Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien’s story resonates deeply with me. Like Maggie, I moved to the United States on my own, with no support system, to pursue my education. My decision to leave my home country of Nigeria was driven by a strong desire to address the systemic healthcare issues that had profoundly impacted my life and my community. In Nigeria, many people are denied life’s basic necessities, such as proper healthcare services, due to socioeconomic disparities. The lack of adequate healthcare in my hometown, Okohia, Imo State, profoundly impacted my life when it led to the death of my uncle. I was fifteen when my uncle passed away from liver failure. It’s been over two years, but I can still vividly recall watching my father rush to the car in a desperate attempt to drive my uncle to the nearest hospital equipped to handle his condition. That hospital was over six hours away in Lagos State. The medical facilities in our town lacked both the expertise and supplies needed to save him. The delay worsened his condition and ultimately cost him his life. During the long drive to the city, I wrestled with the question: Why do some people have access to efficient healthcare while others do not? When we finally arrived at the hospital, I watched as doctors worked relentlessly to save my uncle, but it was too late. His death was a painful reminder of the critical need for equitable access to healthcare services. This loss sparked a deep sense of responsibility in me. I began investigating the quality of healthcare in local Nigerian communities and comparing it to systems in other countries. I was shocked to discover that countless individuals lacked basic health education or access to proper medical care. As I poured sand over my uncle’s casket, symbolizing the end of his life, I made a promise to myself: I would work to address the systemic issues preventing communities from accessing reliable healthcare and education. With this goal in mind, I decided to pursue a career in medicine in the United States. My family wholeheartedly supported my decision, knowing how urgent the need for change is in the healthcare sector. My journey has not been without challenges. Moving to the United States without a support system was not easy and it tested my resilience. As an international student, I have faced significant financial struggles, balancing the demands of paying for my tuition while also caring for my loved ones back home. However, these challenges have taught me resourcefulness and perseverance, driving me to push through obstacles and remain focused on my goal of becoming a medical doctor. Every obstacle has fueled my determination to create a better future, not only for myself but also for the communities I hope to serve. Like Maggie, I am intellectually bold and determined to become an expert in my chosen field—medicine. Maggie’s unwavering commitment to education and self-improvement mirrors my own dedication. I believe that education is very important, and I am determined to use my knowledge to make a global impact. By addressing healthcare disparities, I hope to embody Maggie’s legacy of boldness, ambition, and selflessness. The Maggie’s Way – International Woman’s Scholarship will not only allow me to complete my education but will also position me to use my skills and knowledge as a medical doctor to make a global impact on healthcare. I aspire to help communities battle health challenges and build systems that ensure no one is left behind.

My experience while living in Nigeria taught me the importance of having access to an efficient healthcare system, a supportive environment, and an unrestricted education. In Nigeria, many people do not have access to the necessities of life, such as efficient healthcare services, because of their socioeconomic status. It was the lack of proper healthcare services in my local town, Okohia in Imo state, that led to the death of my uncle when I was fifteen. It’s been over two years since my uncle passed away, but it still feels like it was yesterday when I watched my father rush to the car so he could quickly transport my uncle, whose liver was failing, to the nearest hospital in the city, Lagos state, which was over six hours away. This was because the hospitals in my local town did not have the medical expertise and supplies my uncle needed and this delay further damaged his health. As my dad and I drove my uncle to the hospital, I wondered why some people deserved to have efficient services, while others did not. At the city hospital, I observed as doctors relentlessly tried to find solutions to help my uncle and it resonated with me. My uncle’s death made me realize the importance of an efficient healthcare system. With an increasing sense of responsibility, I investigated the quality of healthcare offered in local communities in my country, Nigeria, and in other countries. I discovered that a substantial number of people are not knowledgeable of the health practices to adopt or have access to proper healthcare services, and it did not sit well with me. As I poured sand on my uncle’s casket to signify the end of his life on Earth, I wanted to help put an end to the issues that prevent communities from having access to a reliable healthcare system and health education. After considering my academic interests and my passion to make a positive impact in global healthcare, I decided to pursue a career in medicine in the United States. My decision to move to the United States for my education was encouraged by my family as they understood that there was a need for change in the healthcare industry and they were supportive of my decision to be that change. My father, who could not study the academic course he desired in the university because of financial and environmental limitations, accepted the responsibility of sponsoring my journey to the United States so that, unlike him, I would achieve my desires. My uncle’s death made me understand the significance of having access to proper healthcare services. My family’s support showed me how a person’s development is affected by their community and taught me to be a support system for others to lean on. My father’s educational background taught me that everyone should have unrestricted access to good education and his sacrifices made me push hard against limitations so that I can make a difference in society. My life experiences showed me that everyone deserves access to the necessities of life and made me an advocate for the rights of people regardless of their racial, religious, or socioeconomic status. After completing my education, I will utilize my skills and knowledge as a medical doctor to contribute to the quality of healthcare on a global scale. By becoming a medical doctor, I will also be increasing racial diversity in healthcare, which is very important because health conditions do not affect a particular race. So, the health practitioners involved in this battle against different ailments should not be limited in race either.

