PERSONAL ESSAY

My name is Tamunotekena Ehi Anga, and I firmly believe in the potential for greatness within me.

Growing up in Nigeria—a nation with immense potential but hindered by governance issues and

corruption—I was raised in a family of six children by my hardworking parents. My father, a dedicated

member of the Ijaw tribe, excelled in commercial farming, agricultural export, and consultation,

providing our family with a comfortable upbringing. My mother, a full-time homemaker, instilled strong

moral values in us, emphasizing hard work and excellence.

As a child, I always held myself to high standards. My mother still recollects memories of how I

was truly brilliant and kept telling everyone who would listen that I was going to become a billionaire one

day. This earned me the childhood nickname "Teks the Billionaire." Even at that tender age, I knew that I

wanted to be a person who would make global impact in the future.

I sailed through my elementary and middle school with brilliant grades, consistently ranking at

the top of my class. This success boosted my confidence and fueled my excitement for the future. I

aspired to become a scientist, inspired by the notion that "scientists make discoveries that change the

world." However, more importantly, I yearned to understand the intricacies of the world around me,

questioning the mysteries of our planet. "Where does rain come from?" and "How do cars move without

anyone pushing them or pedaling?" were just a couple of the many questions that piqued my curiosity.

Some of these inquiries my parents could explain, but others left them helplessly baffled.

My love for understanding the "why" and "how" of things led me to the world of science early in

life. In elementary school, I found myself highly intrigued whenever our science teacher unraveled the

mysteries of our planet during class. I couldn't wait to advance to high school, where I would finally have

the opportunity to mix chemicals and dissect living organisms.

fell in love with the elements, chemical reactions, mass-volume relationships, and more. Something about

the principle of matter fascinated me: "Matter cannot be created or destroyed but can only be transformed

from one form to another." I yearned to discover and understand all forms of matter, learning how they

could be transformed to yield new substances. The reassurance that matter can never be completely

destroyed left me feeling like everything had a role to play in this wondrous planet we live in, and I

considered myself one of the luckiest people on Earth as I was privileged to understand nature's closely

guarded secrets.

My secondary school education solidified my desire to study chemistry. I admired the greats:

Dalton, Rutherford, Thompson, and Boyle, among others. With my passion for chemistry, I believed I

could one day improve the lives and understanding of the citizens in my country and the world as a

whole.

After completing high school in Nigeria, I harbored dreams of pursuing my university education

overseas. This choice was driven by my aspiration to receive the best education possible so that I could

make a positive impact on my country, my generation, and the world. My parents, being strong advocates

for education, were always willing to support me. The tertiary educational system in a third-world country

has its flaws and deficiencies, and I knew it would not suffice if I intended to equip myself with the

knowledge necessary to improve lives globally.

My faith is a major influence on my dreams and who I am as a person. I grew up in a Pentecostal

Christian home, establishing a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during my

early teenage years. I place my trust in His plans, knowing that His thoughts towards me are only for

good (Jeremiah 29:11). My faith has profoundly influenced my decision to pursue the best education

abroad, even though I understood that my parents might not be able to fully support my education with

their present level of income.

after a failed commercial rice farming project due to two flooding disasters. The situation was

exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown operations, which severely

impacted my family's finances and my mental health. This was also the year I was scheduled to take my

West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Schools remained closed for months at

the outset of our exams, with numerous exam date cancellations and disruptions. These challenges took a

toll on my health, and when schools finally resumed and my exams began, I fell gravely ill. I wrote my

exams while on medication and in poor health, which significantly affected my performance.

Upon receiving my WASSCE results, I experienced deep disappointment even though I had

performed above average. I knew I was capable of achieving far better results, considering my

outstanding high school performance. I was also aware that these results would be crucial for my

application to study abroad. However, I emerged from my initial depression, fortified by my faith in God,

and resolved to doggedly pursue my dream of studying abroad. I graduated from high school in Nigeria at

the early age of fifteen, which meant I had to wait three years to be old enough to attend a university

abroad. During this waiting period, I devoted myself to acquiring vocational skills, volunteering at

church, participating in youth group programs, joining youth leadership organizations, and honing my

social and academic skills.

