Ayanna Norman, University of Mississippi Junior, Becomes First to Secure Prestigious Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service

Corinth Welcomes a Standout Scholar

In a heartwarming turn of events, Ayanna Norman, a junior at the University of Mississippi, has recently made waves by becoming the first student from her university to secure the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. This exciting news broke on Tuesday, August 27, and it seems Norman is still riding the high of this incredible achievement.

A Milestone Achievement

Ayanna, who is pursuing a double major in allied health studies and psychology, expressed her joy in a rather relatable way. “It feels unreal, to say the least! I think I’ve gone back to reread my congratulatory email and essay responses in disbelief over 20 times now,” she said with a hint of excitement in her voice. This scholarship is part of a unique collaboration between the Obama Foundation and Brian Chesky, the co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, aimed at uplifting young leaders devoted to public service.

What Does the Scholarship Entail?

The Voyager Scholarship, as it’s dubbed, offers a total of $50,000 spread across two years, along with an additional $10,000 dedicated to travel. According to Vivian Ibrahim, the director of the Office of National Scholarship Advisement, the program is specifically designed for students committed to making a difference in their communities. More than just financial support, recipients will take part in leadership classes, forming a positive cohort that aims to empower the next generation of public servants. And this year marks the third iteration of this outstanding program.

Ayanna’s Vision for the Future

Norman, with her eyes set on nursing school, has grand plans for her scholarship funds. “With this life-changing scholarship comes the chance to pay it back to the community,” she shared passionately. “I will be working over the coming months to develop a project aimed at addressing healthcare disparities.” It’s clear that Ayanna’s heart is in the right place, as she dreams of tackling these pressing issues in underserved communities.

She elaborated, saying, “Looking into the future, I plan to continue focusing on healthcare disparities and use my summer voyage and the network provided through the scholarship to implement community-based interventions starting in Mississippi.” Her commitment doesn’t stop there; she also envisions an outreach program for aspiring healthcare professionals, hopeful for its expansion beyond Mississippi, creating an impact that could one day stretch globally.

A Word of Encouragement

While the scholarship is highly competitive, Vivian Ibrahim encourages sophomore students to apply, reminding them that the application process is excellent practice for future opportunities. “It asks questions about how the candidate is passionate about making transformative change to benefit society and what they are already doing,” Ibrahim explained.

Ayanna echoed this sentiment, urging her peers not to shy away from applying. She puts her own experience into perspective: “With this scholarship choosing only students from a large pool of applicants, I almost didn’t apply, thinking my application was just a drop in the bucket. But it’s important to believe in yourself and the work you’re doing because they’re looking for those who are committed to making a positive change.”

Her advice resonates well, especially for those who may not secure the award: “The process of applying is valuable in itself, as it gives you the opportunity to reflect on what you want to change and how you plan to achieve it.”

In a world eager for change, Ayanna Norman is not just another student; she’s a beacon of hope and determination. With her new scholarship, she’s set to embark on a journey that combines heart, education, and the thirst for making a meaningful impact in her community.