My experience while living in Nigeria taught me the importance of having access to an efficient healthcare system, a supportive environment, and an unrestricted education. In Nigeria, many people do not have access to the necessities of life, such as efficient healthcare services, because of their socioeconomic status. It was the lack of proper healthcare services in my local town, Okohia in Imo state, that led to the death of my uncle when I was fifteen. It’s been over two years since my uncle passed away, but it still feels like it was yesterday when I watched my father rush to the car so he could quickly transport my uncle, whose liver was failing, to the nearest hospital in the city, Lagos state, which was over six hours away. This was because the hospitals in my local town did not have the medical expertise and supplies my uncle needed and this delay further damaged his health. As my father and I drove my uncle to the hospital, I wondered why some people deserved to have efficient services, while others did not. At the city hospital, I observed as doctors relentlessly tried to find solutions to help my uncle and it resonated with me. My uncle’s death made me realize the importance of an efficient healthcare system. With an increasing sense of responsibility, I investigated the quality of healthcare offered in local communities in my country, Nigeria, and in other countries. I discovered that a substantial number of people are not knowledgeable of the health practices to adopt or have access to proper healthcare services, and it did not sit well with me. As I poured sand on my uncle’s casket to signify the end of his life on Earth, I wanted to help put an end to the issues that prevent communities from having access to a reliable healthcare system and health education. After considering my academic interests and my passion to make a positive impact in global healthcare, I decided to pursue a career in medicine in the United States. My decision to move to the United States for my education was encouraged by my family as they understood that there was a need for change in the healthcare industry and they were supportive of my decision to be that change. My father, who could not study the academic course he desired in the university because of financial and environmental limitations, accepted the responsibility of sponsoring my journey to the United States so that, unlike him, I would achieve my desires. My uncle’s death made me understand the significance of having access to proper healthcare services. My family’s support showed me how a person’s development is affected by their community and taught me to be a support system for others to lean on. My father’s educational background taught me that everyone should have unrestricted access to good education and his sacrifices made me push hard against limitations so that I can make a difference in society. My life experiences showed me that everyone deserves access to the necessities of life and made me an advocate for the rights of people regardless of their racial, religious, or socioeconomic status. Receiving Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship will not only help me to successfully complete my undergraduate studies but also significantly alleviate the financial burden of my tuition on my family. After completing my education, I will utilize my skills and knowledge as a medical doctor to contribute to the quality of healthcare on a global scale.

