AFRIMETRO 2011 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
Oyinkansola A. Dina
(General College Student Category)
Oyinkansola Dina grew up in Lagos Nigeria, and moved to the United States in 2008 to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh. As Lagos is a city that once had a huge problem of pollution and contamination; overflowing landfills, spirogyra-covered water bodies and a thick dense cloud of smoke lining the sky were visions of what she saw on her ride to elementary school each day. These views coupled with her direct interaction with her grandparents’ research projects centered on remediation were what influenced her decision to pursue a degree, and subsequently, a career in environmental engineering. Volunteerism is something she picked up from her late father and has pursued so earnestly. From organizing campus wide community service events for homelessness awareness to volunteering at local service centers in the greater Pittsburgh area, she holds giving back to the society in high esteem.
When not occupied with academics, volunteering, and research on wastewater treatment, she sits on the committee planning the 38th Annual convention for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) as the speakers and workshops coordinator. She enjoys planning events that incorporate programmatic content that advances students and professionals interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. At the conclusion of her undergraduate degree next year, she plans to begin her doctorate degree in wastewater policy, management, and treatment. One of her ultimate long-term aspirations is to cultivate the spirit of altruism in the heart and mind of the Nigerian child living in Nigeria – this will involve setting up a non-profit organization committed to locating and allocating weekly service projects around local communities to members of those communities.
The AfriMETRO team congratulates Oyinkansola as one of our 2011 AfriMETRO Scholarship Award recipients.
Robel Haile
(High School Senior Category)
In Ethiopia, Robel Haile was accustomed to three students sitting at one elongated desk. His school did not have computer access or enough supplies. And if students couldn't pass a certain test, they did not move on to the next grade.
"Growing up in Africa, everybody wants to go to school because if you don't have a degree, the ability to get a good job is very difficult," says Robel, who didn't speak English when he moved to Portland a few years ago.
He brings that same focus to Jefferson High School by coming to school early, staying late and spending his lunchtime trying to master his new language and earn good grades. An 11th-grader, he is a varsity soccer player and takes a college-level medical class at OHSU.
What Robel finds most difficult about his transition is missing his old friends and the effort to make new ones. "It's hard to be a teenager and an immigrant," he says.
Polite, punctual and persistent, Robel is a favorite of his teachers, who are impressed that he completes every assignment, researches his subject areas outside of class, and regularly participates in classroom discussions. His sensitivity and drive puts him at odds with some of his classmates, though.
"Sometimes when I get a good grade, some students say bad stuff about where I come from," says Robel, who wants to become a cardiologist. "It makes me feel bad."
He says his grounding and inspiration come from his mother and his ESL teacher, who both repeatedly tell him to stay strong and to not to give up.
"In America, you get a second chance," Robel says. "So I don't want to miss my second chance and get distracted by little stuff people say."
The AfriMETRO team congratulates Robel as one of our 2011 AfriMETRO Scholarship Award recipients.
Milinda Ajawara
(High School Senior Category)
Milinda Ajawara was born in Aba city, Abia State, Nigeria. In 2003, she and her family moved to the United States. She currently resides in Anaheim, California, where she is a senior at Katella High School. She hopes to attend Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and major in Biochemistry. She is a four year member of Katella’s marching band and currently holds the position of assistant drum major and front ensemble section leader. In addition, she also participates in the winter drumline, the concert band and the pep band. She was selected as community chair person for the National Honor Society in which she has been a three year member. In school, she serves as a Link Crew leader and she's proud to guide incoming Katella freshmen. Academically, she has continuously challenged herself by taking Advanced Placement and honors courses. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Sunkist Public Library, reads, plays the marimba, and dances with the Salsa club.
The AfriMETRO team congratulates Milinda as one of our 2011 AfriMETRO Scholarship Award recipients.
Omoy Omari
(High School Senior Category)
Omoy Omari is a Congolese born who came to the United States at the age of 8 and has lived in New York ever since. As a young girl, she always saw herself as a doctor at some point in the future. After a change of countries and an introduction to a new culture, Omoy discovered her hidden talents in film production. As of now, she is a senior at the High School of Art and Design and in the college application process. Once in college, she wants to study Television/motion pictures.
The AfriMETRO team congratulates Omoy as one of our 2011 AfriMETRO Scholarship Award recipients.
