I am Philip Abel Adama. I am nineteen years old, from Kogi State and the eldest child of my family with four other siblings. I graduated from Rochas Foundation College where I was on a six-year scholarship program in 2010, and got accepted into the United States Students Achievers Program (USAP) at the US embassy Abuja in the same year. Through the USAP I applied (all expenses covered by the program) to top schools in the US for admission and scholarship. And today, I am an Undergraduate in Mechanical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I am a very easy-going and affable person, who loves meeting and learning from good people. I sing, play soccer, and see movies at free time. I also love to share my experiences with people and this is the major reason why I am so excited to partake in the GFA program.
Coming Soon!	I'm Akachukwu Obi.
	Panshak? What a name! Where are you from? I have had to deal with these many such comments about my name so before you, my reader, begins to wonder too, let me clarify it. My name “Panshak” is my tribal name, from Ngas tribe of Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, Central Nigeria. It is one of the minority tribes in a country of about 370 tribes. Also, the name means ‘hold one another’ and depicts the responsibility I was born into as the first child of my family. To be properly educated has always been my desire. Completing elementary education in Mafeng Private School, Jos and moving onto secondary education in Federal Government Academy, Suleja were rewarding experiences. The line from my school anthem which says “only the best is good enough for thee” has spurred me to strive for higher heights – a personality that has worked in getting me to America to study. I sought an American education for 3 years but certain factors did not make it possible. Now at age 21, I am finally in it and have begun pursuing my undergraduate education. I don’t mind the 3 years gap because the quality of my education will override whatever time differences had accrued. It’s a matter of quality and not pace. I am attending Columbia College, Missouri. My hobbies are watching and playing soccer, writing, listening to music and playing drums of any kind. Pascal Blaise’s quote which says “a man’s greatness lies in his power of thought” forms the framework for my last hobby which is reflection. I like to reflect on issues with a view to coming up with possible explanations or solutions to situations or problems. I am also quiet natured and tolerant. I long for a world where everyone would have a smiling face on. One way I want to help achieve this is by rendering help to the sick as a pharmacist. Thus, my major in chemistry is a pathway to achieving that.

2010-2011 Student Participants I'm Zaidat Nafiya Ibrahim. I am 17yrs old born January 29th 1993. I attended Government Secondary School Gwagwalada. I would be attending Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. I am from Kogi state although I was born and brought up in Abuja. I spend most of my time reading since I love to discover new ideas I'm always reading books. I don't want to waste any educational opportunity I'm given since not many girls especially Muslims get the privilege of being educated. I also love writing and exchanging ideas with people. This is one reason why the friends I make are those that are willing to share ideas and argue their ideas objectively. I make friends that I can learn positively from. This is mostly what I do with my free time. I believe that apart from the mercy and favor which Allah a bestowed upon me, I am what I am today because I stood on the shoulders of people: therefore I have a reciprocal responsibility to do my best in life so that others can stand on me. I am determined to make my country great after I receive a world-class education from the US. Photo Coming Soon! Ladipo Ooreoluwa My name is Ooreoluwa Ladipo, I am 17 years old (as of 2010). I am an undergraduate student of Ohio Wesleyan University. I plan to major in Economics and German. My hobbies include playing board games, reading and writing. I come from a family with three boys only and I am the second. I have an elder brother in Covenant University and a younger brother in Word of Faith Secondary School. I graduated in 2009 from Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja. My plans for the future are multitudinous but my basic want is to be content with what I have while making the changes I can. I am from Lagos State in Nigeria so I hope to one day return to it and develop some areas that have been overlooked by the government and to somehow affect the future. I have never believed the youths are the leaders of tomorrow, rather I believe that we are the leaders of today and we should take a stand in each and every situation we find ourselves in to be the change we hope to see in the world. I don’t believe I am a perfectionist but I do not like releasing works for scrutiny until I am sure that they are good. So this makes it hard for me to be a regular blogger. However, I try my best. You can check out a few of my words on www.ooreswords.blogspot.com and lest I forget my friend. I am Zahra Adahman. I was born on the 26th day of February. I am the first child of four, and live with my wonderful family in Abuja. I have two brothers and a sister. I am from Abuja, Nigeria. I attended Canon Private School, Jos where I completed my primary school education. I also, completed my junior secondary school education at Unity High School, Kubwa in 2006. I attended Government Girls’ Science Secondary School, a boarding school in Kuje Area Council, Abuja for my senior secondary education from 2006 to 2009. I served as the Assistant head-girl during the 2008-2009 academic year and graduated from Government Girls’ Science secondary school in 2009. In September 2009, I became a member of the Education Advising Centre, Abuja, where I was drilled on the entire application process for studying in the United State of America (USA). With the indispensable educational foundation, I received from my teachers, the guidance and counseling, I got from the amazing advisors at EAC, Abuja and support and love from my parents, today, I am a freshman to Randolph College, a