The first time I noticed a system fail, it was small. A voice assistant could not recognize my name. It was easy to laugh it off, but it stayed with me because it pointed to something larger. Technology does not fail everyone equally. The systems we rely on are shaped by the data they are trained on, and when that data is incomplete, entire groups of people are left out. That realization is what led me to focus on addressing issues of representation and bias in technology. As a student of Computer and Information Science, I have approached this issue through both research and practical work. During my time at the PROPEL Health Accelerator, I worked on analyzing bias in healthcare machine learning systems. Using data analysis techniques, I examined how model errors were distributed across different demographic groups. What I found reinforced a critical concern. Models that perform well overall can still produce uneven outcomes, especially for underrepresented populations. This is not always visible in general performance metrics, but it has real consequences when these systems are used in decision-making. My work in this space is not limited to identifying problems. I am also focused on understanding how systems can be improved. Through research projects and technical development, I have explored ways to evaluate models beyond surface-level accuracy, paying attention to how they perform across different conditions and populations. This approach is important because it shifts the focus from whether a system works to who it works for. Beyond technical work, I address this issue through mentorship and community engagement. As a peer tutor in the TRiO Student Support Services program, I have supported first-generation and underrepresented students in building confidence in quantitative subjects. Many of the students I work with initially doubt their ability to succeed in technical fields. By helping them develop foundational skills and confidence, I am contributing to a more diverse pipeline of individuals who can participate in and shape the future of technology. I also see this issue from a global perspective. Growing up in Nigeria, I understand how gaps in access to technology and data-driven systems can affect entire communities. Many decisions related to healthcare, education, and infrastructure are made without sufficient data or with systems that do not reflect local realities. This creates inefficiencies and limits the effectiveness of solutions. Addressing this requires both technical knowledge and an understanding of how to apply it in real-world contexts. My long-term approach to this issue involves combining my background in computer science with further training in business analytics. I want to work at the point where technical systems and decision-making intersect, ensuring that data is used responsibly and effectively. This means contributing to the design of systems that are inclusive, as well as guiding the decisions that determine how those systems are implemented. Addressing bias and representation in technology is not a problem that can be solved in one step. It requires continuous effort, awareness, and intentional design. Through my academic work, research, and community involvement, I am actively contributing to this effort. My goal is to help build systems that reflect the diversity of the people they serve and to ensure that technology works more equitably for all.

The first time a system failed to recognize my name, I did not think much of it. By the second time, I started asking questions. I am Nigerian, and my name, Osiriamen, is pronounced exactly as it is written, yet I found myself repeating it to a system that had clearly never been built with people like me in mind. That moment sparked my interest in computer science, not just as a field of coding, but as a way to understand how systems are designed and who they are designed for. I became interested in the gap between what technology promises and what it actually delivers, especially for underrepresented communities. That curiosity led me to pursue a degree in Computer and Information Science, where I developed a strong technical foundation while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Through research and internships, I worked on machine learning models and data systems, and I began to see how data shapes decisions in areas like healthcare and resource allocation. I learned that building systems is only part of the process. The real impact comes from how those systems are applied and who benefits from them. My goal after receiving my degree is to work at the intersection of technology and decision-making, using data to guide solutions that are both effective and inclusive. I am particularly interested in roles that combine data analytics with strategy, where I can help organizations make informed decisions that have real-world impact. In the long term, I plan to apply these skills in Nigeria and other emerging communities, contributing to systems that improve access, efficiency, and opportunity. I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because my journey reflects both achievement and purpose. As a first-generation student from a low-income background, I have navigated financial and personal challenges while continuing to excel academically and professionally. I have not only focused on my own success, but also supported others as a peer tutor, helping students build confidence in subjects they once found difficult. I approach my work with discipline, resilience, and a clear sense of direction. This scholarship would not only support my continued education, but also strengthen my ability to pursue work that extends beyond personal success. I am committed to using my skills to contribute to communities that are often overlooked, and to building systems that serve more people, not just the majority.

