Did you know people with sickle cell trait have higher resistance to malaria because of the difficulty the parasite has in infecting sickle-shaped cells? Because of this relationship, ongoing research is being conducted on the use of sickle cell trait protection to prevent and treat malaria. Living with sickle cell has been challenging, but I have never allowed it to limit my aspirations or hinder my ability to achieve my academic and career goals. As a 19-year-old female with sickle cell, I have experienced firsthand the devastating effects of this disease. I have lost over 30 family members to sickle cell, many of whom did not survive at the early ages of life. Despite these difficulties, I am determined to succeed in life. There is no way I will allow it to define me or hold me back. My passion for utilizing technology to make a difference ignites my pursuit of a degree in engineering. Despite this, the journey is not without its challenges. I have experienced a tremendous amount of impact because of sickle cell anemia. The pain, the fatigue—it seeps into every aspect of my existence. There are days when attending classes feels like an uphill battle. But I persevere, pushing through the pain and refusing to give up on my dreams. It's not just about the physical challenges; my mental health and social maturity have also been affected. Despite this, I remain dedicated to my educational and career goals. As long as I have the support and determination, I can overcome any obstacle. That's why this scholarship is so crucial to my journey. This scholarship will allow me to access the financial help and accommodations I need to complete my education. It will ease the financial burden often accompanying an autoimmune disease. With this support, I can focus on my studies and recovery, without financial strain. The scholarship will provide more than just financial help. Through it, I will validate my resilience, determination, and sacrifices in pursuing my education. It will remind me I am not alone in this fight and that my journey is worth celebrating. This recognition will reignite my motivation, reminding me I can overcome any setback. Living with sickle cell has presented its challenges, but I refuse to let it define me. With this scholarship, I can conquer these challenges and pursue my dreams with renewed hope. I am determined to overcome setbacks, rise above pain, and create a future where my aspirations become a reality. This scholarship is not just an opportunity; it is a lifeline that will empower me to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

Upon returning home from school one day, stressed and hungry, I stumbled upon a Facebook post that appealed for help for a pregnant woman in need. This woman, in the final stages of her pregnancy, required any help she could get for herself and her baby. Witnessing her weariness deeply moved me, prompting me to swiftly gather clothes and essentials to aid her. The radiant smile that adorned her face upon receiving the provisions filled me with hope and compassion. It was at that very moment that I realized my mission extended far beyond personal pursuits—I held a responsibility to inspire hope and uplift my community. Pursuing a career in STEM emerged as the path through which I could fulfill this mission. With a STEM degree, my ambition lies in enhancing the lives of my community through technological innovation, research breakthroughs, and educational initiatives. My goal is to inspire and mentor young minds, particularly those hailing from underprivileged backgrounds, much like my own. I yearn to encourage them to pursue their dreams and break free from the shackles of poverty. As an aspiring electrical engineer, I possess the knowledge and skills required to address pressing societal issues and effect a meaningful impact. One of the most pressing challenges we confront today is the dire need for sustainable energy solutions. Drawing from my comprehension of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, I can conceive and implement systems that diminish our reliance on fossil fuels. By harnessing these clean energy sources, we can actively combat climate change and furnish communities with dependable, eco-friendly electricity supplies. I am acutely aware of the significance of providing electricity to remote and underserved communities, much like my hometown. Tragically, the absence of electricity has cost community members and friends their lives because of the unavailability of power for life-saving surgeries. with my expertise in off-grid and microgrid solutions, I possess the ability to design systems that leverage renewable energy sources to bring power to marginalized areas. By enabling access to reliable electricity for lighting, education, healthcare, and economic activities, we can empower these communities and contribute to their overall development. However, my status as an undocumented student in college poses significant financial struggles that render affording my education an arduous endeavor. Despite limited financial resources and support, as a first-generation undocumented immigrant, I am determined to overcome obstacles and achieve my academic aspirations. Juggling multiple part-time jobs, I actively seek scholarships and engage with community organizations to secure help. Advocating for policy changes and raising awareness about challenges faced by undocumented students, I strive to make a positive impact and inspire others. With support and opportunities, I believe I can forge a better future while making a difference in the lives of others. My desire to pursue a career in STEM serves as the path through which I can achieve my goal of assisting others. Equipped with a STEM degree, my aim is to enhance lives through technological innovation, the provision of sustainable energy solutions, and the facilitation of electricity access in underserved communities. Despite grappling with financial struggles as an undocumented student, my determination to surmount obstacles, seek support, and raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals like myself remains unwavering. Education stands as the key to a brighter future, and I persistently commit myself to effecting a lasting impact and creating a better tomorrow for not only myself but also for others in similar circumstances.