liberal arts college in Virginia. During my leisure time I love to sleep, read magazines, watch movies or listen to the Radio. I aspire to be a medical doctor and help Nigeria become a Greater Nation. I am Mustapha Isa. I am 18 years old; I was born on the 27th of septemberr1991. I was born to Inusa and Hadiza Lami Isa in Kaduna state, Nigeria. I graduated from Zamani College in Kaduna - the class of 2009. I was the Head Prefect, the Chief Editor of my school's Newspaper as well as the Captain of my school's Science Olympiad team. I have been a member of the Educational Advising Centre, Education USA of the past year. I have currently secured a place in the class of 2014 at Brandeis University as well as an International Scholarship from the same institution. The school in situated in Waltham, Massachusetts. I intend to major in Bio-Physics and move on for a graduate degree in Bio- Engineering. I also intend to minor in Creative Writing. When fully accustomed to the academic system at Brandeis, I would like to write for the Justice, the school's independent student run newspaper, join the Physics Club and run for student government. In my free time I like to write short stories and try to develop my skill and writing style. I also delve into some volunteer work. I am Daniel Akuma. I hail from Nigeria in Western Africa, and I'm really proud to be considered for fall admission into Kenyon College, Ohio! I love studying people that live around me, to know the exact parts of their lives I can fit in. Little wonder, I intend to major in Neuroscience (while fulfilling the requirements for premedicine). Surprisingly, I am only 17! But then, I have a deceptive physique - muscular and stout. This rather ironic physique has earned me a kind of respect among my seniors. I have however, had to be more responsible than my age demands, because of people's impression about my age. It feels good! Going to FEDACAD, as we call our High School, gave me a whole lot of opportunities to explore other cultures apart from mine - the Igbo culture. Well, I have never left the frontiers of Nigeria, but my HS was a salad of representatives from all the states of the federation. The best three pupils in every state were selected each year to participate in a 6-year free education scheme, and that was how I found myself studying in a very diverse High School. So, I had many moments of "Hey! How do you perform marriages in your culture...?" and questions of that sort. I'm sure that is one of the experiences that left footprints of inquisitiveness in me. Sure one would want to know how the wind of US education blew through my mind, since I had never visited any other country in my life, and I'll tell you! This piece would never be complete without my mentioning the role of USAP in shaping my life philosophy. I know some of us may not know USAP very well. USAP is a global programme titled United States Students Achievers Programme. It was founded in Harare, Zimbabwe to aid economically disadvantaged intellectuals secure a place in US schools for higher learning, and in no time it spread to countries like the UK, Nigeria and South Africa. It works under the US embassy of whatever country it is located, and exposes its participants to life in the US. I was admitted into USAP Nigeria immediately after high school and there, I learnt that there is a life outside Nigeria. And then, I fell in love with Liberal Arts Education, in accordance with my favorite saying "there are SO MANY WAYS TO KILL A RAT!” I am very outgoing and sociable - but I do that only when I have a listening ear in the background. I love to teach people a lot of things also. During my gap year after HS, I coached many seniors in their preparations for our Standardized exams - the WASSCE. It makes me see myself like I'm looking at a mirror, and I...love it! Dr Simon-Okube Patience E. (BSc., M.B.B.S.) was born 18th January 1970 at Nnokwa, Anambra State. A graduate of University of Benin (2008, Medicine) and University of Jos (1992, Botany). After my first degree, I met and got married to Mr Simon I. Okube from Iru, Edo State. Blessed with three lovely kids: Shalom(12years), Ivory(10years) and Victory(8years). I am fluent in English and Igbo language. As a diplomat's wife, I have travelled to several countries including United States. I have also worked in several organizations. My passion is to play an appreciable role in reducing the heavy disease burden in my country Nigeria; where possible my continent Africa and indeed the world as a whole. This passion moved me into medical school exactly ten (10) years after my 1st degree in Botany. Being out of my country on a diplomatic posting to Burkina Faso with my husband, this was a tough decision especially having to travel back to Nigeria with three children, the third being just four (4) months. To many then I was crazy but today I am happy I took that risk, it was indeed a leap of faith. My short term goal is to become an MPH (master of Public Health) graduate of University of Kentucky, USA where I intend to acquire broad based state of the art quantitative and qualitative managerial skills as well as multidisciplinary and collaborative strategies for solving health-related problems. My long term professional goal is to build a state of the art Medical and Diagnostic Centre/Hospital in my country as well as occupy senior leadership positions in my country's Health System thereby help in harmonizing the communication between financing care and delivering care, between developing sound policy and implementing it. I love singing, dancing, cooking and counseling. I believe there is a measure of goodness in everybody and life can be good if you are a little more patient. When you Believe, Dreams Come True! My name is Adesola Oluwagbemiga Oje. I am 17 years old. I was born in Kaduna state, Nigeria on the 3rd of January, 1993. I attended Sacred Heart Primary School in Kaduna then went to Olashore International School, Iloko-Ijesha, Osun State for my secondary school education. I plan on going to Mississippi State University to study Biomedical Engineering. I am basically three things; I am funny, smart and sporty. I love to talk because I am really social and detest boring places. I also love