Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals.

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals.

Being from a poverty-stricken country like Nigeria, I have witnessed how millions of people live in unsustainable conditions. I am aware of the many trials and tribulations that people face daily to put food on the table. Paired with a crippling economy, the soaring food prices further exacerbate this issue. I am privileged to have an education and a three-course meal every day. However, I cannot forget the millions of people left behind in Nigeria who are still struggling. This has driven me to commit to improving the lives of those in my community and beyond. My parents have instilled in me the values of unity and service. Therefore, I feel that I have a purpose to serve in my community. During my last visit to Nigeria in 2019, I set up a mathematics and science workshop for the children in my village. It was a truly fulfilling experience as I got to see how innovative and creative the children could be. I hope to use the skills that I acquire from Princeton’s Pace Center for Civic Engagement to create a non-profit organization educating children from underprivileged backgrounds. I have also become actively involved in my local church’s food drive. I have witnessed the meaningful impact that this food drive has on the lives of those in my community. Not only do I have the tasks of cooking and distributing food packages, I also have the opportunity to interact with these amazing individuals. I have learned how important it is to contribute to the well-being of those around you. With the lessons I have learned through my service in Nigeria and at my church’s food drive, I hope to make an impactful change in the future. I strive to make the world a more equal society. To ensure this, people need to have access to food education. Hence, I will be focusing on these two areas to empower my community.