My experience while living in Nigeria taught me the importance of having access to an efficient healthcare system, a supportive environment, and an unrestricted education. In Nigeria, many people do not have access to the necessities of life, such as efficient healthcare services, because of their socioeconomic status. It was the lack of proper healthcare services in my local town, Okohia in Imo state, that led to the death of my uncle when I was fifteen. It’s been over two years since my uncle passed away, but it still feels like it was yesterday when I watched my father rush to the car so he could quickly transport my uncle, whose liver was failing, to the nearest hospital in the city, Lagos state, which was over six hours away. This was because the hospitals in my local town did not have the medical expertise and supplies my uncle needed and this delay further damaged his health. As my dad and I drove my uncle to the hospital, I wondered why some people deserved to have efficient services, while others did not. At the city hospital, I observed as doctors relentlessly tried to find solutions to help my uncle and it resonated with me. My uncle’s death made me realize the importance of an efficient healthcare system. With an increasing sense of responsibility, I investigated the quality of healthcare offered in local communities in my country, Nigeria, and in other countries. I discovered that a substantial number of people are not knowledgeable of the health practices to adopt or have access to proper healthcare services, and it did not sit well with me. As I poured sand on my uncle’s casket to signify the end of his life on Earth, I wanted to help put an end to the issues that prevent communities from having access to a reliable healthcare system and health education. After considering my academic interests and my passion to make a positive impact in global healthcare, I decided to pursue a career in medicine in the United States. My decision to move to the United States for my education was encouraged by my family as they understood that there was a need for change in the healthcare industry and they were supportive of my decision to be that change. My father, who could not study the academic course he desired in the university because of financial and environmental limitations, accepted the responsibility of sponsoring my journey to the United States so that, unlike him, I would achieve my desires. His sacrifices inspire me. My uncle’s death made me understand the significance of having access to proper healthcare services. My family’s support showed me how a person’s development is affected by their community and taught me to be a support system for others to lean on. My father’s educational background taught me that everyone should have unrestricted access to good education and his sacrifices made me push hard against limitations so that I can make a difference in society. My life experiences showed me that everyone deserves access to the necessities of life and made me an advocate for the rights of people regardless of their racial, religious, or socioeconomic status. After completing my education, I will utilize my skills and knowledge as a medical doctor to contribute to the quality of healthcare on a global scale.

My experience while living in Nigeria taught me the importance of having access to an efficient healthcare system, a supportive environment, and an unrestricted education. In Nigeria, many people do not have access to the necessities of life, such as efficient healthcare services, because of their socioeconomic status. It was the lack of proper healthcare services in my local town, Okohia in Imo state, that led to the death of my uncle when I was fifteen. It’s been over two years since my uncle passed away, but it still feels like it was yesterday when I watched my father rush to the car so he could quickly transport my uncle, whose liver was failing, to the nearest hospital in the city, Lagos state, which was over six hours away. This was because the hospitals in my local town did not have the medical expertise and supplies my uncle needed and this delay further damaged his health. As my dad and I drove my uncle to the hospital, I wondered why some people deserved to have efficient services, while others did not. At the city hospital, I observed as doctors relentlessly tried to find solutions to help my uncle and it resonated with me. My uncle’s death made me realize the importance of an efficient healthcare system. With an increasing sense of responsibility, I investigated the quality of healthcare offered in local communities in my country, Nigeria, and in other countries. I discovered that a substantial number of people are not knowledgeable of the health practices to adopt or have access to proper healthcare services, and it did not sit well with me. As I poured sand on my uncle’s casket to signify the end of his life on Earth, I wanted to help put an end to the issues that prevent communities from having access to a reliable healthcare system and health education. After considering my academic interests and my passion to make a positive impact in global healthcare, I decided to pursue a career in medicine in the United States. My decision to move to the United States for my education was encouraged by my family as they understood that there was a need for change in the healthcare industry and they were supportive of my decision to be that change. My father, who could not study the academic course he desired in the university because of financial and environmental limitations, accepted the responsibility of sponsoring my journey to the United States so that, unlike him, I would achieve my desires. My uncle’s death made me understand the significance of having access to proper healthcare services. My family’s support showed me how a person’s development is affected by their community and taught me to be a support system for others to lean on. My father’s educational background taught me that everyone should have unrestricted access to good education and his sacrifices made me push hard against limitations so that I can make a difference in society. My life experiences showed me that everyone deserves access to the necessities of life and made me an advocate for the rights of people regardless of their racial, religious, or socioeconomic status. After completing my education, I will utilize my skills and knowledge as a medical doctor to contribute to the quality of healthcare on a global scale.