to read because I am a book worm. My books don’t necessarily need to relate to my academics. I am a fan of music. I write and sing for fun. Hopefully when I graduate, I would be able to come back to Nigeria to improve our health sector. Chinedu Dominic Umeasiegbu was born in Lagos State, Nigeria on the 20th of April, 1987. He had his primary education at Handmaids Nursery & Primary School, Abuja. He subsequently attended Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja where he completed his secondary education in 2003. Chinedu is currently enrolled in the Chemical Engineering graduate program of the University of the Houston, Texas. Prior to his enrollment in the University of Houston, he earned a B.Eng in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State. After earning his Bachelor’s degree, he went on to participate in the National Youth Service Corps Scheme. He did his youth service in the Gas & Power Directorate of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Abuja from 2009 to 2010. Chinedu enjoys watching soccer, hanging out with friends and playing Scrabble during his free time. He describes himself as a friendly and sociable person. He hopes to learn a lot about the American culture and educate his host friends and community about his culture and country. My name is Clement Ochai Innocent. I was born in Kaduna city in Kaduna state on the 22nd of November 1983 Nigeria. I attended Savannah Staff Nursery and Primary school. My post primary was at Federal Government College, Okigwe and post secondary was at University of Jos where I studied medicine and surgery. I am now going to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio for a Masters of Public Health. During my free time I enjoy playing chess, hanging out with friends, reading books, travelling and also making new friends.

2009-2010 Student Participants Rosie is 16 years old. She is Youth Exchange and Study student from Benue State, Nigeria. She is currently studying in Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, IA. Her favorite subject in school is biology. Her future ambition is to become a doctor. Muhsin is 16 years old. He is a Youth Exchange and Study student from Bauchi State, Nigeria. He is a high school junior at Southeast Webster High School, in Harcourt, IA. During his free time, he likes to play soccer and badminton. TJ is 17 years old. He is a Youth Exchange and Study student from Sokoto State, Nigeria. He is a junior at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. During his free time, he enjoys reading and learning how to design website. Amanda is 15 years old. She is a Youth Exchange and Study student from Taraba State, Nigeria. She is currently completing her junior year at Washington High School, in Cedar Rapids, IA. During her free time, she loves playing basketball and reading. Efosa is 16 years old. He is a Youth Exchange and Study student from Kaduna State, Nigeria. He is currently a high school Junior at Clarksville High School, in Clarksville, IA. During his free time, he enjoys reading, playing soccer and participating in youth groups. Daniel is 17 years old. He is a Youth Exchange and Study student from Gombe State, Nigeria. He is completing his junior year at Grundy Center High school in Grundy Center, IA. In his school he is involved in choir and the school band. Yusuf is 17 years old. He is a Youth Exchange and Study student from Kebbi State, Nigeria. He is currently completing his junior year at South East Polk high school in Altoona, IA. During his free time, Yusuf likes to read, spend time with friends and learn new things. Jemimah is 15 years old. She is a Youth Exchange and Study student from Plateau State, Nigeria. She is currently completing her junior year at Jefferson High school in Cedar Rapids, IA. During her free time, Jemimah likes to play volleyball and read. Bako Sabo Kantiok was born in Lagos state, Nigeria in 1979. He did his early education in command children's school signal barracks, Lagos. In 1991, he then moved on to do his secondary school in command secondary school Kaduna. He graduated in 1996. Bako is currently enrolled in the Communication and Development graduate program at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. This was made possible after he won a Ford Foundation International Fellowship, under the Ford Foundation IFP program. Previously, in 2004, he earned a BA in Drama at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. While he was an undergraduate student, Bako worked part time with the Renaissance Theater Network, a locally based non-profit organization that uses theater for development to disadvantaged communities. After earning his undergraduate degree, Bako went on to participate in the National Youth Service Scheme. He served at Niger State Minna from 2005 to 2006, under the Niger State Council for Arts and Culture. He then moved on to work for a rural based non-profit organization in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He worked with Fantsuam Foundation from August 2006 until July 2008, before he moved to the US for further studies. Kelechi Chidi Anuforo is 28 years old. He was born on the 19th of May. He is a double major graduate student of Mathematics/Computer Science from Imo State, Nigeria. His School was the Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State in the central part of the country. He fell in love with Computer Science as a subject and was a student of Alliance Francaise during his undergraduate days. He is fluent in English and Igbo language. Kay, as nicknamed, enjoys playing soccer, watching movies and surfing the web during his free time. His father is his role model because of his positive input in his life and the society at large. Cooking is one of his numerous talents which leaves him with no specific choice of a favorite meal/dish. He hopes to be amongst the best in school as he explores the beautiful culture and places the US has to offer. His career ambition is to become a Computer Scientist. He has never traveled to the U.S. but has visited the United Kingdom. He describes himself as friendly and outgoing. He hopes to communicate with his host family and friends and teach them a lot about his culture and country.

