Igniting a Hopeful Light Through Secondary Education

I have always been an outstanding student, well-regarded by both peers and teachers. I graduated as the best student in my undergraduate program and was the only one to earn First Class Honours in four years, a record that had not been broken for some time. I never imagined being unemployed. With my academic excellence, leadership experience, and involvement in various activities, I felt confident and competent. Yet, nothing prepared me for the struggle of unemployment.

For two years after graduation, I tried in vain to secure a job. Though attached to a planning firm, I only managed temporary, piecemeal engagements. One unforgettable moment came when I attempted to start a small mobile money business, which collapsed after a woman pretending to be a client stole over half of my capital. It felt like the universe was against me. I often cried, wondering if all my academic hard work had amounted to nothing.

Through it all, a few close friends and family members, especially my sister, who still calls me “Esther” after the Biblical queen, kept believing in me. Their faith in me was something I couldn’t see in myself.

My dream was to work for a year and then pursue further studies to become an academic. However, without financial resources, this goal felt out of reach. I shifted my focus to applying for scholarships. Though I gained admission into several universities, I struggled to secure the financial support needed to continue my studies. I lost confidence, developed social anxiety and imposter syndrome, and began doubting my past accomplishments.

When applying to Cambridge, I remember praying, “God, this will be the last shot I make; I am tired.” When I received an email from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, I was too afraid to open it, expecting yet another rejection. Unbelievably, I received an offer. My dream had come true, but even then, I wrestled with impostor syndrome after hearing about the achievements of my colleagues.

However, the start of my Cambridge journey was a turning point. I was nominated and selected by peers as Assistant Representative of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Cohort 2024–25.

I also served as a student ambassador and gardening volunteer at my college. Additionally, I participated in the Pre-Application Mentorship project, guiding African students applying to Cambridge.

I am deeply grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for its support in expanding educational opportunities for young people across Africa. This has been a turning point in my life, reigniting my light. I am hopeful that light will continue to shine for others, too. I am a change-maker. My message to everyone is: be integral, hold onto your values, and leave the rest to God. Good things come to those who wait.