I learned early that purpose is not something you wait to discover. It is something shaped by what you experience and how you respond to it. Growing up in Nigeria in a family with limited financial resources, I saw how opportunity is not always evenly distributed. Education was the one constant my family held onto, and that belief became the foundation of my own direction. Coming to the United States for college expanded that perspective. As a first-generation student, I had to navigate unfamiliar systems while holding myself to a high standard. I maintained a 4.0 GPA, pursued research, and gained technical experience, but what shaped me most were the moments where things did not go as planned. When a key internship opportunity was unexpectedly rescinded, I had to continue forward without the stability I had relied on. That experience taught me how to stay focused under pressure and adapt without losing sight of my goals. Through my work in technology and data, I began to see a larger pattern. Systems often fail the people they are not designed to serve. That realization gave my work direction. My sense of purpose is now centered on using my skills to build and guide systems that are more inclusive and effective. My experiences have shown me that purpose is not defined by circumstances, but by what you choose to do with them.

One of the most significant obstacles I have faced in pursuit of higher education was navigating financial instability as an international student while maintaining my academic performance. Coming to the United States from Nigeria meant stepping into a system where I had to rely largely on my own planning and limited resources. I understood from the beginning that I would need to be disciplined and intentional, but I did not fully anticipate how quickly circumstances could change. During my 2025 summer, I secured an internship that I planned to rely on for both professional experience and financial support. I had structured my academic year and personal budget around that opportunity. However, the offer was unexpectedly rescinded before it began. Losing that position meant losing a critical source of income that I had already depended on. As an international student, my ability to quickly find alternative employment was restricted, and the options available to me were limited. At the same time, my academic responsibilities did not change. I was still enrolled in a demanding course load, involved in research, and committed to maintaining the standard I had set for myself. What made this obstacle particularly challenging was the uncertainty it created. It was not just about finances, but about how to continue progressing without the stability I had planned for. There were moments where it would have been easy to become discouraged or distracted. Instead, I made a conscious decision to focus on what I could control. I remained committed to my academics and continued to perform at a high level, maintaining my 4.0 GPA. I stayed engaged in my research work and continued building my technical skills, even as I worked through the uncertainty behind the scenes. I was not entirely alone in navigating this challenge. The support of mentors and advisors at Edward Waters University played an important role in helping me stay grounded. Faculty members who had worked closely with me offered guidance and reassurance, reminding me to stay focused on my long-term goals rather than the immediate setback. The TRiO Student Support Services program, where I also worked as a peer tutor, provided both structure and a sense of community. Supporting other students who were facing their own challenges gave me perspective and reinforced my sense of purpose. This experience taught me more than how to manage financial difficulty. It strengthened my resilience and adaptability. I learned how to continue moving forward even when plans do not work out as expected. I developed a stronger sense of discipline and the ability to perform under pressure without losing focus. Most importantly, it showed me the value of mentorship and community, and how critical support systems can be during difficult times. Overcoming this obstacle has shaped how I approach challenges today. It has made me more resourceful, more focused, and more committed to creating opportunities not only for myself but for others who may face similar barriers.

