As a psychology major with a keen interest in child psychology, my journey as a woman of excellence is deeply influenced by my social identities, experiences, and aspirations. Growing up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by a rich cultural heritage that instilled in me values of resilience, determination, and community. This foundation, coupled with my experiences as a woman of color attending an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States, has shaped my identity as a strong and empowered individual committed to making a positive impact in the world. My lived experiences have been instrumental in shaping my pursuit of a career in psychology. Volunteering in various capacities has deepened my understanding of the importance of services and giving back to my community. These experiences have reinforced my passion for helping others and inspired me to pursue a career path focused on improving the mental health and well-being of children, particularly those from marginalized communities. After graduating from college, I aspire to continue my education and pursue advanced degrees in child psychology. My goal is to become a licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent mental health, especially for children in marginalized communities with a focus on providing culturally competent and evidence-based interventions to support the unique needs of diverse populations. Ultimately, I aim to establish a private practice or join an organization where I can make meaningful contributions to the field of child psychology and advocate for the mental health needs of underserved communities. Over the past two years, I have actively engaged in volunteer, community service, and leadership experiences that have enriched my personal and professional growth. Through my involvement in initiatives such as organizing community blood drives and leading hospital renovation projects, I have honed my leadership skills, developed a greater sense of empathy and compassion, and gained valuable hands-on experience working with diverse groups of people. These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, resilience, and servant leadership in effecting positive change in the world. To date, my greatest accomplishment is the impact I have been able to make in the lives of others through my volunteer and leadership endeavors. Whether it's organizing a successful blood drive that saved numerous lives or contributing to the renovation of a hospital to improve patient care, knowing that my efforts have made a tangible difference in the world brings me immense pride and fulfillment. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of service and affirmed my commitment to using my skills and talents to create positive change in my community and beyond.

As a Nigerian Psychology major with a passion for child psychology, my future career aspirations are deeply rooted in fostering the well-being and development of children within my community. I envision myself working as a child psychologist, providing culturally sensitive and evidence-based interventions to support the mental health needs of children all around the spectrum, specifically African American children. My goal is to create safe and nurturing spaces where children can thrive emotionally, academically, and socially, despite the unique challenges they may face. Being black, to me, means embracing my cultural heritage, resilience, and identity with pride and strength. It means acknowledging the rich traditions, languages, and experiences that shape the diverse spectrum of blackness. Being black also means advocating for social justice, equity, and empowerment within my community and beyond, challenging systemic barriers and stereotypes that disproportionately affect black individuals and families. I chose to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) because of its commitment to nurturing and uplifting black students, providing a supportive environment where I can thrive academically and culturally. HBCUs offer a unique space for black students to celebrate their heritage, receive mentorship from black faculty and leaders, and build a strong sense of community and belonging. I knew that by attending an HBCU, I was not only furthering my education but also contributing to the legacy of excellence and empowerment that these institutions embody, while also honoring the sacrifices of those who paved the way for black education and advancement.

There are stories in these curls, Stories about oppression and victory, Stories filled with beauty and misery. It may not say it in words, But my hair speaks in volumes, Even with just one curl, Watch as the stories gently unfurl. They put us in shackles On our wrists and our ankles Loaded us up in boats Some of us were just left to float Thrown into the boats as you would to baggage Our rite of passage Reduced to the Middle passage Forced to be slaves Forced to be nothing We endured the torture for many days And then we started running Some states let us be Some even passed out a decree But there was only one solution A very painful resolution Because of the Union There was inclusion We were supposed to be united But everyone was apart We just wanted to be equal We wanted to be free But to do that I couldn’t be me It started with the hair It couldn’t be up in the air I was told to tame it It made me look unfit I tried for many days But then it came to me I was already free Why couldn’t my hair be It is my hair It is my history It shows my losses and my victory It should be free in the air There are stories in these curls Those of beauty and of misery Of little boys and of little girls It may not say it in words But my hair speaks in its volumes Showing what we are walking towards.