Get to know our 2019 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship winners
Back in June, we awarded a total of $16,000 to three deserving students as part of our 2019 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship contest. Now we’re giving you the chance to get to know Demi, Melanie, and Joy, and find out what’s next for each of these incredible women.
$8,500 Scholarship Winner: Demi Adeoye | Watch video
Tell us what’s next for you, what your passions are, and what you plan to do after college.
I’m a sophomore at the University of Georgia (UGA), majoring in economics with hopes of pursuing a career in medicine. These two subjects may appear to be unrelated, but my dream is to use my knowledge of economics as a tool to encourage public health funding to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability. Thus, increasing opportunities for economic improvement enables people to invest in their health. One passion of mine is playing music. I recently purchased a keyboard, which I’ve been playing nonstop. At age 12, I received a guitar that I also enjoy playing. Reading is another passion of mine. This summer, I set a goal to read ten books. I know it might seem insignificant to some, but it was a great feat for me, because in this digital age, I had forgotten how beneficial and fun reading was. In ten years, I see myself completing my medical residency and beginning my career in a level-one trauma center or working for a nonprofit abroad.
What does it mean to you to receive the $8,500 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship?
It means that I can put all of my focus into being the best student without worrying about paying for school. It also means that my parents can rest knowing that I’m covered and that my brother has an example to look up to when applying to college. It means that I am reminded of how blessed I am every time I enter a classroom or walk on campus.
How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you?
I believe that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education because it will assist me with paying for my courses this coming school year. Secondly, this scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to attain a career where I can use my specialized medical skills, combined with my strong economics background to help restructure the healthcare system in the United States. As stated before, I want to encourage public health funding because economic opportunity motivates and enables people to invest in their health. As a result, worldwide stability, economic growth, and quality of life will be improved. Overall, this scholarship will help me accomplish my current goal, move on to the next, and eventually become a successful professional in the field of medicine.
Why did you decide to apply for our scholarship?
With the rising costs of education in the United States, I knew that it would be difficult for me and my family to pay the expenses on our own. I also recognized that the scholarship could help me with my short-term goal of graduating from college and my long-term goal of becoming a physician.
What made you choose the University of Georgia?
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to tour UGA before attending the school. Therefore, my decision to attend was based on recommendations and online research. As a result, I chose UGA because of its location, quality of education, size, and spirit. I knew that whatever university I attended, it would have to be less than a 12-hour drive from home. I felt secure knowing I could drive home and arrive the same day. Furthermore, because UGA is a state school, I knew that the cost of attendance would be significantly lower than some of my other school options. Also, Athens is beautiful, historic, and lively—it looks like a town straight out of a college brochure. Moreover, UGA is essentially a public Ivy League school and has countless academic opportunities that challenge students and prepare them for life after college. Although UGA is a large school, once you find your niche, you immediately get the small-school feel. And because UGA is such a big school, there are a plethora of campus services, resources, and activities. I’m not a huge football fan, but there is nothing in this world that can compare to the experience of a Saturday in Athens, Georgia. There’s truly nothing like the atmosphere of an entire community joining together to cheer for the Dawgs and to celebrate—win or lose.
How much, if any, does your Nigerian background have to do with your choice to major in pre-med?
Quite frankly, my decision to major in pre-med has very little to do with my Nigerian background. Although I love my heritage and appreciate knowing where I come from, it has not significantly influenced my passions in life. It has more greatly influenced my personality, if anything. If there’s one thing I can say about us Nigerians, it’s that we are resilient and driven. No matter what life throws our way, we hold firm. I believe that those are both traits that my brother and I have inherited from our parents and our larger Nigerian community.
What was one of the greatest things you learned while interning and shadowing doctors?
Doctors are people, too. This is a concept I still struggle with. I’ve always viewed doctors as superheroes, protecting the health of society while healing me of my sore throat, runny nose, itchy eyes, or even a more serious surgical procedure. Yet the more clinical experience I receive and the more exposure I have to doctors, the more I realize that they are humans, too. Doctors are not immune to boredom, fatigue, or sickness. Just like everyone else, doctors also pick up their kids from school, plan vacations, raise pets, and eat junk food. During the summer that I interned at Kennestone Wellstar Hospital, a surprise baby shower was thrown for one of the nurses. My favorite part about the baby shower was watching some of the doctors devour cupcakes and soda. It might sound absurd to confess this, but I then realized physicians are real people, just like me.
What do you think makes you one of “Georgia’s Own”?
Although I was born in New York, I moved to Georgia at the age of two. It may not be the only home I’ve ever had, but it is the only home I truly remember. My fondest memories were created here in Georgia. Even though I may not be Georgia born, I am certainly Georgia bred.
