Spring 2025 Immigrant Student Scholarship

Oluwanifemi Fasuanmi

In her essay, Oluwanifemi shares her experience with adapting to a new culture while also learning to embrace her own heritage. She has developed a passion for financial literacy and hopes to become a finance and business law attorney. Congratulations, Oluwanifemi, and we look forward to all you will accomplish!

Read Oluwanifemi’s Essay:

Throughout my high school career, I’ve faced several challenges and unique opportunities that have shaped who I am today. As an immigrant from Nigeria, I arrived in the U.S. at the age of 9, navigating language barriers, cultural differences, and the overwhelming pressure to fit in. I was bullied for my accent, background, and size, which pushed me into the shadows. I tried to blend in and avoid attention, losing my confidence and withdrawing into myself.

However, a turning point came in 7th grade when I met my first Nigerian friend, Mercy. She encouraged me to join the volleyball team, and through this experience, I began to rebuild my self-esteem. I stopped hiding and started embracing my Nigerian heritage, drawing strength from the very things that once made me feel different. As Nigerian culture gained recognition in Western media, I found pride in my identity. My background was no longer something to hide but something to celebrate.

Growing up in Nigeria, I experienced firsthand the financial barriers to education. Watching my family work tirelessly to provide opportunities for my siblings and me gave me a deep appreciation for their sacrifices and instilled a determination to succeed. These experiences also fueled my passion for financial literacy. I’ve noticed that many teens, especially those from low-income backgrounds, lack the education to make sound financial decisions. This inspired me to focus on financial literacy for my Capstone project, where I’m exploring how schools can better prepare students to navigate their financial futures.

Leadership has also been a cornerstone of my journey. As Vice President of Student Government and an active member of organizations like Key Club and NHS, I’ve had the chance to mentor younger students, organize events, and promote meaningful changes in my school. Reviving Key Club after it had been inactive for years and leading multicultural events after COVID allowed me to develop the confidence and skills I once lacked. These roles taught me the value of resilience, teamwork, and using my voice to advocate for others.

Looking ahead, I aspire to become a corporate attorney specializing in business and finance law. I want to use my career to address the inequities I’ve witnessed, especially in underserved communities, and advocate for economic empowerment. Beyond my professional goals, I hope to mentor young people from immigrant and underrepresented backgrounds, showing them that their challenges can be stepping stones to success.

Despite the obstacles I’ve faced—being an immigrant, overcoming bullying, and navigating financial difficulties—I’ve learned to embrace my identity, value resilience, and prioritize giving back. These experiences have shaped me into someone who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth. I am proud of how far I’ve come and excited about the future, knowing that the lessons I’ve learned will guide me in making a difference in the world.