In 2002, my world shattered into fragments amid the relentless turmoil of conflict and displacement in South Sudan. I was a mere three years old when I lost all trace of my parents. Their comforting presence vanished, leaving me adrift in a sea of uncertainty. It was then that my grandmother, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, took my hand and guided me towards safety. Together, we embarked on a treacherous journey, seeking refuge in the unfamiliar land of Uganda.
Arriving in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Uganda, I was greeted by a landscape foreign to my young eyes. Everything seemed dauntingly unfamiliar, and the prospect of rebuilding my life in this new environment appeared overwhelming. The Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, our newfound home, was rugged and untamed, seemingly resisting any attempts at settlement. Yet, with unwavering determination, my grandmother and I faced the wilderness head-on, clearing the land to carve out a semblance of stability amidst the chaos.
Despite the harsh realities of life as a refugee, I clung to the belief that education held the key to a brighter future. However, within the confines of the settlement, access to education was far from guaranteed. Resources were scarce, and classrooms overflowed with eager minds yearning for knowledge. Undeterred by these challenges, I seized every opportunity to pursue my academic aspirations. I remember the long nights spent selling pancakes to my classmates, scraping together every penny to afford essential school supplies.
Through sheer resilience and an unwavering commitment to my studies, I earned a CIYOTA high school scholarship, paving the way for the completion of my secondary education. Armed with a burning desire to transcend the limitations imposed by circumstance, I immersed myself in learning, driven by the belief that knowledge knows no boundaries.
In 2019, the fruits of my perseverance blossomed into tangible success as I was awarded a prestigious Mastercard scholarship to study Statistics at Makerere University. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in my journey, igniting within me a passion for statistical analysis as a catalyst for change. Statistics ceased to be merely numbers on a page; it became a powerful tool for empowering marginalized communities and effecting meaningful transformation.
Delving deeper into the realm of statistics, I uncovered the field of biostatistics, a perfect marriage of my passion for numbers and my desire to make a tangible impact in the realm of public health. Through the study of epidemiology and biostatistics, I glimpse at the potential to contribute to research that could save lives and alleviate suffering in communities ravaged by disease and neglect.
My journey from the confines of a refugee camp to the hallowed halls of Makerere University was fraught with obstacles and adversity. Skepticism and doubt surrounded me, both from within and without. Yet, with each setback, I emerged stronger and more determined to defy the odds stacked against me, steadfast in my pursuit of academic excellence.
Through the auspices of COBURWAS International Youth Organization to Transform Africa (CIYOTA), I seized a rare opportunity to embark on a short-term partnership contract in Ghana. However, the path to this endeavor was fraught with bureaucratic hurdles, as obtaining a passport proved to be an arduous ordeal. As a refugee, the process was fraught with complexities, underscoring the systemic barriers faced by individuals displaced from their homelands.
Despite the challenges encountered along the way, my time in Ghana proved to be a transformative experience. Immersed in a culture vastly different from my own, I found solace in the warmth and hospitality of the Ghanaian people. Interactions with a South Sudanese Canadian friend provided a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural divides.
Returning to Uganda, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with the limitations imposed by my refugee status. Opportunities for meaningful employment were scarce, and the prospect of returning to South Sudan loomed large in my mind. Yet, fueled by a steadfast determination to effect positive change in my homeland, I resolved to pursue further education in intermediaries and biostatistics.
My aspirations extend beyond personal ambition; they are rooted in a deep-seated commitment to serve as a catalyst for change. South Sudan, plagued by a myriad of challenges ranging from climate-induced calamities to systemic inequities, is in dire need of intervention. Through the acquisition of specialized skills and knowledge, I aim to establish an institution dedicated to leveraging the power of biostatistics to address pressing issues within my community.
Despite the hardships endured and the trials faced, I stand on the threshold of a new chapter in my journey, infused with hope and determination. Armed with a degree in Statistics and a burning passion for biostatistics, I am poised to embark on a mission to effect transformative change. Education, I fervently believe, possesses the power to transcend barriers and ignite the flames of possibility, illuminating the path towards a brighter tomorrow for all who dare to dream.
