My name is Nicole Samira Bella, and an Zfrican girl in STEM. I was bor and raised in cameroon , Currently studying Civil Engineerig at the Uiversity of the West Indies i Jamaica. From a young age, I’ve been driven by one deep desire : to become an engineer who contributes to the development of Africa. Now, with the incredible opportunity to study abroad at the University of Leeds, I’m closer to that dream than ever but I greatly need support to make it a reality.
As a young girl , I rarely spoke up. I was an introvert the quiet one in the back of the class, always listening, always observing. People often underestimated me, and for a long time, I underestimated myself too . But within that silence, there was a spark: a deep hunger to learn, to grow, and to one day create real change.
Choosing civil engineering wasn’t just about liking science subjects. It was about seeing broken infrastructure in my home country and imagining what could be better . It was about dreaming of schools with strong roofs, roads that connect villages safely, and buildings that reflect our culture and our strength. Engineering, for me, is more than a profession it is a tool to uplift lives and empower futures.
Being accepted into the year-long exchange program at the University of Leeds is a huge step in my journey. Studying in the UK means accessing world-class knowledge, advanced facilities, and learning alongside people from all over the world. It means seeing how sustainable infrastructure is designed and maintained and bringing those lessons back to Africa, where they are urgently needed.
But the value of this opportunity isn’t just academic. It is personal. This experience will push me out of my comfort zone and help me grow into the leader I know I can be. I want to show the world and myself that an African girl , an introvert, someone who was once afraid to speak up, is capable of becoming an engineer who builds not just structures, but also changes things.
My story is not unique, but it is powerful. There are many girls like me across Africa, quietly daring to dream. I want to be proof that we can rise, lead, and innovate. I want to inspire others to believe that our voices matter even the quiet ones .
This scholarship would not only ease the financial strain of living and learning abroad, but it would also be a vote of confidence a sign that my dream is worth investing in . With your support, I will continue building: my future, my skills, and one day, a better Cameroon and definitely a better Africa.
