my first year of highschool, I joined the coding club at my school where I started learning how to use scratch and later advanced to python. I attended very meeting and made that club my community. During the summer of my junior year of high school, one of my brother had been working at a company called CodeIT which was focused on empowering the youth specifically West African kids on technical skills, I decided to join the program and I was promoted into being the youth assistance coach, I focused on helping kids learn basic software knowledge, starting with scratch and later on python. My brother watched me and he saw how interested I was in this field and we had a conversation about it, while I was in highschool I had been taking classes centered on pre-med and I only took a few IT classes. My brother, Edmund encouraged me to talk to my parents about it, “This is your life do what makes you happy” a quote that I will never forget. So at the end of the summer CodeIT program, I spoke to my parents about it, They told me all they want is for me to succeed regardless of what occupation I desire. I still feel like I let my parents down sometimes. I moved to the United States , and I started community college as a computer science major , while in college I stared a GirlswhoCode club where I made an amazing community, I participated in research, conferences and hackathons and also completed over 450 hours of community service, this involved working with foster youth children who have interest in STEM based majors, elderly shelters and Black student programs. I plan to transfer to a four year college specially Univeristy of California Santa Barbara next fall 2027 and complete my degree and hopefully get my dream job, working in a Company as a computer scientist, using all my skills to bring meaning impact. I remind my self daily that I will achieve my goals by putting the right work and encouragement. I deserve this scholarship because, I want to make a change, prove myself, and become the powerful woman I was born to be.

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” — Michelle Obama Women empowerment is an act that creates opportunities for women to acknowledge their capabilities, build their self-confidence and participate in spheres where historically they've been underrepresented. Being a girl pursuing computer science education, I know how scary the atmosphere in STEM can be when women are not properly represented. This is why I started moving beyond getting my own education and wanted to give an opportunity to other girls and women to get involved in technology. This is why I founded GirlCodeIT, a club dedicated to encouragement of women into coding and development of their self-confidence in STEM. Empowering girls to code was not my only aim; I wanted to empower them by defying the notion that technology is an area that is off-limits to females. By engaging in research and participating in conferences, I have been introduced to fresh perspectives, professionals, and options in the field of STEM. These have served to intensify my desire to provide others with access to similar experiences. I have volunteered for over 450 hours with the California College Corps program and worked as a peer mentor, wherein I assist other college students in navigating challenges, finding resources, and becoming more self-assured about following their dreams. In each instance, I have learned that all that is necessary at times is for someone to point out the availability of the opportunity and for another person to see that he or she is capable of taking advantage of that opportunity. I intend for my contribution to women’s empowerment to keep growing along with my career. By transferring to a four-year university and majoring in computer science, I wish to build on my experience with GirlCodeIT by mentoring other By founding GirlCodeIT, I learned that empowerment starts by giving someone an opportunity to begin. When you don't have any exposure to coding or technology, these subjects may seem overwhelming. Especially, when you don't have enough representation of people who resemble you in this field. That is why through this club, I wanted women to get an environment where learning, asking questions, making mistakes and developing technical skills being involved in a community. The influence I have on empowering women should grow along with my career. Now, as I am moving to a four-year university and studying computer science, I would like to develop the work that I started with GirlCodeIT. I wish to be a role model for young girls who need to be shown that success in fields which are underrepresentation of women is achievable. It means becoming a woman who opens the door for other women to enter after herself. That is my concept of empowerment: make yourself an opportunity for others.