I grew up in Nigeria in a family where resources were limited, but expectations were not. Education was treated as a responsibility, not an option, and from an early age, I understood that effort mattered more than circumstance. My parents did not have access to many of the opportunities I now have, but they made it clear that discipline, consistency, and integrity would take me further than excuses ever could. That environment shaped how I see challenges. I learned to focus on what I could control and to keep moving forward, even when the path was uncertain. Coming to the United States for college deepened that understanding. As a first-generation student in a new country, I had to adapt quickly, both academically and personally. There was no clear roadmap to follow, so I learned to figure things out on my own while still holding myself to a high standard. I balanced rigorous coursework with research, internships, and leadership roles, and I maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout. At the same time, I faced financial instability, including the loss of an internship that I had planned to rely on for support. That experience forced me to adjust, stay focused, and continue performing despite uncertainty. What my upbringing and these experiences have given me is not just resilience, but perspective. I understand what it means to work toward something without guaranteed support. I understand how systems can create gaps for people who are capable but under-resourced. Most importantly, I understand the value of opportunity when it is given. Building a new legacy for me means changing what is possible for the people who come after me. It means using my education not only to advance my own career, but to create access, representation, and better systems for others. With my background in computer science and my plans to pursue business analytics, I want to work at the point where decisions are made, where data is used to shape policies, allocate resources, and design systems that affect real lives. I plan to use what I have learned to contribute to communities like the one I came from, where talent exists but opportunity is limited. Whether through mentorship, creating pathways for young women in technology, or contributing to data-driven solutions in areas like healthcare and infrastructure, my goal is to ensure that more people are seen, supported, and included in the systems that shape their lives. My upbringing did not limit me. It prepared me. It taught me how to work with focus, how to adapt, and how to keep going when things are uncertain. The legacy I want to build is one where those lessons do not stop with me, but extend to others who are looking for a way forward.

The first time a system failed to understand something as simple as my name, I realized that technology does not fail everyone equally. I am Nigerian, and my name, Osiriamen, is pronounced exactly as it is written, yet I found myself repeating it to systems that had not been designed with people like me in mind. That moment stayed with me. It made me think beyond how systems are built and focus on who they serve. It is also what drives how I intend to use my degree to help others in my community. My academic journey in computer science has given me strong technical skills in data analysis, machine learning, and software systems. Through research and internships, I have learned how data-driven systems are designed and how they influence decisions in areas such as healthcare and resource allocation. However, I have also seen that the impact of these systems depends on the decisions made around them. Data alone does not create change. It is how people interpret and apply it that determines whether it benefits a community or leaves gaps. Pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics will allow me to bridge this gap. It will equip me with the ability to translate technical insights into practical decisions that can improve outcomes in real communities. My goal is to use data not just to identify problems, but to guide solutions that are effective, inclusive, and sustainable. One of the ways I plan to apply this is through improving access to reliable information and decision-making tools in underserved communities. In many parts of Nigeria, important decisions about healthcare, education, and infrastructure are often made without sufficient data or with systems that do not reflect local realities. This leads to inefficiencies and outcomes that do not fully address community needs. With the combined knowledge of computer science and business analytics, I want to contribute to building systems that provide accurate insights and support better planning and resource allocation. I am also committed to helping individuals within my community, particularly young women who are interested in technology. During my time as a TRiO tutor, I saw how access to guidance and support can change a student’s confidence and direction. I plan to continue mentoring and creating opportunities for others, helping them develop both technical and analytical skills. Representation matters, and creating pathways for others to enter and succeed in these fields is one of the most direct ways I can contribute. Beyond individual mentorship, I want to work on a larger scale by contributing to organizations and initiatives that focus on data-driven solutions for community challenges. Whether through partnerships, consulting, or building platforms, my goal is to ensure that the systems being implemented are designed with the people they serve in mind. This means paying attention not only to efficiency, but also to fairness, accessibility, and long-term impact. My degree is not just a personal achievement. It is a tool that will allow me to contribute to something larger than myself. I want to be part of building systems that work for more people, creating opportunities where they are limited, and ensuring that decisions made with data lead to meaningful and lasting improvements in my community.