Growing up as an immigrant child in the United States has been a challenging experience, to say the least. My parents moved to this country in search of better opportunities for our family, but with that came a multitude of struggles that I have had to navigate on my own. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was the language barrier. English is not my first language, and when I started school, I struggled to keep up with my classmates. I spent countless hours studying and practicing, determined to improve my English skills and succeed academically. In addition to the language barrier, my family faced financial hardships. My parents worked long hours in low-paying jobs to make ends meet, leaving little time and resources for extracurricular activities or college prep. I had to take on additional responsibilities at home, such as cooking and cleaning, to help my parents out. Despite the challenges, I remained focused on my education and determined to succeed. I took advantage of every opportunity I had to improve myself, from participating in after-school programs to taking college-level courses during high school. I knew that a college education was my ticket to a better future, and I was willing to work hard to make it happen. Now, as a sophomore at a prestigious university, I am proud of how far I have come. But I also know that I would not be here without the support of others. The financial assistance provided by this scholarship would be a tremendous help in allowing me to continue pursuing my dreams and making a positive impact on the world. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also committed to giving back to my community. Growing up in an immigrant family, I witnessed firsthand the struggles that many families face. I am grateful for the support and opportunities that I have had, and I want to do what I can to give back. Over the years, I have volunteered at local food banks and homeless shelters, organized fundraisers for local charities, and even spearheaded a school supply drive for underprivileged families in my community. These experiences have taught me the importance of kindness, empathy, and giving back. In conclusion, as a first-generation student and an immigrant child, I have faced numerous challenges on my journey to college. But I have also learned the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance. With the support of this scholarship, I am confident that I can continue pursuing my dreams and making a positive impact on the world. Thank you for your consideration.

My name is Laurel and I'm a 19-year-old electrical engineering major. I lost my mother ten years ago, and since then, I've had to take care of myself and my younger sister who is five years younger than me. It wasn't easy initially, but I learned to be strong for both of us. Losing my mother was one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. I was only nine years old when she passed away, and I felt like my world had been turned upside down. But I had to be strong for my little sister. I had to be the one to take care of her, make sure she ate and did her homework, and tucked her in at night. A nine-year-old had a lot of responsibility, but I had to do it. As I got older, my ambition grew stronger. I knew that I wanted to do something great with my life. I wanted to make my mother proud, even though she wasn't here to see it. That's why I decided to study electrical engineering in college. It's not an easy major, but I'm determined to succeed. I want to show the world that I can do anything I put my mind to. Unfortunately, things haven't been easy for me lately. I go to school from home, which should be convenient, but my mom's sister, who adopted us after my mother's passing, has been mentally abusive toward me. It's been a struggle to keep up with schoolwork while dealing with her constant put-downs and insults. But I'm saving up to move out so that I can save myself and my sister. I'm determined to make a better life for us. Today, March 17th would have been my mother's 45th birthday. I thought that with time, I would feel better about her passing, but I'm still suffering. It's hard to imagine what life would be like if she hadn't died so young. But I know that she would want me to be strong and to keep going, no matter what. So I will keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles come my way. I have strength, ambition, and intent, and I know that I can do anything. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout my life, I have been able to bounce back and keep moving forward. Whether it's dealing with my aunt's abuse or struggling to keep up with schoolwork, I have shown resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. From a young age, I had to take on a lot of responsibility to ensure that my sister and I were taken care of. This required me to be responsible and mature beyond my years, and it has taught me a lot about the importance of hard work and dedication. I have always been determined to succeed in life, despite the obstacles that I have faced. Whether it's getting good grades in school or saving up to move out of my aunt's house, I am always determined to achieve my goals and make a better life for myself and my sister. Standing up to my aunt's abuse has taken a lot of courage, but I am determined to protect myself and my sister from harm. I have shown courage in standing up for what is right and not backing down in the face of adversity Despite the difficulties that I have faced in my own life, I have always been compassionate toward others. I try to treat everyone with kindness and respect, and I am always willing to help others in need. I have shown strength in many different ways throughout my life. I believe that my experiences have made me a stronger person, and I am determined to use that strength to achieve my goals and make a better life for myself and my sister.