Amidst my journey, I discovered Webster University. After thorough exploration of the

university's websites and brochures, I was captivated by the institution's commitment to providing high-

quality education within a nurturing environment for students around the globe.. The Freshman

Scholarship amongst other financial aid opportunities offered by Webster university would significantly

ease the financial burden on my parents while I pursue my tertiary education. This discovery reaffirmed

my belief that this university was the perfect fit for me—a place where I could obtain a top-quality

university education and gain the skills necessary to become relevant to the global society..
 To strengthen my application to Webster University,, I chose to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test

(SAT). I personally prepared for the SAT, which I took in March 2023, achieving a high score of 1440.

This achievement further solidified my self-confidence in pursuing a degree abroad. Prior to this, I had

discovered my gift for tutoring after high school. While preparing myself, I personally tutored other

students for the SAT. One of my students, Abisola Abimbola, gained admission to study at Oral Roberts

University after taking her exams in December 2022 and is currently thriving there. Others I tutored for

the SAT also scored brilliantly, with some securing international admissions.

Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in a field of chemistry and ultimately earn a

Ph.D. following the completion of my four-year degree at Webster University.. My ultimate goal is to

return to Nigeria after my studies and subsequent work experience abroad. I am driven to attain the

pinnacle of tertiary education and achieve distinction in the academic and scientific community. Upon

completing my education abroad, I aspire to return to my country, applying my knowledge and education

to conduct groundbreaking research in the field of chemistry. Additionally, I hope to nurture the next

generation of scientists in my country, teaching at a professorial level while engaging in advanced

research within my field. My aim is to make a significant impact in the scientific world through my

research and to empower educationally disadvantaged students in my country with knowledge and

guidance.

My journey as a student living in Nigeria has been deeply rooted in my passion for community

engagement and my unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact. In the realm of education, I

initiated and led the "Brilliant Minds Initiative," a project aimed at providing free tutoring and mentoring

to underprivileged high school students in my community. I embarked on this mission immediately after

graduating from high school. Through this endeavor, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of

education, as these students gained confidence and significantly improved academically.

In terms of environmental impact, I spearheaded several tree-planting campaigns and organized

community clean-up drives. These initiatives not only contributed to a greener and cleaner environment
but also raised awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship among my peers and

neighbors.

Furthermore, my involvement in various Christian outreaches through local religious

organizations allowed me to extend my contributions to those in need. I actively participated in missions

that provided food, clothing, and spiritual support to marginalized individuals and families in our

community. I am also an active member of local leadership and youth development groups such as the

Leadership, Value, and Cultural Initiative (LVCDI) and Street Project Foundation (SPF), both of which

focus on youth development and empowerment within the community. These experiences have not only

shaped me as a responsible and compassionate individual but have also solidified my dedication to

fostering positive change within my community. They have taught me the value of leadership, teamwork,

and the importance of addressing the holistic needs of the people I serve.

As I embark on my college journey, I carry with me the lessons and experiences from these

projects, ready to continue my commitment to making a difference in the world. In conclusion, my

application to Webster University reflects not only my academic aspirations but also my unwavering

dedication to community service, leadership, and personal growth. As a student from Nigeria, my diverse

experiences have enriched my perspective and molded me into a resourceful and dynamic individual. I am

not just seeking an education; I am seeking an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals at

Webster University. I embrace its values, and continue my journey of positive impact. My dedication to

making a difference, passion for learning, and strong work ethic align seamlessly with Webster’s mission

of providing a transformative education to deserving students. I am eager to contribute to the vibrant

tapestry of Webster University and sincerely hope that you will consider my application for admission.

Thank you for your time and consideration.