A glimpse from my letter to CACSI in the summer

The pandemic threw a new phase of life to us. For months business was not the same, I lost a few loved ones, and disparities in governance became obvious, but most importantly learned the value of education. I decided I would not let that giant inside of me slide into the phase of a raging situation. Circumstances should rather make me shine.

It started with my former role as an Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutsin ma, Katsina State Nigeria. I decided I needed to refine my research skill in a multicultural environment with an unusual international setting just like we have in West Georgia so I reach out to my Professor, Dr. Janet Genz and she referred me to the graduate coordinator and through the support of my Dean and other valuable members of this University, I receive that good news that I have been offered an opportunity to come West. I landed in Georgia on July 19 last year not knowing anyone here in Carrolton, I can say it’s been a tough journey so far but it was worth it.

Amazing things truly happen when you go West and indeed coming west has been amazing to me. I won the Multicultural Achievement awards because of the research I would be involved in here. The $1,000 that came with this award helped me to cushion those needs that rose as an international student in the United States. The other amazing resources put in place here at West Georgia were also a perfect gift to me as a person, coupled with all her amazing people. It's been a good time here so far. I bought my first car from my supervisor, Toby Saunders, with part of my scholarship money and before I received my first pay from west Georgia the biology program coordinator took me out to Kroger to get some groceries, I will never forget those moments with Dr. Payne. He is a wonderful person. Coming west also allowed me to meet my wonderful graduate coordinator Dr. Mellissa, Johnson, her teaching approaches are systemic. By chance I met Mrs. Melissa Brilhart, an Instructor in the Sport Management, Wellness, and Physical Education program, she exposed some wonderful resources In Carrolton to me, and she introduces me to a non-profit organization that has been meeting my need in terms of food and groceries.

Dr. Steve Sammons and Dr. Fontenelle are members of my graduate communities. Dr. Steve is a professor at Auburn University, Alabama, he brought the redeye bass to the aquatic lab before I ever dreamt of coming West, and my research was focused on investigating their physiological responses to thermal stressors. It's been an amazing time with these fishes. I have learned so many things about these fishes, I am looking forward to publishing my findings soon.

My journey of thousands of miles started with one step and today the 2022 class is arriving at the end of this long mile, it was tough, but that is what the University is meant to be, to refine our rawness and shine our gold. I am completing my program in one year. YES, 36 credits hours in one year. I learned a classic message here, that anything is possible through diligence and hard work. When the storm arises, stay strong and search out the treasure that is in it. It may look raging but with persevering diligence nothing is impossible. I had always known that on the road to achieving your dreams, you have to be disciplined, resilient, and consistent because without commitment you will never start, and without perseverance, you will never finish. I watched carefully to be sure I followed all the instructions and signs at the same time while keeping an eye on the portholes and the speed breaker to avoid falling victim to those challenges. I appreciate everyone here that made my dream come through.

My success story would be incomplete without mentioning my parent and loved ones back in Nigeria whose prayers kept me going, and all my friends that I met here in West Georgia. when I told my poor mother, I needed some money she went out of her way to get some for me. She is indeed the definition of a caring mother, thank you.

Upon graduation I am taking a Ph.D. position in Rural Health Sciences at Mercer University School of Medicine, during this program, I would be working with the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center (GHRIC) so I hope all the knowledge acquired here and experiences would be useful at the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center. A big thank you to the authority of the University of West Georgia, the Dean of the College of Art Culture and Scientific Enquiries, The President, and other faculties and Staff. All the past, current, and future Wolves, the Government of Georgia, and the United State of America.

Thank you so much, I appreciate this opportunity.