Hobbies and interests
Reading
Biology
Learning
Foreign Languages
Reading
Education
Christianity
Contemporary
Design
Health
Spirituality
Travel
I read books daily
Nicole Okoye
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FinalistNicole Okoye
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FinalistBio
My name is Nicole Adaeze Okoye. I am married to my husband of 4 years with two daughters. I am a student at Los Angeles Trade Technical College majoring in Biology, with a GPA of 3.88. I was born on August 8th, 1997, in Lagos State, Nigeria where I graduated from junior college (the U.S. equivalent of high school) when I was 17 years old and was matriculated to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State, Nigeria, in 2015. In 2018, I completed my courses and was on my way towards graduation, however, I never officially graduated due to a profound event that took place in my life, I got married. My husband was based in the United States and immediately began immigration proceedings that would eventually pave the way for me to emigrate. In Nigeria, graduation is contingent upon completion of a year of service as a member of Nigeria’s Youth Corps which is a mandatory military preparedness program. Instead of registering with the Youth Corps, I came to the United States, enrolled at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, and happily started working towards an associate degree in Biology and a dream transfer to either USC or UCLA. Enrollment at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College was necessary as my tertiary courses in Nigeria were largely untransferable beyond the community college level. I attended my first day of classes on February 8th, 2021, and I have been happily chasing my dreams ever since!
Education
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Biology, General
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Medicine
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Doctor
Certified Nurse Assistant
Beachwood Post-Acute & Rehabilitation2020 – 20211 year
Sports
Dancing
Club2017 – 20192 years
Research
Biochemical Engineering
Los Angeles Trade Tech College — Group Lead2022 – 2022
Arts
Nigerian Youth Association
DanceNo2017 – 2017
Public services
Volunteering
Cedar Sinai — Chapel Assistant2020 – 2020
Future Interests
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Shawn’s Mental Health Resources Scholarship
As an unemployed mom of two daughters, stress is a daily frequency. After two bouts of COVID, both my husband and I agreed that I would put my employment behind me and focus on my education and the children as I regain full health. This decision was made in October of 2021. Since then, I have had to train myself to cope with stress and overcome mental obstacles. I can proudly say that I have developed a list of things that can help anyone clear their mind and elevate their mental state. My list is as follows:
Trust in a higher power: As a devout Christian, my first piece of advice would always be to lay one’s trust in a higher power. During the COVID shutdown, my husband and I experienced great difficulties which lead to food shortages and depression but despite all of my difficulties, I always found the time to get on my knees and pray every day which gave me a calmness and serenity that I could not find anywhere else.
Listen to Chill Beats: I listen to Chill beats music on iTunes. This playlist comprises mellow chill beats, chill hop, smooth lofi hip-hop & relaxing jazzy vibes. The playlist is updated weekly. I recommend this playlist for people who just need time in their day to shut out the outside world and relax. This music is also useful for studying or any do-it-yourself hobby to relieve yourself of stress and soothe your mind.
Cuddle: Cuddling has always helped me clear my mind and calm myself just as it quells my baby’s cries. I read an article online (Psychology Today) which explained the benefits of cuddling; how it releases oxytocin which is a feel-good hormone. Sometimes, to get away from it all, I cuddle with my husband as we watch a movie or enjoy some wine. As a matter, of fact, cuddling with a loved one is good enough to top any list!
Watch Motivational Videos/Movies: There are so many feel-good movies and motivational videos out there that all it takes to submerge oneself and gain a new mindset is merely the click of a button!
Eat Healthily: At the beginning of 2022 I made the decision to start eating healthier and I have enjoyed the results so far. I lost 13 lbs. and I don’t feel bloated as I normally did throughout last year. Feeling heavy altered my mindset and made my mind a breeding place for stress and depression.
Exercise: A 10-minute daily jog and some calisthenics have greatly improved my physique and, most importantly, my mental health. I found that it was easier for me to relax and deal with daily tasks after gifting my body with anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes of exercise. Oftentimes, exercise proved to be the perfect way for me to initiate a mental reset and gain extraordinary focus.