Meet Bosede A. (she/her), a 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship winner who studying sociology at Utah State University,

What is your dream?

With my major in Demography and minor in Social Inequality, my dream is to become a professor at one of the leading universities in the U.S.  On one hand, I want to contribute to academics and my community on how immigrant health can be improved; on the other hand, I want to provide vulnerable young immigrant girls with mentorship. In particular, my goal is to guide them as they overcome obstacles, complete their education, and gain the confidence to lead their communities. In essence, I want to promote a more equal and inclusive society by bridging the gap between research and practical application.

Please share a short quote that tells us how you feel about the win and what impact it will have on your career.

I feel blessed, honored, and fortunate to be selected for this scholarship funding. This is definitely a stepping stone for me, reaffirming my commitment to advancing research on my area of focus — immigrant health — by attending conferences with the opportunity to present my work, discuss, and collaborate with scholars and professionals in my field as well as beyond academic prospects.

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

First, keep pushing, equipping, and developing yourself through learning — so that if scholarships or funding opportunities are available, you will be well-prepared to seize them. Continuous learning and skill improvement increase one’s chances of success and open doors to opportunities that can significantly advance one’s life.

Secondly, it’s often hard to build — so keep pushing. A little drop of water will surely amount to something significant over time. Persistence, devotion, and determination are crucial to overcoming challenges and achieving one’s goals. So, don’t give up, be controlled, or be swayed by negative comments. It’s the end result that matters and not the beginning.

Most people see the beginnings of something and may laugh or scorn at it, but the beauty is that the “end result” is always hidden from those people during the process of building. So, let your hard work and perseverance speak for themselves. People will surely admire your doggedness and envy your success in the end.