Presidential Scholarship Essay Form 2024-25

The essay form of the Presidential Scholarship Application serves to collect more in-depth information about you and your educational
achievements and aspirations. All application components must be submitted by 11:59 PM on December 13, 2024. In addition, students
must meet all eligibility criteria by that date to be considered for the scholarship. Please review the eligibility requirements here.
Be sure to complete the required questions below. Make sure that each of your responses conforms to the word limit specified. This document
cannot be saved before submission. We recommend completing your answers in a separate document (i.e., google Docs) before pasting them
below.
Please Note: Students must submit all required materials and complete their official campus visit before 11:59 PM on December 13,
2024. No exceptions will be made. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected]. In the interest of
fairness to all applicants, we cannot respond to questions about the prompts below or help interpret the questions.
Selected Finalists will be notified by January 15, 2025. We look forward to learning more about you. Congratulations on your accomplishments to
date!

First Name * Halifa Last Name * Sillah Preferred Name Halifa Sillah

Email Address * [email protected] Birth Date * 01/07/2004

Intended Major Computer science

If you have received an EID, please list your EID

Essay Questions

Describe yourself 10 years from now. What degree(s) will you hold? What will you be doing? Why have you chosen this path? [150-
200 words]
* In ten years, I see myself holding a degree in computer science, specializing in data programming, alongside a minor in nursing. I envision myself working as a data
scientist or software developer, creating solutions that address real-world problems. The combination of healthcare and technology has always fascinated me, and I
believe that by integrating my passion for programming with my interest in nursing, I can make a meaningful impact in areas such as healthcare innovation or health
data analysis.

I have chosen this path because technology is constantly evolving, and I want to be at the forefront of designing systems that improve lives. The minor in nursing will
allow me to stay connected to healthcare, where data can play a transformative role, especially in improving patient care and outcomes. This balance of technical and
medical knowledge will position me well in a field where these worlds intersect, offering both personal fulfillment and a way to contribute to society.

What achievement or accomplishment in your life to date has made you most proud and why? [150 - 200 words]
* One of the achievements I am most proud of is passing my WAEC exam. It was a significant moment for me because it represented the culmination of years of hard
work and perseverance. Knowing how much time and effort I put into my studies, as well as the sacrifices my parents made, made passing the exam incredibly
rewarding. Seeing the pride in their eyes after all the years of support and encouragement made the accomplishment even more meaningful.

This achievement not only brought joy to my family, but it also marked an important step toward reaching my dreams. The WAEC results were crucial in paving the
way for my future academic journey, including my plans to study computer science and data programming with a minor in nursing. Passing the exam has given me
the confidence to pursue my goals, knowing that with dedication and persistence, I can overcome challenges and continue making progress toward a fulfilling career
and life.

Tell us a story about ONE time you demonstrated your leadership skills. What impact did you make? [250-400 words]
* One of the most memorable times I demonstrated my leadership skills was when I served as the captain of my high school basketball team during a regional
competition. Our team had been preparing for months, and we were excited but nervous about the level of competition we were about to face. As the captain, it was
my responsibility to not only lead by example on the court but also ensure that the team stayed motivated and focused throughout the tournament.

From the first game, I knew that my role extended beyond just playing well. I had to encourage my teammates, maintain their confidence, and create a sense of unity.
There were moments when some players felt frustrated or doubted their abilities, but I made it a point to lift their spirits by reminding them of our hard work and
commitment. I organized extra practices when needed and ensured that everyone communicated openly, both on and off the court.

As the competition progressed, we faced tough opponents, but our teamwork and determination paid off. We made it to the semifinals, which was a huge
achievement for us, given the level of competition we were up against. Although we didn’t win the tournament, reaching the semifinals was a proud moment for the
team and me, as it showed how much we had grown and improved together.

The impact of my leadership was evident in how well we performed as a unit. We learned to trust each other, communicate better, and stay focused under pressure.
Personally, it taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and understanding how to motivate others. The experience strengthened my confidence in my
leadership abilities and showed me that true leadership is about inspiring those around you to reach their potential, even in challenging circumstances.

Tell us about an activity that you have engaged in outside of a classroom setting that has had a significant impact on your intellectual
development or growth. [250-400 words]
* One activity that has significantly contributed to my intellectual growth outside of the classroom is playing basketball in Division 2, along with my involvement in
printing. Both experiences have shaped my thinking in unique and impactful ways.

Playing basketball in Division 2 was more than just a physical activity; it was a mental game as well. Competing at this level required not only skill but also strategy,
teamwork, and the ability to think on my feet. Every game pushed me to make quick decisions, analyze the movements of opponents, and adjust my actions
accordingly. The mental agility I developed on the court has translated into other areas of my life, particularly in my problem-solving abilities and critical thinking.
Learning to work cohesively with my teammates also taught me the value of collaboration and communication, which has positively influenced how I approach group
 work and projects outside of sports.

