Help Me Through School
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My mother always told me sometimes you have to go through the hard times to realize how strong you are. My name is Esther Ekwale and I am currently in my sophomore year at Delaware County Community College. I came into the United States on June 8th 2015 to further my education shortly after my high school graduation in Nigeria. Upon my arrival, I started making plans on what Universities I had in mind to attend. But unfortunately, I had a one year delay due to immigration procedures to change my visiting visa into a valid F1 status (International Student Visa). I was then advised by my attorney to take a one year course at a public high school.
For me it wasn't a big deal, and I don't think I was planning on going to college at the age of 16.??? During my one year stay at Chester High School, I achieved so much goals academically,such as continuously making the honor roll, maintained a 4.0 G.P.A, being the 12th grade President for the Student Government Association as well as involving myself in Track and Field for a specific period of time. After my one year stay in high school, I thought I was finally going to live the dream of having that first year college experience. Like living on campus, having your freedom, being completely independent and not just missing home for a while. But as life may have it, that never happened.
During my first semester in school, I had already set my goals and knew what I wanted. I'm currently a Business Administration major and I plan to place my focus on either Business Management, Finance, or International Business. In the course of my first semester, I was eager and determined to be involved outside of education because I strongly believe that someday it would pay off. I was an active member of the Student Government Association, an active member of the Business Society Club, I was in the school's Dance Team and also a member of the Volleyball team. And at the end of my first semester I had a 4.0 G.P.A.
Further along during my second semester, that was when things started becoming really hard. Nigeria at that time were showing signs of lack of funds and the economy sinking into doom because of bad governance. My mum being here with me in America only had her source of income from Nigeria and my Dad being back home in Nigeria only had his source of income in Nigeria as well. It was really hard trying to raise money but we pushed through. During the course of my second semester, I needed to start taking responsibilities for myself and be independent. I got employed by Walmart at the end of my second semester, and with the little money I saved up as well as other contributions, I was able to cover my third semester.
During the course of my second semester, I began to hold official positions as being the Vice President of the Mutual Africa Club (African association Club), Treasurer of the Business Society, Member of the Track and Field team and participated in my ever first Penn Relays”, active member of the Student Government Association and participated in my school’s talent show and came in second place with my lovely dance team mates. Currently I hold a 3.8 cumulative G.P.A and intend on improving my grade.
I currently hold two jobs, one as a Walmart associate and the other, a Work Study job. I wouldn't be able to take up so much hours because my education is my priority and being an International Student I have to retain myself as a full time student. I have a total amount of $7,693 to pay each for the remaining semesters left. I applied for a school scholarship during the Spring and by God’s grace I as awarded with an amount of $1,100. But they would be split into two for the Fall 2017 which has already been paid off and for the Spring 2018. I'm also making efforts of applying for online scholarships but I haven't gotten any yet, but I'm still hoping to get as much scholarships as possible.
Currently I'm looking to raise about $14,286 for my remaining year at school. I plan to graduate with an associate degree in Business Administration, and if luck has it I will transfer to any school that offers me with the lowest payable tution possible. If not, I hope to use my Associate Degree to get a well paying job and work for about a year or two. Which by then I would have been able to save up for my Bachelor's Degree. Since I live with my elder sister I don't have any housing to pay for. As for my books, I can use the little I earn from my job to cover that. I just need as much help as I can get for my tuition.
Any amount is highly appreciated. I'm just looking forward to see myself being in a classroom next year. Thank you and may the good Lord bless you.
For me it wasn't a big deal, and I don't think I was planning on going to college at the age of 16.??? During my one year stay at Chester High School, I achieved so much goals academically,such as continuously making the honor roll, maintained a 4.0 G.P.A, being the 12th grade President for the Student Government Association as well as involving myself in Track and Field for a specific period of time. After my one year stay in high school, I thought I was finally going to live the dream of having that first year college experience. Like living on campus, having your freedom, being completely independent and not just missing home for a while. But as life may have it, that never happened.
During my first semester in school, I had already set my goals and knew what I wanted. I'm currently a Business Administration major and I plan to place my focus on either Business Management, Finance, or International Business. In the course of my first semester, I was eager and determined to be involved outside of education because I strongly believe that someday it would pay off. I was an active member of the Student Government Association, an active member of the Business Society Club, I was in the school's Dance Team and also a member of the Volleyball team. And at the end of my first semester I had a 4.0 G.P.A.
Further along during my second semester, that was when things started becoming really hard. Nigeria at that time were showing signs of lack of funds and the economy sinking into doom because of bad governance. My mum being here with me in America only had her source of income from Nigeria and my Dad being back home in Nigeria only had his source of income in Nigeria as well. It was really hard trying to raise money but we pushed through. During the course of my second semester, I needed to start taking responsibilities for myself and be independent. I got employed by Walmart at the end of my second semester, and with the little money I saved up as well as other contributions, I was able to cover my third semester.
During the course of my second semester, I began to hold official positions as being the Vice President of the Mutual Africa Club (African association Club), Treasurer of the Business Society, Member of the Track and Field team and participated in my ever first Penn Relays”, active member of the Student Government Association and participated in my school’s talent show and came in second place with my lovely dance team mates. Currently I hold a 3.8 cumulative G.P.A and intend on improving my grade.
I currently hold two jobs, one as a Walmart associate and the other, a Work Study job. I wouldn't be able to take up so much hours because my education is my priority and being an International Student I have to retain myself as a full time student. I have a total amount of $7,693 to pay each for the remaining semesters left. I applied for a school scholarship during the Spring and by God’s grace I as awarded with an amount of $1,100. But they would be split into two for the Fall 2017 which has already been paid off and for the Spring 2018. I'm also making efforts of applying for online scholarships but I haven't gotten any yet, but I'm still hoping to get as much scholarships as possible.
Currently I'm looking to raise about $14,286 for my remaining year at school. I plan to graduate with an associate degree in Business Administration, and if luck has it I will transfer to any school that offers me with the lowest payable tution possible. If not, I hope to use my Associate Degree to get a well paying job and work for about a year or two. Which by then I would have been able to save up for my Bachelor's Degree. Since I live with my elder sister I don't have any housing to pay for. As for my books, I can use the little I earn from my job to cover that. I just need as much help as I can get for my tuition.
Any amount is highly appreciated. I'm just looking forward to see myself being in a classroom next year. Thank you and may the good Lord bless you.
Organizer
Esther Ekwale
Organizer
Chester, PA