Since childhood, I have relied on daily medication to protect me from serious health crises. Living with this chronic condition has shaped who I am: someone who never gives up, plans ahead, and keeps moving forward no matter the obstacles. I remember vividly the year I was preparing for my baccalaureate exams in Côte d’Ivoire. During that time, I became seriously ill, which made it difficult for me to study like my classmates. Despite this, I refused to give up. I organized my days around my treatment and created a strict study plan to make up for lost time. I managed to pass my school’s practice test, but unfortunately, when the national exam arrived in June 2018, I did not pass. That moment was devastating, but I knew failure was not the end. Instead, it was a lesson — a chance to learn, grow, and try again. Following my late father’s advice, I immediately enrolled in university so I wouldn’t lose a year, while also retaking my final high school courses with private teachers three days a week. Balancing university assignments with exam preparation was exhausting. There were moments when my mental health suffered under the weight of it all. Still, I stayed focused on what I could control: managing my time wisely, protecting my sleep, and never losing faith in myself. In July 2019, my determination paid off — I proudly earned my scientific baccalaureate diploma with honors. I then earned my bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the Graduate School of Management, graduating with a GPA of 2.6. Knowing that English would open doors for me internationally, I attended Excel English Institute, where I studied English grammar and prepared for the TOEFL exam, achieving a GPA of 3.75. Today, I am continuing my journey at Dallas College, pursuing an Associate Degree in Business Administration, and I currently maintain a GPA of 3.5. Throughout this journey, I have continued to take my medication twice daily. My mother still ships it to me from Côte d’Ivoire to ensure I never miss a dose. Living far from home in the United States has shown me how essential it is to protect my mental and physical health, to manage my stress, and to remain organized so I can keep moving toward my goals. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my health and studies without worrying about how to pay for tuition and books. My dream is to transfer to a four-year university to complete my bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Economics. I am passionate about the financial field because I want to help others make smart decisions, plan for the future, and prosper — just as I have learned to do, despite my own challenges. My journey has taught me that true strength is not the absence of struggle but the ability to rise every time life pushes you down. I hope to use my experience to inspire and empower others facing obstacles of their own, showing them that limitations do not define us — our determination does.

I’ve always believed that knowledge is the one currency that never loses its value. Growing up in Côte d’Ivoire, I often found myself fascinated not just by what people did, but why they did it—why businesses succeeded or failed, why some communities thrived while others struggled. That curiosity eventually grew into a passion for understanding the systems that drive economic opportunity. Today, as a student in the U.S. working toward a degree in Business Administration, I see education not just as a personal goal but as a tool for service and transformation. To truly understand me, it’s important to know that I see the world in systems—numbers, trends, incentives, consequences. But beneath those systems, I see people: families trying to budget, entrepreneurs navigating uncertain markets, students wondering how they’ll afford tuition. I want to be the kind of professional who doesn’t just crunch numbers, but uses them to advocate for better decisions, fairer access, and stronger communities. One of the most eye-opening experiences of my academic life came not in a classroom, but through a simple decision: investing in online learning. Curious about business beyond the traditional textbook, I enrolled in courses led by entrepreneurs like Tai Lopez and Yomi Denzel. These weren’t just “how-to” lessons on e-commerce or marketing—they were mindset training. They taught me the value of initiative, of thinking creatively under pressure, and of using knowledge as leverage for real-world change. That mindset stayed with me during one of the hardest times of my life—the passing of my father. Losing the person who had been my emotional and financial anchor forced me to reimagine my path forward. Instead of giving up, I chose to grow. I realized that my future career wouldn’t be just about personal success, but about building something that lasts beyond me. That’s why I want to work at the intersection of finance, education, and service. My goal is to become a financial strategist or consultant with a focus on small businesses and underserved communities. I want to create platforms—both digital and in-person—that make financial literacy accessible. Imagine workshops in community centers teaching people how to manage their budgets, understand credit, or start a business with limited capital. Imagine content in multiple languages, mentorship programs for immigrant youth, or mobile apps designed for financial planning in underserved regions. I don’t see this just as charity—I see it as a reinvestment. A community that understands money is a community that can break cycles of poverty, build generational wealth, and chart its own course. I want to be part of that transformation. And I believe my education—paired with the lessons I’ve lived—will give me the tools to help lead it.