Beyond basketball, my involvement in printing has also played a significant role in my intellectual development. Working in printing exposed me to various aspects of
creativity, attention to detail, and technical precision. Understanding how to use design software and operate printing machines required patience and persistence. It
allowed me to develop skills in visual thinking and technology, which directly relate to my interest in computer science and data programming. Printing also taught me
how to balance creativity with structure, as I had to follow specific guidelines while also bringing a vision to life through the printed materials.

Together, these two activities have enriched my intellectual development in ways that go beyond academics. Basketball has sharpened my critical thinking,
leadership, and teamwork, while printing has fostered my creativity and technical skills. Both experiences have given me a broader perspective, allowing me to
approach challenges with a balanced mindset that blends strategy, creativity, and collaboration. These skills are now part of how I approach learning and problem-
solving in my academic and personal life.

Describe the community service activity that you found most meaningful or personally satisfying. Why was that activity so meaningful
or rewarding for you? [250-400 words]
* The community service activity that I found most meaningful was participating in regular clean-up efforts in my neighborhood. Along with a group of friends and
volunteers, we organized monthly clean-up drives to clear litter from public spaces, parks, and streets in our community. What made this experience so rewarding
was not just the physical improvement we brought to our surroundings, but also the sense of responsibility and pride we cultivated within our community.

Cleaning the society was particularly meaningful to me because it allowed me to see the direct impact of our efforts. Every time we finished a clean-up, the
transformation of the environment was visible. The parks, once littered with trash, became spaces where families could gather, children could play, and people could
relax. It was fulfilling to know that our work contributed to creating a healthier and more pleasant environment for everyone.

Moreover, this activity taught me the importance of civic responsibility and taking ownership of the spaces we live in. I realized that maintaining a clean and safe
environment is not just the responsibility of the government or local authorities, but something that we, as residents, should actively participate in. This understanding
deepened my connection to my community and gave me a sense of belonging. Working alongside neighbors and fellow volunteers helped me build stronger
relationships and fostered a sense of unity.

What made the experience even more rewarding was seeing how our clean-up efforts inspired others to take action. Over time, more people joined our group, and
even those who didn’t participate directly became more mindful of their actions, such as properly disposing of trash. It was gratifying to see the ripple effect that a
simple act of service could have on others’ behavior and attitudes.

In the end, cleaning the society wasn’t just about picking up trash—it was about creating a cleaner, safer, and more connected community. That sense of contribution
and the tangible results we achieved made the experience deeply meaningful and personally satisfying.

Describe how your development has been shaped either by a significant opportunity offered to you or a significant challenge or
barrier you have surmounted. [250 - 400 words]
* One significant challenge that has shaped my development was working as a printer to earn money for my lunch, books, and other school supplies. This experience
was both a necessity and an opportunity, as it taught me valuable life lessons while also testing my ability to balance work and academics.

I took up the printing job because I needed to support myself financially. My family couldn’t always afford to provide everything I needed for school, so I decided to take
matters into my own hands. Working as a printer meant long hours and hard work, but it gave me a sense of independence and responsibility. I learned how to
manage my time effectively, budgeting not only my money but also my energy between work and my studies.

Balancing both, however, was not easy. There were times when working affected my academic performance. I would often come home tired after a long day at the
printing shop, and this exhaustion sometimes made it difficult to focus on my schoolwork. Despite these challenges, I knew that my education was crucial to my
future success, so I pushed myself to stay on top of my studies. It wasn’t easy, but this experience taught me resilience and discipline.

At the same time, working allowed me to appreciate the value of education even more. Every book or school item I purchased with my own earnings became a
symbol of my hard work and determination. It fueled my motivation to succeed and made me more focused on achieving my academic goals, particularly my interest
in computer science and data programming.

Looking back, I realize that this challenge played a crucial role in shaping my character. It instilled in me a strong work ethic, the ability to persevere through difficult
circumstances, and an understanding of the importance of financial independence. This experience has not only helped me grow as a student but also as a person,
preparing me for future challenges I may face in both my personal and professional life.

List up to 5 activities (inside or outside of school) that have been most meaningful for you and provide a sentence or two explaining
how each experience impacted you.
List your activities in a list format (ex., 1, 2, 3, etc.)
* 1. Playing Basketball: Competing in basketball has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and resilience, especially as I captained my high
school team, pushing us to the semifinals of a major competition.
2. Printing: Working as a printer to support my personal expenses has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, time management, and independence,
while also helping me balance work and academics.
3. Cleaning the Society: Participating in community clean-up drives has strengthened my sense of civic responsibility and helped me understand the impact
that collective efforts can have in creating a healthier, more connected environment.
4. Studies: My dedication to my studies has been the foundation of my academic journey, driving my passion for computer science and nursing, and teaching
me discipline, critical thinking, and perseverance.
5. Watching Games: Watching various sports has not only been a source of enjoyment but also an opportunity to analyze strategies and develop critical
thinking skills, further fueling my passion for sports and leadership on and off the court.