Nicole Annoh

My name is Nicole Starr Afia Annoh. I am the last born out of three children. I'm a christian. I was single handedly raised by my mother in Ghana but I was born in America. Studied there during my basic school years to my high school years. Graduated from High School in May 2015. A single-sexed boarding school called Methodist Girls' High School. I was a bright student and at times found myself in between the top 1/8th position in class. I was in the General Arts 3 class which consisted of Elective Maths, Geography, Economics and Government. I love Maths. After my graduation, my mother decided that I had to continue my education in the U.S. My mom works as a seamstress.Currently living with my elder sister who is frustrated with life and most of the time intends to displace her pain on me. She was unable to complete her education at UIC due to financial needs. She works two jobs a day and this makes her exhausted. She sometimes threatens to kick me out of the house for no reason. I'm a good child. I don't associate myself with social vices and have just few friends. This made me to lose motivation to achieve something better in life. This past semester of my sophomore year in Harry S. Truman College, I didn't feel the need to study because I was depressed and worried about where I would lay my head next when this threat becomes a reality. My workplace also contributed to the stressors in my life. It was almost at the end of the semester, when I got a motivational call from my mother in Ghana, she said, "That no matter what hardship you're going through in life, it is to make you stronger and give you a sign that at the end of every tunnel there is light. In every light there is greatness waiting for you". At that point was when I realized, I needed to get back on my feet and continue my journey of success. At this point in my life I want achieve benefits from my academics to make life easier for my family especially my sister and mother. Just lost my Dad today on the 15th of June 2016. I wish he had received the good news that my academic achievement has finally earned me an honor recognition. He would have been delighted because it was always his prayer for his children to always reach for the stars. Rest in peace Dad!