Growing up as the daughter of a Nigerian father and a Polish mother, I learned quickly that the small town I was raised in had little exposure to girls like me. Naturally, I was grouped among others who shared my complexion but not my story. Upon understanding my differences, I utilized this opportunity to shed a positive light on my minority. I began to break generational traditions on what success should "look like" within my community and raised a platform where our differences could be celebrated. After graduating as the first African-American valedictorian of my high school in 125 years, my mindset shifted from "me" to "we". I had to understand that I represent a community I care deeply about. My burning desire for my life is to empower and serve others. The involvement that struck my passion to serve began as an inconsequential babysitting volunteer service at my church. This small duty that I began when I was 11 ultimately sculpted my choice in career for my life. In being a Sunday school teacher, I not only fell in love with the children, but I loved the idea of being able to wake up every Sunday and teach and pour the love of God into their lives. I want to take these two amazing opportunities and achievements that sculpted my character, and implement it into my life in the Nursing school at The University of Texas. I long to be the hands and feet behind the transformation of lives. I desire to encourage others to live their truths and continue to tear down stereotypes. I aspire to leave this world with a legacy attached to my name.

Major 
Nursing

Other Academic Interests 
Pursuing a certificate in business

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program (FASP)?
During my childhood, I had never experienced anything other than walking into a classroom or competition without automatically being judged and drowned in labels connected to my complexion. I didn't know what it felt like to be taken seriously and not take people by surprise when I shared my successes. I never knew what it was like for my intellect to shine brighter than my skin tone until I came to Finalist Weekend. There, I was treated with such grace. I was able to be surrounded by such prestigious students who loved academics as much as I did. I was free to hold higher-level conversations with chairmen and presidents and CEOs without feeling like I was being undervalued. I absolutely submerged myself in the bright, burnt-orange mindset and could not wait to be a part of a cohort who work on all aspects of themselves consistently. I get to challenge not only myself but others through collaboration. I believe the Forty Acres Scholars Program will enable me to use who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do for a purpose greater than myself.