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 I was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa, in a very poor Maasai village, which presented many challenges. The Maasai community maintains a traditional way of life, residing in small mud huts with cornstalk roofs, without access to running water or electricity. From a young age, children are tasked with various responsibilities around the village: herding cattle and goats, traveling long distances in search of firewood or clean water, cooking and cleaning, and even caring for infants – of which there are many! With 16 siblings, my family often faced food scarcity and had to go without. Most children in the village were unable to attend school due to the need for their help with village work, and the financial burden of school fees made it unattainable for most families in Tanzania. Nevertheless, despite these hardships, I was fortunate to grow up in a loving family, and we always expressed gratitude for what we had. However, my father valued education and recognized its importance. While he couldn’t afford to send all of his children to school, he chose my sister and me to attend a small school in the neighboring village when I was about six years old. The distance was too far for us to walk each day, and transportation was not an option due to financial limitations. As a solution, my father made an arrangement with a Maasai family in that village, allowing my sister and me to stay with them in exchange for work. Though the workload was demanding, I was grateful and happy to have the opportunity to attend school. The education I received was basic, particularly when compared to American standards, but from the very first day, I had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. I consistently ranked at the top of my class and always yearned to learn more.

In 2012, my life changed drastically when I was allowed to move to the US for a better education and life. In 2010, I met an American who volunteered at my school for six months, which eventually turned into 14 months. During that time, he became like family to us and assisted us with our daily needs, providing support to my sister and me. For the first time, we had extra shoes and clothing. Throughout his stay, we developed a special bond, and he saw potential in me, deciding to bring me to the US for a better education. After a family meeting and recognizing what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this was, my parents agreed. Although it meant leaving behind my family, friends, and everything familiar, I embraced the opportunity and began my new adventure.

I arrived in the US in January 2013 and started school halfway through my 5th-grade year. It was a challenging time, as I had to adjust to cultural differences, a new language, a teaching style, and being away from family. However, despite these obstacles, I worked extra hard and finished my first year with all A’s. Since then, I have maintained a 4.0+ GPA, been a member of the National Honor Society, earned Summa Cum Laude, and was selected as the Most Outstanding Senior Graduate. Overcoming my educational foundation in Africa has required tremendous effort, but hard work is an integral part of who I am.

In 2018, I founded the nonprofit organization called 1 Love, dedicated to assisting the Maasai people of Tanzania. I deeply appreciate my culture, and their commitment to tradition inspires me. Rather than relegate their traditions, 1 Love aims to help them live better lives according to their own choices. Growing up in Maasai, I was unaware of the opportunities that exist in the world, but now I want to provide the Maasai with the education and opportunities they are unaware of. Through education and awareness, 1 Love seeks to break the cycle of poverty and limited opportunities while preserving their beautiful culture and traditions. Additionally, 1 Love focuses on making life a little easier for the Maasai. Life in Tanzania is already challenging, particularly for the Maasai. As a young girl, I had to walk miles each day to collect firewood and water, help with cooking and cleaning, and tend to goats, understanding firsthand the difficulties they face. If 1 Love can make life a little easier by providing necessities that we often take for granted, it would be even better. 

Today, I am proud to announce that I am a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder. I completed my degree with a major in Media Production and a minor in Creative Technology and Design. Currently, I am a valued member of the production team at FOX 31 News. Moreover, since moving to the United States, I have been fortunate enough to be officially adopted by my wonderful US father, which has granted me the privilege of becoming a proud US citizen. Despite living here, I am committed to maintaining a strong connection with my Tanzanian roots. Thus, every summer I return to Tanzania to visit my family and contribute to the important work of 1 Love. I am truly proud to identify as both an American and a Tanzanian.