I grew up in Nigeria in a family that did not have many financial resources, but placed a deep and unwavering value on education. From an early age, I understood that education was more than just a requirement. It was a pathway to opportunities that extended beyond my immediate environment. My parents reinforced this belief through their actions, constantly emphasizing discipline, persistence, and the importance of doing things well, even when circumstances were not ideal. Their mindset shaped how I approached my academic journey and ultimately inspired my decision to pursue higher education in the United States. Coming to the United States was a defining step in my life. I enrolled at Edward Waters University as a first-generation college student, stepping into an entirely new academic and cultural environment. The transition was not easy, but it forced me to grow quickly. I learned how to navigate unfamiliar systems, manage responsibilities independently, and remain focused on my long-term goals. Over time, I found my footing and excelled academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while engaging in research, internships, and leadership roles that strengthened both my technical and personal development. One of the most significant challenges I faced during this journey was financial instability. I had secured an internship that I planned to rely on for both experience and financial support, but the offer was unexpectedly rescinded. As an international student, finding alternative opportunities was difficult, and I had to manage uncertainty while continuing my academic responsibilities. Despite this setback, I remained focused and continued to perform at a high level. I maintained my academic standing, stayed involved in research, and worked as a peer tutor in the TRiO Student Support Services program, supporting other students who were navigating challenges of their own. This experience taught me resilience and adaptability. I learned how to stay grounded under pressure, make the most of limited resources, and continue moving forward even when plans change. It reinforced my belief that setbacks are not endpoints, but moments that require adjustment and persistence. The people who have inspired me most throughout this journey are my parents. They did not have access to the same opportunities I have, yet they believed in the power of education and supported me in every way they could. Their sacrifices, encouragement, and consistency shaped my sense of responsibility and my commitment to succeed. They showed me that determination and integrity matter just as much as talent, and their influence continues to guide my decisions. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics. My goal is to build on my background in computer science and develop the ability to translate data into meaningful, real-world decisions. In the short term, I am interested in roles that combine data analysis with strategic decision-making, particularly in areas such as technology and healthcare. In the long term, I hope to apply these skills in Nigeria and other emerging markets, contributing to the development of systems and strategies that are both effective and inclusive. My journey has been shaped by both opportunity and challenge, and each experience has strengthened my sense of direction. I am not only pursuing higher education to advance my career, but to position myself to make a meaningful impact through technology, data, and informed decision-making.

My name is Peace Amhanesi, and I am a rising junior majoring in Computer and Information Science at Edward Waters University. I hail from Nigeria, where my passion for technology and its potential to drive positive change led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer and information science. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology and its potential to drive change and improve lives. This spurred my interest in computer science and AI. During my ongoing journey in software development, I have been particularly intrigued by the challenges of training basic AI models with limited data. This has sharpened my technical skills and deepened my understanding of AI's capabilities and limitations. I am passionate about using AI to address real-world problems, particularly in underserved communities like those in Nigeria. As an international student, I am facing significant hardships that create barriers to achieving my academic and professional goals. One major challenge is the lack of health insurance, which forces me to pay substantial hospital bills out-of-pocket. This financial strain is compounded by the limitations on my ability to work. I am restricted to on-campus employment, where job opportunities are scarce, leading to job insecurity and financial instability. Additionally, I am currently using a school-provided laptop that is low-grade and has limited functionality. This inadequate equipment hinders my ability to engage fully in my studies, particularly in my area of interest, AI security and management. High-performance computing capabilities are essential for my research and development in AI, and the current laptop does not support the necessary software and applications. The financial burden extends to my educational pursuits beyond the classroom. Enrolling in external courses that offer advanced skills and certifications, which are crucial for securing internships, fellowships, and research opportunities, is prohibitively expensive. These certifications would significantly enhance my employability and practical experience in the field of computer and information science. Food insecurity is another pressing issue. Limited food options at my school, coupled with my inability to afford adequate meals, affect my overall well-being and academic performance. Additionally, during school breaks or semester ends, I face the challenge of finding temporary accommodation as my family remains in Nigeria, leaving me with few options and added stress. Receiving the Schmid Memorial Scholarship would alleviate these financial burdens, enabling me to invest in a suitable laptop, enroll in essential courses, and ensure basic needs like food and accommodation are met. This support would significantly enhance my ability to excel academically and professionally, ultimately allowing me to contribute to technological advancements and community development both in the U.S. and Nigeria. I am deeply committed to using technology to drive positive change, and I believe that with the right resources and support, I can make significant contributions to the field of computer science. The Schmid Memorial Scholarship would be a pivotal step in helping me achieve my aspirations and make a lasting impact on my community and beyond.