2008-2009 Student Participants Na'ima Mohammed is 15 years old. Her birthday is May 29th, 1993. She is a high school junior from Bauchi State, Nigeria. Her school in Nigeria was Fariah Comprehensive Secondary school; it is a private school. She has 3 brothers and sisters. Her favorite subject in school is Mathematics, and she also participates in the Press club. Na'ima speaks Hausa and English. Her hobbies are reading and solving mathematical problems. Her main role model is the Bauchi State Governor because he is an honest man. Her favorite foods are salads. While in the U.S., she hopes to visit many beautiful places. Her career ambition is to become a surgical doctor. She has never traveled outside of Nigeria before. She describes herself as a friendly person. She hopes to teach her host family and friends in the US about Nigerian culture, language and life-style. Arhyel Waziri Christopher is 15 years old. His birthday is November 11th, 1992. He is a high school junior from Borno State, Nigeria. His school was the Baptist High School of Jos; it is a mixed boy and girl boarding school. Arhyel is a Christian. He has four siblings. His favorite subject is mathematics and he also participates in the French club. Arhyel speaks English, French, Hausa, and Kanuri. During his free time, he enjoys teaching and playing football. His main role model is the former president of Nigeria, Olesegun Obasanjo, because he has transformed Nigeria. His favorite foods are Dalang (his tribe delicacy) and Fried rice; there isn't any food he doesn't like. He hopes to do his best in school and visit most of the beautiful places in the US he has heard about. His career ambition is to become a civil engineer or an economist. He has never traveled outside of Nigeria before. He describes himself as friendly and outgoing. He hopes to teach his host family and friends some Nigerian tribal dances and how to cook some traditional meals. Rejoice O. Titus is 15 years old. Her birthday is October 24th, 1992. She is a high school junior from Taraba State, Nigeria. Her school was the William Murckle Bristow Secondary School of Gboko; it is a mixed boy and girl boarding school. Rejoice is a Christian girl. She has one older brother. Her favorite subject in school is chemistry and she also participated in the Junior Engineer Technician and Scientist Club. She speaks English and Hausa. During her free time, she enjoys reading. Her main role model is Dr. Chike Obi because he is the first Nigerian to get a PhD in Mathematics. Her favorite foods are snacks. She hopes to make new friends and visit many places in the US. Her career ambition is to become a surgical doctor. She has never traveled outside of Nigeria before. She describes herself as a friendly person. She hopes to educate her host family and friends about her culture by showing them pictures and telling stories. Nafisat Ibrahim is 16 years old. Her birthday is October 5th, 1991. She is a high school junior from Kaduna State, Nigeria. Her school in Nigeria was the Adeyeno College of Arts and Science of Kaduna. It is private school. Nafisat is a Muslim girl. She has 6 brothers and sisters. Her favorite subject in school is mathematics and she also participated in the quiz club. Besides English, Nafisat also speaks French and Hausa. During her free time, she enjoys reading and studying. Her main role model is General Muhammad Bukari because he is a good leader and he knows his responsibilities toward the people. She has never traveled outside of Nigeria before. Her favorite food is fried rice with chicken but she doesn't care much for yam and beans. In the U.S., she hopes to learn a lot about the American culture and about their school system. Her career ambition is to become a medical doctor. She describes herself as an intelligent and dedicated student. She hopes to interact with her host family and friends and teach them a lot about her culture and country.