To speak two languages is to live two lives. As a bilingual student from Côte d’Ivoire—fluent in French and English—I carry two worlds within me. One is grounded in the rich culture, resilience, and community of West Africa. The other is shaped by a pursuit of global education and a desire to use finance and economics to uplift underserved communities. My academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the Graduate School of Management in Abidjan. During my internship at NSIA Participations, I applied my classroom knowledge in real-world settings—preparing debit notes, reconciling accounts, and assisting with financial documentation. This experience taught me that ethical and transparent financial practices are more than procedures; they are essential for trust, stability, and long-term success. In 2023, I made the bold decision to move to the United States to continue my education. Adjusting to a new culture and academic system was challenging, but my background and determination became strengths. I am now pursuing an Associate Degree in Business Administration at Dallas College, where I’ve maintained a 3.5 GPA and discovered a deep interest in economics. One course in particular opened my eyes to how economic policies and systems directly affect people—especially in vulnerable communities. This realization transformed my ambition: I want to use my knowledge not only for business, but also for public impact. Côte d’Ivoire faces many economic and financial challenges. Limited financial literacy leaves families vulnerable to debt and poor planning. Access to formal banking is low, especially in rural areas. Businesses often lack transparency due to outdated accounting practices, and weak STEM education deprives young people of essential skills. I see these problems not as obstacles, but as opportunities. My vision is to return home with practical, globally informed solutions: Develop bilingual financial literacy programs for local communities; Support digital banking initiatives and financial inclusion; Help organizations implement ethical accounting standards; Use economic data to support development policies; And mentor students, especially those from underserved backgrounds, to pursue careers in finance and STEM. Outside of academics, I’ve taken online courses from entrepreneurs like Tai Lopez and Yomi Denzel, which sharpened my business strategy and personal finance skills. I've also led group projects that strengthened my communication and leadership abilities. I believe that leadership means lifting others—and that cultural identity is a strength, not a barrier, in STEM. In July 2024, my father passed away. He was my greatest supporter. Since then, my mother, who is nearing retirement, has done everything she can to keep me in school. Her sacrifice fuels my determination to succeed—not just for myself, but for others like me. The Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship would ease my financial burden and allow me to fully commit to my academic and professional goals. As a fellow African immigrant, I see Dr. Nnaji’s story as a reflection of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. I am committed to upholding his legacy by using my education to empower others, foster equity, and create a more inclusive financial future. In every language, in every country, and with every opportunity, I will lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose.

My name is Kadet Karl Yohann, a bilingual student from Côte d’Ivoire currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Business Administration at Dallas College. My journey has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to personal growth and academic excellence. I began my educational journey by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the Graduate School of Management in Côte d’Ivoire. This experience gave me a solid understanding of core financial principles. I applied this knowledge during my internship at NSIA Participations in the Finance, Accounting, and Consolidation Department, where I helped prepare debit notes, reconcile account and bank statements, record transactions, and assist with financial documentation. This hands-on experience allowed me to see the practical value of finance and how critical ethical and accurate reporting is to the success of any business. In 2023, I made the bold decision to move to the United States to expand my global perspective and pursue advanced education. This transition came with many challenges—adapting to a new culture, learning in a new language, and navigating a different academic system. But through determination and hard work, I overcame these obstacles and embraced the opportunity to grow. At Dallas College, I discovered a new passion: economics. A course I took in Spring 2025 opened my eyes to how economic systems directly affect people’s lives, especially in vulnerable communities. This fueled my interest in using financial knowledge not only to support businesses, but also to empower individuals through financial education and responsible economic decision-making. Beyond formal education, my passion for learning extends into self-development. I have invested in online programs by influential entrepreneurs such as Tai Lopez and Yomi Denzel. These experiences expanded my understanding of business strategy, personal finance, and entrepreneurship, and helped me develop a mindset of initiative, discipline, and lifelong learning. I have also taken leadership roles in academic group projects, organizing tasks and guiding presentations. These opportunities strengthened my communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities. I believe true leadership comes from lifting others and working with purpose—values I hold deeply. In July 2024, I faced one of the most difficult moments of my life: the loss of my father, who was my main financial supporter. Since then, my mother, nearing retirement, has worked hard to help me stay in school. Her sacrifice strengthens my drive to succeed and to give back. Currently, I hold a 3.5 GPA and plan to transfer to a four-year university to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Economics. I also aim to pursue a Master’s degree. My ultimate goal is to become a respected finance professional who contributes to ethical business practices, promotes financial literacy, and mentors future leaders—especially students from underrepresented or international backgrounds like myself. A scholarship would ease my financial burden and allow me to focus fully on my education and service goals. I am committed to using every opportunity not just for personal success, but to make a lasting impact in the financial industry and the communities I serve.

My passion for learning has shaped every part of who I am—my mindset, my values, and my vision for the future. From my early academic journey in Côte d’Ivoire to my current studies at Dallas College, education has been more than a responsibility—it has been a lifeline and a compass guiding me through both opportunity and adversity. I began my academic path by earning a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the Graduate School of Management in Côte d’Ivoire. That program introduced me to the principles of financial reporting, auditing, and strategic analysis, laying a strong foundation in business and inspiring me to pursue a career that could contribute to sustainable, ethical financial practices. During an internship with NSIA Participations, I applied these principles through hands-on experience in bank reconciliation, accounts management, and financial documentation. That role deepened my commitment to the field and affirmed my passion for finance. In 2023, I moved to the United States to continue my education and expand my global perspective. Adjusting to a new academic system, culture, and language was a challenge, but one I welcomed. It required resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to my goals. During the Spring 2025 semester at Dallas College, I discovered a new interest—economics. The course revealed how interconnected financial systems shape society and individual lives, and it sparked a broader passion for understanding market dynamics, public policy, and economic development. My learning extends beyond the classroom. I’ve invested in personal growth by purchasing educational programs from successful entrepreneurs such as Tai Lopez and Yomi Denzel. These resources taught me about entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and financial independence, showing me how self-education can be a powerful complement to academic learning. I’ve also engaged in peer study groups and discussions where I’ve taken on informal leadership roles, helping classmates understand complex material—something I truly enjoy. In July 2024, I faced one of my greatest challenges—the loss of my father, who had been my primary financial supporter. His passing brought emotional pain and financial hardship. My mother, now close to retirement, has stepped in to help me continue my education, and her sacrifice fuels my drive to succeed. Today, I am pursuing an Associate Degree in Business Administration at Dallas College with a GPA of 3.5. My goal is to transfer to a four-year university, earn a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Economics, and ultimately pursue a Master’s degree. Education has changed my life. I’m learning not just for myself—but to one day educate and empower others.