The Role of Hollings Scholarship in My Future Studies

Studying abroad is captivating as it gives one the privilege of learning and meeting with people of other races in a different environment while giving one an international experience of education which can be used to improve one's life and home country. I believe that the sustainability of the environment can only be achieved through wise use of Natural resources. It is this consciousness that captivated my interest towards undertaking postgraduate studies in the field of environmental science. My chosen master’s program at the University is MSc Environmental Change and Global Sustainability. The program is a key step for me in achieving my long term and personal goals. The reason I am applying for Hollings scholarship is that I am interested in learning NOAA's mission, including oceanic, atmospheric, and environmental sciences. Also I have urgent financial struggles that hinder my further studies. 

Although I plan on working as a conservationist, I want to undertake a research that addresses real issues such as global warming, desertification, deforestation and also find suitable measures in solving them. This Master’s course offers everything I need to become an expert in Environmental Science. The program is taught through collaboration between academics with world-class expertise in various aspects of Environmental Change and Global Sustainability and gives students the privilege to learn about a wide range of problems in the Environment. Also, the master’s course offers broad specializations, such as Environmental Change and Global Sustainability.

Since I want to deepen my previous education in Forestry Management, the perfect choice for my graduate study is at the American University. I believe that graduate degree program will equip me with scientific knowledge and technical skills to overcome global environmental and sustainability challenges.

Most industries and households in Nigeria where I am from depend majorly on forest resources for their daily needs. However, this irrational and uncontrolled use of these forest resources is causing biodiversity loss and general degradation of the entire forest estates. This program will also equip me to adequately resolve the tension between human needs and ecological integrity of the Nigerian Forest Estates.

I will use the skills, knowledge and experiences gained from this qualification as a young conservationist to proffer solutions to Nigeria's environmental issues. I will also apply to work as an environmental consultant, in Federal Ministry of Environment in Nigeria, where I will be involved in addressing environmental issues such as water pollution, air quality, and soil contamination, observing the impact of human activities on the environment, identifying the problem areas and recommending solutions.

Because of the passion I have to see Nigeria enjoy sustainable development, this plan would be of great benefit as it would provide better economic and living standard. Within this period also, I will strive to build increased proficiency and professionalism in my chosen field of career. I also have plans to create a non-governmental group that would be actively committed in creating awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and conservation work, by educating all sectors of the local community, including local schools and colleges.

My commitment to these goals is driven by a strong passion to see environmental issues completely eradicated from my country as well as to see myself financially empowered. This is why I need this Hollings Scholarship in order to pursue my career at postgraduate level.

Finally, considering me for Hollings Scholarship to study Environment Change and Global Sustainability in American University will not only contribute to my personal and professional development, but will also contribute immensely to the development of the Nigerian environmental sector and Africa as a whole.