For over two centuries, America has served as a place of hope for many people, who have migrated to the land of opportunity to better their lives. American society is very diverse and accepts people as they are, which creates space for respect for culture and growth in all aspects. These aspects could be the growth of financial independence or new opportunities that pertain to the American Dream. The American Dream, to me, means being financially stable and able to afford a middle-class lifestyle. The feelings of self-reliability and independence are all tied to a certain amount of income individuals can earn. In the American dream, liberty allows people to afford a better future for themselves regardless of their background. Opportunities for prosperity and success, such as freedom from financial constraints and starting their own business, are all offered in the American dream. Americans' identifying what it means to live the American dream involves realizing the opportunities ahead of them and acknowledging the price that comes with financial freedom. The American dream of financial stability is attainable through hard work. People are now climbing the social ladder to the middle class and working in high-paying jobs that provide a stable income. The Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary states, "Hard work is the act of constantly, regularly, or habitually engaged in energetic work" (Webster). Those who work hard continuously will surely succeed in life. A form of hard work is having a job and being paid, which makes one employed. There are many forms of employment in the United States with varying wages. The usage of opportunities has transformed the process of wage-earning and status elevation for the middle class. People’s survival in the world depends on how much they can provide for themselves. The American dream for most people is to earn a wage that can cover their expenses and cost of living. People migrate to America every year in search of financial security to get a better life for themselves, and the consistency of migration over time is proof that the American "dream" is attainable. They are in search of the opportunities and freedom that are granted in the American dream. The American dream offers a lot of opportunities to individuals. As stated in the Declaration of Independence, Americans have access to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" (Declaration of Independence). The American dream offers an equal middle-class society where one can become who they are while fulfilling their dreams. This ensures that all Americans are free to live their lives as they choose, regardless of their different ethnicities or backgrounds. Regardless of their different backgrounds, immigrants face a series of hardships in America, but that doesn't hinder them from working their hardest to attain financial stability. Through hard work, the American dream of financial stability is attainable. Immigrants come to the United States in search of a better life. Notwithstanding the difficulties they face in America, immigrants continue to migrate to the country because they see opportunities for a middle-class life that can be gotten through hard work. Despite being physically and mentally exhausted, they have stuck with their jobs and, over time, advanced their careers.  

It was a quiet evening in my village of Bafut in Cameroon's North-West Province. In a matter of seconds, the entire village abruptly became completely black. We weren't worried because this had happened before; nevertheless, we were unaware that this period of darkness would extend for more than a year. We were forced to live in darkness as the distribution transformers that step down electricity to our homes blew off. That was the moment I decided I wanted to become an electrical engineer. I knew that my community lacked a helper, and no matter where I went, I never forgot what it was like to live in the dark. My hometown of Bafut, Cameroon, was where I was adopted before moving to the United States. I have so much gratitude for being given this chance for a better life that words could never explain it. What I do does not benefit me personally; it only benefits others. I try to live by the principles of humility, humanity and giving back in order to be successful. My perseverance enables me to get back up after falling and go forward with confidence despite the probability that I will fail. . I seek to be unselfish and serve others through a posture of humble servant leadership rather than a life of egoistic successes. I did not travel all the way to the U.S. in order to give up on my dreams when they became challenging. No matter what I achieve in life, I will always look out for those around me. Besides becoming the lady I aspired to be as a child, I am also serving as an inspiration for the young girls in my town who have been told that the only way to succeed is through child marriage. They, too, can seek and complete higher education. I told myself I was going to be the change my town needed, but I couldn't accomplish that without going to school and chasing my aspirations. I now have a duty to remember those back home who did not have the same opportunity as me considering the opportunities I have been given. It's up to me to keep them in mind and put in the effort so that one day I might assist them too. I intend to begin my scholarship. My goal is to provide kids in my neighborhood with the same opportunity I was given to improve my life. It's usually a good idea to help folks out when you've been helped. Sometimes I've been discouraged and wondered if I could make a difference in my neighborhood. I may not yet know how I will accomplish my goal, but I am confident that as long as I keep trying, doors will open for me. I have a strong interest in studying electrical engineering since I find the concepts of light and design to be quite fascinating. The existence of light opens up opportunities for current expansion and development, which would be very helpful to my town. How effectively my neighborhood can develop while having access to reliable electricity intrigues me. My heart is overflowing with appreciation and thanksgiving because the Crenati Foundation is assisting me in this journey of greater achievement. By being the helper I need to fulfill my aspirations of becoming an electrical engineer and supplying the Bafut village with continuous energy.