Pursuing higher education is a wise investment in your future, but nonetheless a costly one. How do you (or how do you plan to) manage the cost of college during school and after you graduate?
I am blessed to have been able to win scholarships that helped me cover the majority of my school expenses for both my freshman and sophomore years. Moving forward, I plan on applying for more scholarships. I might sound idealistic, but I’m confident that I will graduate debt free, especially with the advice I’ve outlined here. My advice to other students is to first choose an affordable school. It is not wise to attend a school because of its notoriety, dorm size, or even the success of its football program. The factors that should matter the most are the quality of education and cost of attendance. Keep your expectations realistic. Secondly, apply for financial aid to see if you qualify for federal grants, work-study programs, state aid, or school aid. You may even qualify for loans, but those should be avoided at all costs unless absolutely necessary. Fortunately, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) covers a variety of funding options for financial assistance. Be sure to complete the FAFSA form and submit as soon as applications are being accepted for the academic year that you plan to attend college. Thirdly, apply for as many scholarships as you can. There are a plethora of scholarships that are practically given away to qualified students. The internet will become your best friend because you should treat the scholarship search like a job. Also, don’t rule out working during school. Work-study programs, off-campus jobs, and side hustles can all help you earn money. Lastly, create a budget and stick to it. Be proactive and list your monthly income and expenses. This will significantly help you take ownership of your money and appreciate it that much more.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
My guilty pleasure is Skittles.
$5,000 Scholarship Winner: Melanie Kemp | Watch video
Tell us what’s next for you, what your passions are, and what you plan to do after college.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and working in auto finance for nearly two years, I’m excited to be pursuing a master’s degree in engineering management at Johns Hopkins University this fall. This opportunity will prepare me for my goals of being on the cutting edge of medical device development and leading others as we improve lives around the world. Along the way, I hope to inspire young girls and women to pursue their dreams and strive to become leaders in their respective fields, which is why I am competing for the title of Miss Georgia USA in November. The pageant will not only allow me to develop professional skills, but I will also have opportunities to serve our community on a broader scale.
What made you decide to make jewelry and contribute funds to the Cambodian Children’s Fund?
When I first learned about the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) and its mission to put children through school, I was moved. I’ve seen firsthand on my visits to Cambodia how many children do not have the luxury to attend school. Many children in Cambodia end up working at a young age selling handmade trinkets along the streets or collecting bottles to recycle for change. I have cousins who weren’t able to finish primary school because they had to work on the family farm. I knew I wanted to help in some way and, around the same time, choker necklaces were trending. I enjoy projects that are hands on, so I initially made a few styles for myself. After receiving a lot of compliments from students in my classes, I decided to make, sell, and donate proceeds to CCF.
Why did you decide to attend Johns Hopkins University?
Aside from its prestigious reputation, I chose Johns Hopkins because of how welcoming the faculty and students are and for all that the school offers. I reached out to a few alumni to learn more about the program, and each one spoke so highly of their experiences with much enthusiasm; I really appreciated how faculty and students were able to meet with me and answer questions during my campus visit as well. The engineering management program gives its students the opportunity to refine both their technical and leadership skills by exposing them to a broad range of courses. Students are given real-world issues to solve, which aligns with my future career goals of leadership in the medical device field.
What does it mean to you to receive the $5,000 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship?
It’s an honor! I’m proud of the hard work that I’ve put in thus far; having earned the scholarship encourages me to continue to strive to achieve greatness!
How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you?
The scholarship will definitely relieve some of the financial burden of attending graduate school, so that I can focus my time on my academics and gaining the full experience of what Johns Hopkins has to offer.
What do you think makes you one of “Georgia’s Own”?
My love for the Dawgs, Chick-fil-A, and an ice-cold glass of sweet tea! Most importantly, though, the value I place on family, treating others with kindness, and giving back to our community are all what makes me Georgia’s Own.
What are some things you’ve learned from your family’s history that you feel will guide you throughout your college career and how you manage your day-to-day finances?
From hearing my parents’ stories about how their families fled the genocide in Cambodia and had to completely start their lives over in America, I learned how important it is to have perseverance and determination to achieve one’s goals and to be grateful for what I have. I gathered from a young age that money doesn’t come easy—it requires dedication and to save, save, save!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I’ve been playing the piano for 20 years and also minored in music during my undergrad! If that’s not fun enough, I’ve tasted grilled rat before while on vacation. I could only have one bite, though; the rest of it freaked me out.
