Scholarship Essay – Sterling Bank x Miva Open University

I could have gotten a university education. I wanted to become a medical doctor. At first, it didn’t seem like it was my decision. My mother, a widow doing everything in her power to give me a better life, had already paid for a diploma course she couldn’t get refunded for. So I took it, not because it was my dream, but because saying no to the woman who sacrificed everything for me felt like betrayal. I told myself I’d still take the university entrance exam the next year. I didn’t.

By the time I left school, life had shifted again. My baby brother underwent major surgery, my family was drowning in medical bills, and my mum—exhausted from a second marriage that only added to her burdens—was spiraling. My older brother’s school fees became another worry. We were barely surviving. I had a diploma, and it was time to fend for myself.

I stepped into adulthood fast, navigating realities that no one prepares you for. A society that values certificates over skill. A system where minimum wage doesn’t cover survival, let alone tuition. I moved from my hometown to the city, trying to build something out of nothing. I lost my mother—my biggest supporter—just as I was finding myself. I survived an accident that has currently left me disabled. I lost my job. I transitioned careers. And through it all, I never stopped dreaming.

I applied again, and I faced rejections. I even applied abroad, and I received more rejections. Each “no” stung, but I kept going.

Eventually, I got accepted to Miva Open University. It felt like the beginning of something meaningful. But I had to defer—again—not because I wanted to, but because I simply couldn’t afford it. I’m currently not working, and with each passing month, I wonder if I’ll have to defer again. But I’m still here. Still believing.

Education, for me, is no longer about chasing a title. It’s a strategic decision. It’s about amplifying the skills I’ve built over the years—through work, self-learning, and lived experience—and using them to create real impact. I’ve worked with the best teams, in healthcare customer experience, and systems strategy. I’ve given care to patients, played key roles in health programs impacting communities, supported founders, startups, and given impact through social involvement. I know how to learn. I know how to grow. But I also know that a degree would unlock new doors, deeper knowledge, and greater credibility to keep showing up for the problems I want to solve—especially for women in underserved communities like where I grew up.

This scholarship would not just fund my education. It would give me momentum. It would remind me that even when life delays you, you can still win. I’m ready. Ready to learn, lead, and build. I hope Sterling Bank sees not just my need—but my resolve.

Because I could have gotten a university education.
And now—with your support—I finally will.