This photo was taken on my high school graduation in 2016 at The International School of Tanganyika. From the right are my Uncle, my Dad, and my Mother.
I identify myself as an International student because I have been exposed to a new culture and new ways of living since I was 18 years old. After passing my secondary school O level exams in Tanzania, I applied for a scholarship at the International School of Tanganyika. They only selected 5 Tanzanian students to fund them with a full scholarship, this includes tuition, medical expenses, and any travel expenses. I would say that this was a turning point in my life because it opened doors for many more opportunities. First, it provided me with guidance and assistance in adjusting to the culture shock, rediscovering my dreams and most of all the counselors and teachers helped me in my University applications. Second being part of an International community taught me many core values and these include open-mindedness and integrity. I held on these values and communication skills through my high school years as a junior and senior. Through all the IB program I learned to persevere and built on my resilience to pursue my medical career despite the financial constraints. I applied for scholarships in many Universities, I got accepted at Drake University to major in Biology with a partial tuition fee. My parents could not cover the rest of the fee so I waited for other Universities to reach out to me. Michigan State University accepted me but they could not offer me tuition.
During my high school graduation, I had so many uncertainties about my future plans. I watched some of my friends who enrolled in Universities at home going back to school and pursuing their careers. This was the hardest time for my parents and me because my decision to pursue an education system different from what my country offers meant I could not enroll at any Universities there as my certificates would not be accepted by administrators. With a lot of counseling from our supervisors at my high school and emotional support from my friends who we were on scholarship together, we took a gap year applying for a Mastercard Scholarship. After a lot of research, interviews, and adjustments we were all placed in different Universities. I was offered a full scholarship at Agnes Scott College, this was probably the best news I had the whole year. My parents were finally relieved to know that I had a future and I could still pursue my dreams. My passion has always been to work with women and children in the health sector to make sure that they have proper access to health services regardless of their financial status. I am looking forward to being inspired by my fellow Scottie sisters to make a better leader version of myself. I also hope that I will incorporate and influence my fellow students with my values and certain parts of my culture I bring with me. Most of all I am looking forward to three more years of different opportunities, growth and inspiration.