When I was a young child, I always knew that concentrating on my studies and earning good grades would make my life a lot simpler. That's the route I ultimately took, but to my utter dismay, I discovered that wasn't all I needed. To be able to attain my aspirations, I required assistance. I'm going to school to improve not only my own life but also the lives of those who depend on me. I was extremely happy when I graduated high school and realized that getting a bachelor's degree in engineering was the next step in my life. When I finally understood my dreams were coming true, a wave of joy swept through me. My life has transformed as a result of being adopted and relocated to the United States from a local village called Bafut in Cameroon. I could never express how grateful I am to have been given this opportunity for a better life. My talents and passions are what inspire me today but my circumstances and struggles have played a huge role in shaping me today . I chose to engineer because I was curious as to how I could create my gift for mankind. I've always been a curious child, I love taking apart things and trying to put them together. I remember one day I took apart my grandpa's radio and try to put it together and I got in a lot of trouble, it was stupid of me but now when I look back at it I realize I've had this curiosity in me to put things or how things are created. I want to study electrical/ electronic engineering, I'm very much fascinated by how light works as well as designs. One of the greatest ways I plan on giving back to my community is to put electricity in my Village back in Cameroon. I have lived in darkness, gone months without electricity back home and I know the pain as well as the struggle it takes to not be able to have constant or little electricity. I had to live in darkness because the Distribution transformers which step down electricity to primary distribution voltages to our community blew off. I believe my people deserve better and I plan to be that change. My dream of being an electrical engineer all started when we went a good six months without electricity, I told myself I am going to be the change that my community needed and I am so happy that I am pursuing this dream because I'm not only doing this for myself but for the people of my village that are relying on me. With that in mind, I also plan on sponsoring somebody's education by starting my scholarship. I'm going to sponsor a student that has gone through the same struggles that I went through. When one is helped it's always good to help others back in the same kindness. I plan to bring constant reliable electricity to my village by acquiring a bachelor's degree in engineering and I am so grateful are you supporting me and making this dream come through.

Filling out this application, as well as my other college applications, has pushed me to face the realities of my upbringing. Life has an odd way of reminding you of issues you've tried to forget. My name is Sirri Margaret Laurel Ngwa, I was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, and spent the majority of my youth there. My mother's sister adopted me after she died to provide me with a better life. I was adopted at the age of 11 and brought to America, where I have resided ever since. I worked hard from seventh grade till now to be the best version of myself in both my academics and extracurricular activities. While in school I got bullied because of my heritage alongside my name. I was often called the African child rather than my name because they found it too hard to pronounce. At first, I accepted it because I felt like fitting in and Vibing with them. As I got older I realized I was letting people disrespect me because I didn't know any better. Every chance I got, I corrected the pronunciation of my name as well as my origin. I'm proud to be Cameroonian and my name signifies my culture and heritage. There's no reason to butcher a person's name just for a laugh and giggles and I learned this the hard way. To share my heritage in my way, I decided to Volunteer as a member of my community's pro-recycling club. While in school I joined the African student association as well as the immigrant student association.Every chance I could get I tried to be a member of clubs that acknowledge my heritage. Realizing how much power I had once I stopped letting people disrespect me just, opened a pathway for my hobbies such as bowling, coloring, crocheting, field hockey, and dancing. They have molded me into the person I am now, both physically and intellectually. As a child in Cameroon, I would mix mud and sculpt miniature dolls and toy houses out of it when I was frustrated and needed an outlet from life. I would put flowers on the heads of my dolls to make them more attractive. I didn't give it much thought but as I got older, I found I liked constructing and producing things. The only major that has ever caught my interest has been engineering. I enjoy watching shows about home construction and remodeling in my spare time. I knew I wanted to work involving houses whether it was building them or designing their electrical panels. With that in mind, I've pursued a career in electrical engineering. It's an opportunity to give myself a chance to succeed; I'm certain this is what I want to do with my life. There are moments when I honestly wish I could follow a different path in life, such as attending a four-year college, which was my ambition in high school but I couldn't afford it. “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success” Napoleon Hill. When we create plans in life, nature sometimes has other ideas for our growth. Hard work pays off, I'll be patient.

