I started junior high school at the Government Technical College in the city of Wudil, which is in Kano State, Northern Nigeria - I was with my dad, who was a professor in Kano State Polytechnic. At the junior high school, I studied introductory technology a subject that comprises electrical principles, metal works, technical drawing, woodwork and auto mechanics; also, I studied integrated science - physics, chemistry and biology; in addition, I took mathematics and English language classes. I graduated from the junior high school with honors.
The good results I had from the junior high gave me the opportunity to attend the Government Technical College Wudil's senior high school. This is the stage when I realized what type of engineer I want to be, why I wanted that, and how to be that person. I wanted to be an electrical and electronics engineer this is because I realized Africa as a whole and Ghana, my home country in particular, needs electrical and electronics engineers to help with the socio-economic development of the nation. The nation needed energy, technical infrastructure and personnel, since these were the foundation for technological and economic development of a nation. Therefore I decided to become an electrical and electronics engineer so that I would be a blessing to Ghana and the world at large.
I started senior high school in September 1988 and completed it in June 1991. My major courses were electrical installation principles and regulation, physics, chemistry, mathematics and English. I continued my educational pursuits at the Benue State Polytechnic in a town called Ugbokolo, in Nigeria. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology was the program I studied, and the certificate I obtained upon graduating in 1995 was the National Diploma - equivalent to the associate degree in the United States. At this point in my life, I felt I was on course, and I also knew I had to continue to first degree and masters, if I really wanted to be a world-class engineer. However, I stopped in my tracks when my father died and I lost the needed financial support.
As a result of my father's death, I returned to Ghana to continue my pursuit. In Ghana, I had to make ends meet, so I got a job with a small information technology firm. I excelled in my duties and was made one of the branch managers of the company. Protek Worldwide Systems was the name of the company, and it was located in Accra, Ghana. Though I did obtain some experience at this job, I refused to feel comfortable in this position since I had not reached my academic goal. I had the desire to continue toward my academic goal in the United States so I wrote a number of schools, and I was admitted to Devry University, Chicago, during the 2005 and 2006 session. I am studying for my Bachelors in Electronic Engineering Technology. I will complete my first year at Devry University in March 2007, and the next session begins almost immediately. The path to my goal is rough and costly, but I can get there with help of the good people of this country. I need this scholarship to push me forward. I am studying hard and maintaining a GPA of more than 3.5.
My dream of becoming a blessing to people of Ghana as far as technology is concerned is on course, and I can get to the highest level of learning with the help of scholarships. Therefore I am soliciting your financial assistance to help me get there. I intend to return to Ghana where my services would be most needed when I graduate.
Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in the United States. Approximately 162,460 people were expected to die of lung cancer during 2006.1 Bringing this into perspective, more people die of lung cancer each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and melanoma combined.2 Though progress has been made in cancer research over the past decade, the prognosis for lung cancer continues to be very poor. Seventy percent of those newly diagnosed with lung cancer are at the advanced stage level.3 Average life span from point of diagnosis remains at 6 months with a mere 16% of those diagnosed surviving beyond 5 years.2 Treatment tends to be palliative versus curative.3 Most notably, however, is that even though lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, research funding for lung cancer lags far behind other cancers.4,5,6
Okay. Can you try to guess the color of the lung cancer ribbon? It is clear symbolizing the invisible cancer. It is invisible to funders and invisible in the body until it has reached an advanced stage.
My immediate goal is to obtain a social work doctoral degree specializing in oncology research, policy, and practice, particularly lung cancer. After graduation, my goals include a) educating the healthcare community regarding the psychosocial needs of persons with lung cancer, b) providing support for policy and funding, and c) identifying interventions that will enhance coping for those diagnosed with lung cancer as well as for their family members.
My experience in thoracic oncology is broad. Prior to returning to school I was employed at one of the top U.S. cancer centers providing individual, family, and group counseling to hundreds of patients and their loved ones. I spent 6 months, also, working in the Critical Care unit with many patients who were on life support and family members who were making decisions about life support. I was the co-facilitator of the lung cancer network and the co-chair of the annual Adult Memorial Service. In 2003, I received a $1,500 start-up grant to develop a Caregiver Afternoon Tea for spouses of hospitalized patients. I am an active member of the Association of Oncology Social Work and the National Association of Social Workers where I volunteer in several capacities. I have been a licensed social worker since 2002 and received my advanced licensure in 2005. Though the licensing board requires licensees to complete 15 continuing education units each year, I have averaged 110 units per year. I have also been a hospice volunteer since 1998. Initially, I provided non-medical support to dying patients in their homes. After receiving my master of social work degree, I volunteered as a bereavement group facilitator for children who had lost a loved one in hospice.
This is my life's work. I have just completed my first semester and have done very well. Yes, I could have chosen a more lucrative field. One that is not associated with so much heartache. But, I have found my calling. If my past work is any indication of my future, there is no doubt that I will succeed.
Thank you for your consideration.
Footnotes
The capability of a nurse is attributed to much more than classroom skills. During high school, I was involved in 4-H. It taught me responsibility and leadership. Initially I served as our club's reporter. As my confidence grew, I worked my way up through the positions of secretary, treasurer, and vice president. Ultimately I led our club as president. I learned the value of presenting an idea to an audience through public speaking. Community service taught me the importance of helping those in need without expecting anything in return.
Also while in high school, I volunteered at a local hospital. I was able to observe the care of newborn babies on the obstetric floor. In addition, I served by organizing instructional media, disinfecting medical equipment, and making beds. Two summers ago I worked at another local hospital as a general secretary in the pharmacy department. I was fascinated to discover how drugs are used to manage blood problems. I was in charge of contacting labs and recording test results, organizing files, and sending postcard reminders.
My main source of income during high school and college has been providing violin and piano instruction. Currently, I have a private studio with fifteen students. I have learned to conduct myself in a professional manner in order to provide my students with the highest quality instruction. Teaching music lessons has taught me the importance of consistency in practice, time management, and care in the attention I give to students, not only musically, but also personally. Teaching is more than a project or job. I am training my students in life skills that can be learned only through diligence, hard work, and enjoyment of a polished piece. I am able to apply these qualities in studying for nursing classes, caring for patients, and teaching patients how to improve their health. I desire to see my patient not as "another client", but as an individual whom I can impact physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Having completed one semester in my nursing program, I am maintaining a GPA of 3.978 in all courses (academic & nursing) and have 89 credit hours. Starting in January, I will begin working as a Nurse Technician at a local hospital. This will allow me to put into practice what I have learned.
The skills that I have learned throughout my life are necessary in nursing. I am planning to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, with a minor in music education, after completing the ADN nursing program. I am interested in working in a hospital setting to get a variety of experiences. I am also considering medical mission work once I gain foundational skills and plenty of hands-on experience in the hospital. I hope to train people to become nurses. Presently, I am focused on providing holistic support for my patients, which includes excellent skill knowledge and compassionate care.
Questions? Email mensascholarships@gmail.com. If you are a member of Lonestar Mensa and would like to volunteer to help with next year, please email to the above address.