My interest in health informatics has inspired me to seek opportunities that intersect research and data analytics. Since last year, I have been working with a non-profit on a capstone project for food and housing insecurity. This experience has exposed me to observations and high-level analyses of different insecurities in underserved schools. I have been examining food insecurities on a public level, and then on a school level. Likewise what food insecurity means for undergrads and potential mediations. We also brainstormed on strategies and executed different initiatives that will assist with handling the issue in academic environments. Also as a current sophomore, one of the current community services I did was planning a community project with classmates after graduating high school, to create a local book donation stream that would ensure that we adequately give back our textbooks and class notes to younger schoolmates who did not have enough resources to get new textbooks and struggled to keep up with class work. As a high school graduate from a low-income background, I understood the difficulties of keeping up with academic concepts in various classes while not being able to fully afford some essential educational resources on time. As such, I would create meetings where we had an “experience board” where my friends used their personal experiences with the problems of economic hardship to create the most inclusive strategies we could deploy to make life a bit easier for our younger colleagues I was in charge of overseeing the team, establishing deadlines, and organizing our efforts as the project manager. Managing the varied skill sets and personalities was one of the most considerable challenges I had as a project manager. I quickly observed the difference in the mental wavelength of everyone and was inspired by the passion that they all displayed. I worked hard to foster trust and promote open communication among my teammates because I understood how crucial it was to forge a cohesive and effective team. I witnessed the team create diverse and inclusive solutions while maintaining the camaraderie of working together. Being available and accessible to my team members was another focus of mine, and I regularly displayed an optimistic outlook and a readiness to listen to their worries and suggestions. This, in my opinion, promoted a feeling of cohesion and togetherness among the team members. I was able to lead the project to a conclusion by utilizing my communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities, and I was pleased to witness the beneficial effects that our efforts had on the school and the community at large. Overall, my time spent managing the project was a fruitful learning opportunity that helped me refine my leadership abilities. Even though the job was difficult, I was able to rise to the situation and help my colleagues and the community. I am confident that the abilities and traits I gained from managing projects will be useful to me in all of my future activities, both personal and professional. To me, the American Dream represents the continuing journey toward fulfillment, equality, and limitless possibility for all. It is a living tapestry woven from the diverse dreams and aspirations of every individual in America.

I come from a lower-class Nigerian family nestled deep in the savor of purpose, faith, leadership, and community. I attended high school on a merit scholarship and graduated as valedictorian of my class at the age of 17 with a profound interest in community development. Like any youngster, I was filled with dreams, hope, and enthusiasm. I wanted to go into the world and begin to beat giant strides and achieve great excellence in my career interests, I was extremely motivated! Surprisingly, my dreams and hopes started to fade because things didn’t work out the way I had planned—I have not been able to proceed to college for four years since I graduated from high school because of socioeconomic disadvantages. Some years ago, my parents who are local farmers lost their source of livelihood to harsh regulatory policies in Nigeria. As non-college graduates, their job choices were minimal. They started a few businesses that failed. They barely made the amount of money needed to feed the entire family, therefore, I had to completely forfeit my college dreams to reduce the financial implications in my household. I had a rough encounter with mental health because of my circumstances. My professional plans and ambitions had begun to crumble, however, this was a usual case for kids in my community. Determined to make a change, I started to think of ways to break this cycle. Some research has shown that every day in Nigeria about 20,000 persons slip into their first phase of depression, and tons of millions of others are experiencing various forms of depressive symptoms. The severity of this situation has resulted in the decline of core sectors that contribute massively to national wealth and the proper standard of living in my country in particular and underrepresented communities across the world in general. I started to seek professional exposure and I was opportune to intern with a healthcare organization as a data analyst in the statistical committee. I learned how to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform health data into accurate, consistent, and timely information. As an intern, I was able to facilitate mental health training sessions in 15 public schools where I also created psychology clubs and registered over 450 high school students. In 2020, I started to volunteer with youth empowerment and rose to become the head of media and publicity after two years in the organization. I did an internship with a tech hub while taking professional courses online on technology management, data science, people operations, and leadership, and I also maintained other part-time volunteering duties. My future aspiration is to create a local organization or non-profit conglomerate that addresses social issues through philanthropy, research, leadership, technology innovations, and pipeline initiatives. I want to work with diverse change-makers to reinforce strategies that will make positive impacts sustainable and widespread. Along the path of learning more ways of being a better human to the world, I have learned to turn my disadvantages and circumstances into a springboard for personal growth and became an active changemaker more than I was when I graduated from high school. My experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, it has made me an inclusive human who is passionate about creating an endless cycle of positive change. I have been exposed to life lessons from disparate people which have strengthened my emotional intelligence, interpersonal character, and leadership skills.