Filling out this application, as well as my other college applications, has pushed me to face the realities of my upbringing. Life has an odd way of reminding you of issues you've tried to forget about. I was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, and spent the majority of my youth there. My mother's sister adopted me after she died in order to provide me with a better life. I was adopted at the age of 11 and brought to America, where I have resided ever since. I worked hard from seventh grade till my second semester of college to be the best version of myself in both my academics and extracurricular activities. Volunteering as a member of my community's pro recycling club is one of these activities. My hobbies such as bowling, coloring, crocheting, field hockey, and dancing have molded me into the person I am now, both physically and intellectually. Acquiring social security benefits has been a laborious process. After seven years in the united states, I had expected to be a US citizen by now, given that my adopted mother is an American citizen. I was legally brought to the United States and have had the good fortune of receiving a free education through the public school system. Because of my lack of financial resources and possibilities as an undocumented immigrant, Northern Virginia Community College was the only way I could get a degree. I've had a lot of difficulties, especially when I couldn't apply for financial aid like FAFSA, since I didn't have a social security number. Although I am qualified because of my good academic record, the lack of a social security number deemed me away from opportunities for achievement and progress such as grants. Living in America has taken its toll on me, and not being able to provide for myself through work and having limited possibilities to enhance my education has made my life a nightmare. As a child in Cameroon, I would mix mud and sculpt miniature dolls and toy houses out of it when I was frustrated and needed an outlet from life. I would put flowers on the heads of my dolls to make them more attractive. I didn't give it much thought but as I got older, I found I like constructing and producing things. The only major that has ever caught my interest has been engineering. I enjoy watching shows about home construction and remodeling in my spare time. I knew I wanted to work involving houses whether it was building them or designing their electrical panels. With that in mind, I've pursued a career in electrical engineering. It's an opportunity to give myself a chance to succeed; I'm certain this is what I want to do with my life. My mother and three other siblings and I currently share a home. While attending college full-time from home, I assist her in caring for them. There are days when I am frustrated and overwhelmed since I am raising three children ages 9,4 and 3 with my mother while also attending college. There are moments when I honestly wish I could follow a different path in life, such as attending a four-year college, which was my ambition in high school. “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success” Napoleon Hill. When we create plans in life, nature sometimes has other ideas for our growth. Hard work pays off, I'll be patient.

Filling out this application, as well as my other college applications, has pushed me to face the realities of my upbringing. Life has an odd way of reminding you of issues you've tried to forget about. I was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, and spent the majority of my youth there. My mother's sister adopted me after she died in order to provide me with a better life. I was adopted at the age of 11 and brought to America, where I have resided ever since. I worked hard from seventh grade till my second semester of college to be the best version of myself in both my academics and extracurricular activities. Volunteering as a member of my community's pro recycling club is one of these activities. My hobbies such as bowling, coloring, crocheting, field hockey, and dancing have molded me into the person I am now, both physically and intellectually. Acquiring social security benefits has been a laborious process. After seven years in the united states, I had expected to be a US citizen by now, given that my adopted mother is an American citizen. I was legally brought to the United States and have had the good fortune of receiving a free education through the public school system. Because of my lack of financial resources and possibilities as an undocumented immigrant, Northern Virginia Community College was the only way I could get a degree. I've had a lot of difficulties, especially when I couldn't apply for financial aid like FAFSA, since I didn't have a social security number. Although I am qualified because of my good academic record, the lack of a social security number deemed me away from opportunities for achievement and progress such as grants. Living in America has taken its toll on me, and not being able to provide for myself through work and having limited possibilities to enhance my education has made my life a nightmare. As a child in Cameroon, I would mix mud and sculpt miniature dolls and toy houses out of it when I was frustrated and needed an outlet from life. I would put flowers on the heads of my dolls to make them more attractive. I didn't give it much thought but as I got older, I found I like constructing and producing things. The only major that has ever caught my interest has been engineering. I enjoy watching shows about home construction and remodeling in my spare time. I knew I wanted to work involving houses whether it was building them or designing their electrical panels. With that in mind, I've pursued a career in electrical engineering. It's an opportunity to give myself a chance to succeed; I'm certain this is what I want to do with my life. My mother and three other siblings and I currently share a home. While attending college full-time from home, I assist her in caring for them. There are days when I am frustrated and overwhelmed since I am raising three children ages 9,4 and 3 with my mother while also attending college. There are moments when I honestly wish I could follow a different path in life, such as attending a four-year college, which was my ambition in high school. “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success” Napoleon Hill. When we create plans in life, nature sometimes has other ideas for our growth. Hard work pays off, I'll be patient.