$2,500 Scholarship Winner: Joy Nwoke | Watch video
Tell us what’s next for you, what your passions are, and what you plan to do after college.
My next steps are to finish pharmacy school in 2021 and start a residency program that will better prepare me to become a pediatric pharmacist. I am passionate about children, and I look forward to being a part of their care. While practicing and gaining hands-on experience, I hope to go into academia and serve as a clinical associate professor for a pediatric pharmacy course. Additionally, I am passionate about learning Spanish and serving in underserved communities. After taking Spanish for Pharmacists in my spring semester, I began teaching myself Spanish through online resources and visited two Spanish-speaking countries. My recent participation on a medical mission in the Dominican Republic inspired me to serve on the mission field at least once a year and, if possible, help coordinate medical missions in the future. In regards to serving my local community, I will be conducting another health fair at my church and will continue volunteering in pediatric-centered opportunities such as Camp Kudzu.
What made you choose Mercer University?
As a follower of Jesus, I pray about everything I should do, and which pharmacy school I should apply to was a major prayer point. Mercer University was highlighted to me on several occasions, and I was confident this was the school for me after visiting the campus and encountering very personable faculty members. I knew any accredited pharmacy program would give me a PharmD, but the experience would be different depending on the environment of the program. The environment at Mercer provided a family of diverse individuals from all walks of life, which was the perfect setting to prepare myself for the patients I will see in the future. The opportunity to stay in Atlanta and take part in all the vast opportunities within this city were perks to my decision as well.
How did you become interested in the medical field, and what led you to major in pediatric pharmacy?
I have always been a person with a lot of questions. My dad would always say, “Prevention is better than cure,” and I would ask, “What if prevention is too late? What is the cure?” Additionally, whenever I got sick, my mom would take me to my pediatrician who would write (what appeared to be) gibberish on a piece of paper. The paper, a prescription, was taken to a pharmacy, and I would receive a medication that made me feel better. I wanted to know how the drug made me feel better without affecting other parts of my well-being. Majoring in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration in undergrad provided some answers, but I knew attending pharmacy school would provide more understanding. In my first year of pharmacy school, I was introduced to different specialties within pharmacy, which is how I discovered pediatric pharmacy. I enjoy working with children and have done so in the children’s ministry at my church. Now I can combine my passion for pharmacy and helping children through pediatric pharmacy!
How does it make you feel to serve the underserved?
I love it. It is an opportunity to humble myself and quiet my needs and wants to tend to others. It’s always rewarding seeing the impact of smiling, providing food, time, a listening ear, and more to people who may not experience that often. A personal mission of mine is to live up to my name by spreading love, peace, and joy to everyone I encounter. In serving, I feel as though I am continually accomplishing this mission.
What was it like working with children at Camp Kudzu?
Honestly, words cannot describe it. My first time volunteering was during their Fall Family Camp, and I served again this summer at their Sprouts Day Camp. Every morning, the children would come ready for a day full of activities, and they remained eager the entire day! The camp is for children with Type 1 diabetes, and there were times the children felt low because their blood glucose dropped. I would check their blood sugar and administer glucose tablets to bring their blood sugar up. I am more aware of Type 1 diabetes because of this camp and in awe of the courage of each child when it came to pricking their finger several times throughout the day. However, it is sad leaving camp because I built a bond with my group of children every time I volunteered. On the bright side, I look forward to volunteering with them whenever my schedule permits!
What was the greatest value you learned from volunteering at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta?
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. I think of the value of kindness whenever I think about my experience at CHOA.
The majority of the time I visited a patient’s room with no knowledge of their diagnosis or prognosis. However, I could tell that their parents couldn’t be there 24/7 because they needed to work or rest. I could tell that the patients were missing school, so they weren’t able to play with their classmates, and more. I was able to exercise kindness throughout my experience. I am positive that the crafts I made with each patient, the conversations we held, and the laughs we shared encouraged them to continue fighting their
respective battles.
What does it mean to you to receive the $2,500 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship?
It means A LOT! Romans 13:8, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” My goal is to be debt free and be financially capable of being a blessing to others. This scholarship has blessed me, and I am forever grateful!
How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you?
In order to fulfill everything I desire to accomplish in the future, I must complete my pharmacy degree. This scholarship is helping fund this degree by reducing the financial burden that comes with a professional degree.
What do you think makes you one of “Georgia’s Own”?
Well for starters, I am happily a Georgia native! Secondly, Georgia’s Own Credit Union is my first and only credit union. The consistent financial resources available and #MemberAppreciationMonday opportunities keep me within the family, and I am grateful my mother introduced me to Georgia’s Own!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love playing the guitar!