I envision a future career in which I can combine my passion for technology with my commitment to social impact. As a person from a developing country, I want to work towards bridging the digital divide, particularly in underserved communities, by developing innovative and accessible technology solutions. Whether through working with tech company or a nonprofit organization, my goal is to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on society. Being Black to me means resilience, strength, and a rich cultural heritage. It means overcoming obstacles and persevering in the face of adversity. It means being a part of a community that has been historically marginalized and oppressed, yet continues to thrive and create vibrant cultural expressions. As a Black person, I am proud of my heritage and strive to uphold the legacy of those who came before me while paving the way for future generations. I chose to attend an HBCU because I wanted to be a part of a community that prioritizes and celebrates Black excellence. I wanted to be in an environment where I could learn and grow surrounded by people who share my cultural background and experiences. Attending an HBCU has provided me with a sense of belonging and community, as well as opportunities to engage with Black scholars and leaders in various fields. It has also helped me to develop a strong sense of pride and identity as a Black person, which I carry with me in all aspects of my life.

I was ten years old when I started my first business, although I would not have described it with the fancy word “business” as I did right now, however, it was a business if you consider convincing adults with childlike desperation to give you money to buy wholesale fruits then market and sell all and give them back their capital with an extra profit. I was an odd kid, with few words, curious thoughts, a compassionate attitude, and a strict observer of social trends and cultural tendencies. My personality made it fun to carefully notice patterns and intricacies of occurrences, which in turn helped me notice the bias that my immediate environment had on my professional aspirations. I demystified the views I observed; as a kid from a low-income family, there was a mental cap on what one could achieve. Understandably, this results from faulty political and economic systems in my country that exclude people without college degrees, poor socioeconomic conditions, and other underserved classes from accessing opportunities that can create sustainable finance for them. However, it also had to do with the mentality that the environmental conditions had relegated us to—very few had managed to escape that cycle of life "so what makes you special" was an unspoken tradition. As a very inquisitive teenager, I would cherish every opportunity to gain access to the internet to browse about people who had dealt with limitations and were able to make something out of it. I used the stories of women with PhDs in Quantum Physics, Behavioral Economics, and many other fields as a frame of reference for my passion. I wanted to break that cycle therefore I challenged the environmental tradition and restrictions which said there was just so little I could achieve because of my socioeconomic background. I knew that just my bare minimum would not serve me, my family, and my community and I wanted to be the representation another teenager will look up to in the future. I started taking responsibility for my goals, asked questions, and remained resilient in my drive. I began to seek professional exposure and I was opportune to intern with a healthcare organization as a data analyst on the statistical committee. I learned how to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform health data into accurate, consistent, and timely information. In 2020, I started to volunteer with youth empowerment and rose to become the head of media and publicity after two years in the organization. I did an internship with a tech hub while taking professional online courses on data science, tech operations, and leadership, and also maintained other part-time volunteering duties. My personal experiences and diverse community exposures birthed my passion for social engineering. Along the path of learning more ways of being a better human to the world and challenging beliefs, I have turned my disadvantages and socioeconomic circumstances into a springboard for personal and professional growth. I have finally enrolled in college, and it’s inspiring to be a first-generation college student.