My journey as an Esomar Scholarship Foundation recipient has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible initiative and for the unwavering support I have received.
This scholarship has transformed my life in ways I never imagined. It has not only eased my educational journey but also given me hope for a brighter future. The kindness and generosity shown to me have inspired me to dream of giving back someday. One of my greatest aspirations is to establish a foundation that will support young people in need, just as the Esomar Scholarship Foundation has supported me.
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.Sc.Ed.) in Economics Education, a five-year programme. Having successfully completed my first and second years, I have now resumed as a 300-level student. As we prepare for registration for the new academic session, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
One of the things I enjoy most about my programme is its interdisciplinary nature. My studies extend beyond economics to include management, finance, statistics, sociology, psychology, and education. This broad range of subjects has helped me develop a well-rounded perspective and strengthened both my academic and practical skills.
Last session, some of my favourite courses were Statistical Methods and Applications, Labour Economics, and Educational Psychology. These subjects sharpened my analytical thinking, deepened my understanding of labour markets, and gave me valuable insights into how people learn, grow, and develop. Each course has contributed to my growth, both as a student and as a future educator.
While my academic journey has been rewarding, it has not been without challenges. One of the biggest difficulties I currently face is accommodation. I live several miles from the university, making the daily commute both time-consuming and exhausting. On some days, I arrive late for lectures, and during periods of bad weather, I am sometimes forced to miss classes altogether. Securing accommodation on campus or closer to the university would make a significant difference. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies, participate in academic and extracurricular activities, and make the most of my university experience.
Despite these challenges, I remain grateful for how far I have come. Looking back on my journey fills me with hope and determination, and I am excited to continue working towards completing the remaining three years of my programme. With the continued support of the Esomar Scholarship Foundation, I am confident that I can achieve my academic and career goals.
To the ESOMAR Scholarship Foundation and SKIM, thank you for believing in me and investing in my future. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be thankful for everything you have done. I hope that one day I will be able to extend the same kindness to others and help create opportunities for students who, like me, simply need someone to believe in them.
With heartfelt gratitude
Grace Onoja