Filling out this application, as well as my other college applications, has pushed me to face the realities of my upbringing. Life has an odd way of reminding you of issues you've tried to forget about. I was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, and spent the majority of my youth there. My mother's sister adopted me after she died in order to provide me with a better life. I was adopted at the age of 11 and brought to America, where I have resided ever since. I worked hard from seventh grade till my second semester of college to be the best version of myself in both my academics and extracurricular activities. Volunteering as a member of my community's pro recycling club is one of these activities. My hobbies such as bowling, coloring, crocheting, field hockey, and dancing have molded me into the person I am now, both physically and intellectually. Acquiring social security benefits has been a laborious process. After seven years in the united states, I had expected to be a US citizen by now, given that my adopted mother is an American citizen. I was legally brought to the United States and have had the good fortune of receiving a free education through the public school system. Because of my lack of financial resources and possibilities as an undocumented immigrant, Northern Virginia Community College was the only way I could get a degree. I've had a lot of difficulties, especially when I couldn't apply for financial aid like FAFSA, since I didn't have a social security number. Although I am qualified because of my good academic record, the lack of a social security number deemed me away from opportunities for achievement and progress such as grants. Living in America has taken its toll on me, and not being able to provide for myself through work and having limited possibilities to enhance my education has made my life a nightmare. As a child in Cameroon, I would mix mud and sculpt miniature dolls and toy houses out of it when I was frustrated and needed an outlet from life. I would put flowers on the heads of my dolls to make them more attractive. I didn't give it much thought but as I got older, I found I like constructing and producing things. The only major that has ever caught my interest has been engineering. I enjoy watching shows about home construction and remodeling in my spare time. I knew I wanted to work involving houses whether it was building them or designing their electrical panels. With that in mind, I've pursued a career in electrical engineering. It's an opportunity to give myself a chance to succeed; I'm certain this is what I want to do with my life. My mother and three other siblings and I currently share a home. While attending college full-time from home, I assist her in caring for them. There are days when I am frustrated and overwhelmed since I am raising three children ages 9,4 and 3 with my mother while also attending college. There are moments when I honestly wish I could follow a different path in life, such as attending a four-year college, which was my ambition in high school. “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success” Napoleon Hill. When we create plans in life, nature sometimes has other ideas for our growth. Hard work pays off, I'll be patient.

Filling out this application, as well as my other college applications, has pushed me to face the realities of my upbringing. Life has an odd way of reminding you of issues you've tried to forget about. I was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, and spent the majority of my youth there. My mother's sister adopted me after she died in order to provide me with a better life. I was adopted at the age of 11 and brought to America, where I have resided ever since. I worked hard from seventh grade till my second semester of college to be the best version of myself in both my academics and extracurricular activities. Volunteering as a member of my community's pro recycling club is one of these activities. My hobbies such as bowling, coloring, crocheting, field hockey, and dancing have molded me into the person I am now, both physically and intellectually. Acquiring social security benefits has been a laborious process. After seven years in the united states, I had expected to be a US citizen by now, given that my adopted mother is an American citizen. I was legally brought to the United States and have had the good fortune of receiving a free education through the public school system. Because of my lack of financial resources and possibilities as an undocumented immigrant, Northern Virginia Community College was the only way I could get a degree. I've had a lot of difficulties, especially when I couldn't apply for financial aid like FAFSA, since I didn't have a social security number. Although I am qualified because of my good academic record, the lack of a social security number deemed me away from opportunities for achievement and progress such as grants. Living in America has taken its toll on me, and not being able to provide for myself through work and having limited possibilities to enhance my education has made my life a nightmare. As a child in Cameroon, I would mix mud and sculpt miniature dolls and toy houses out of it when I was frustrated and needed an outlet from life. I would put flowers on the heads of my dolls to make them more attractive. I didn't give it much thought but as I got older, I found I like constructing and producing things. The only major that has ever caught my interest has been engineering. I enjoy watching shows about home construction and remodeling in my spare time. I knew I wanted to work involving houses whether it was building them or designing their electrical panels. With that in mind, I've pursued a career in electrical engineering. It's an opportunity to give myself a chance to succeed; I'm certain this is what I want to do with my life. My mother and three other siblings and I currently share a home. While attending college full-time from home, I assist her in caring for them. There are days when I am frustrated and overwhelmed since I am raising three children ages 9,4 and 3 with my mother while also attending college. There are moments when I honestly wish I could follow a different path in life, such as attending a four-year college, which was my ambition in high school. “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success” Napoleon Hill. When we create plans in life, nature sometimes has other ideas for our growth. Hard work pays off, I'll be patient.