Story of a lost girl It is hard to make a new start at any point in your life, but to make a new start while figuring out who you are makes you a new person. My family, when we came to the US, was not just making a move from one country to the next. We were moving from familiarity to the unknown. I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. From the smell of wet grass, to the sellers along the busy roads, to the traffic that lasted for hours coming to America I had expectations that were far from reality. Leaving my hometown meant saying goodbye to all my friends, community, and the environment I grew up in. Now, It’s August 2024. I am standing in front of a huge building, new cultural setting, and a new life. I came to America with thoughts of completing my tertiary career as a Computer Engineer, but because of my age I was told I had to go back to highschool. Fear, my first emotion that shivered through my body at the moment I heard this. American high schools from what I had since on tv never looked accommodating, everyone had their cliques and I am an outsider one with an accent at that. There was much that I needed to work out on my own, both in terms of education as well as for my future in general. However, the discomfort forced me to be comfortable. I had to learn how to adapt and become the independent woman I am today. Rather than allowing fear to dictate my journey, I began to think about the things that I could control. I learned how the education system in America operated, adapted to new surroundings in classrooms, and graduated from high school and prepared myself for college. What was once a disadvantage has since become a stepping stone for my development. Upon graduation from high school, I pursued my higher education in college, where I engaged myself in opportunities that were associated with my academic and personal objectives. This was done through joining the STEM programs that enabled me to develop myself by pursuing my interest in technology. I also participated in the College Corps, which gave me the chance to help my community as I was studying at the same time. Through these experiences, I have learnt that college is not just about obtaining a degree; it is about using knowledge to benefit others. Now. I am in my second year of community college and I plan to transfer to four year college next fall, and this scholarship will help me cover a portion that will go a long way. At the beginning of my arrival in America, seeing myself starting over was rather scary. But not anymore. Starting over helped me learn about independence, flexibility, and determination. Though I had to start all over again from scratch in an unknown place, I started creating myself in the process.

Breaking Barriers in STEM At the age of seventeen, I chose to leave all that was familiar and comfortable with me in Lagos, Nigeria – home, friends, and familiarity of any kind to begin my life from scratch in the state of California. Although the transition was challenging in every possible way, the main lesson that I learned during that time is that we grow in situations when we are forced to enter unfamiliar territory. The experiences of those times influenced my decision to become a computer scientist since there is nothing but development in such an industry. Currently, I am a computer science major at Norco College. I have a great interest in technology, problem-solving skills, and being of use to other people. Having faced difficulties with adjustment to a completely new environment once before, I realized that my goal now is not only to succeed myself but also to help other students succeed. The reason why I chose my major to be computer science is that it is one of the few subjects that has applications in virtually all spheres of people's everyday activities. From medical treatment and learning to interaction with other people and ensuring safety, technology makes services available and improves efficiency through its numerous advantages. The areas that particularly appeal to me in this subject include software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, which can be used to address problems related to a lack of resources for some communities. The issue of education is particularly dear to me because, growing up, I witnessed that access to proper learning can determine the fate of a person in the future. Everyone does not have equal access to technologies, advice from mentors, or books. This is why I consider initiatives that can promote the success of students from any background valuable. One of the volunteer activities I've been engaged in as part of California College Corps has involved helping disadvantaged individuals and families. I also believe that increasing diversity within STEM is another important passion of mine. Even today, there are still numerous areas where the number of women, particularly those who belong to the Black community, is low. Being a Black female who is studying computer science, I know how important representation and inspiration are. My desire is to demonstrate to the students who might feel like they cannot achieve success due to their background that anything is possible for anyone. The scholarship will allow me to achieve greater progress in my studies and to do that without having to worry about finances. Since I am a community college student who plans to transfer to a four-year university after graduation, I should be able to maintain good academic performance and gain all the necessary skills in order to be successful in the area of technology. The scholarship can help pay for educational costs, which will include books, technology, transportation, and more.

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.

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.

Although I was born in California, 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. 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’m 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. I moved to Eastvale California in August of 2024. 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. These experiences deepened my interest in tech and prepared me for the challenges and opportunities. I plan to make a positive impact on my community by using my voice as an advocate for young scholars like me who have certain goals but are unable to fulfill them because of financial burdens. 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. 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.

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.

Although I was born in California, 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 faced problems with communication; also, the school system was very different than I had imagined. In August 2024, I relocated to Eastvale, California, to go to a community college because of the high cost of a four-year university, but was faced with problems I had to go back to redo my senior year of high school, which I had previously completed back in Nigeria because I had to spend a full year in the States to be classified as a resident, this would mean that the cost of community college would be less expensive for me. No time for relaxation or enjoying the summer breeze once I arrived; I started high school the following week. It was an unforgettable experience going to a new school in a new city, a new country, and a new continent. The change was huge—culturally, socially, and academically—but it reinforced a key lesson I have learned: resilience. 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’m 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.