When determination meets preparation, success is often inevitable. This is the story of Favour Onoharigho, a resilient Kempite whose journey from a Biochemistry graduate to an Erasmus Mundus scholar and now a Ph.D candidate in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is nothing short of inspiring.
Meet Favour Onoharigho
Favour holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. She is currently completing her master’s degree under the prestigious Erasmus Mundus program, Excellence in Analytical Chemistry (EACH). Recently, she secured a fully funded Ph.D. position in Biomedical Sciences in the United States, a dream come true for a young woman passionate about research and innovation in global health.
The Spark: What Drove Her to Apply
For Favour, the decision to apply for a scholarship was fueled by a deep desire to grow as a researcher and to contribute meaningfully to biomedical science. She longed for an environment where she could work with leading experts, access world-class facilities, and sharpen her skills for meaningful contributions to global health.
The Preparation: A Journey of Grit and Growth
Favour began preparing for Fall 2025 applications as early as Summer 2024. Her approach was strategic and consistent:
- She meticulously researched programs that aligned with her career goals.
- Gained hands-on experience through a summer internship working with various analytical instruments.
- Contributed to and published in Scopus-indexed journals.
- Customised each Statement of Purpose (SOP) and CV to suit the requirements of individual programs.
- Sought critical feedback from mentors and peers.
- Dedicated time to practice for interviews.
Much of her application work was done at night after long days in the lab. “It wasn’t easy,” she recalls, “but early preparation made a big difference.”
Challenges Along the Way
Time management was one of her biggest hurdles. Balancing lab work with the demands of the application process often left her drained. There were days when tailoring applications to different programs felt like a mountain too high to climb. But Favour remained undeterred. Her secret? Starting early, staying organised, and taking one step at a time.
The Scholarship Experience: Transformative and Empowering
Favour’s Erasmus Mundus experience has been both a test and a transformation. Academically, she was stretched beyond limits. She explored advanced concepts in analytical chemistry, mastered the use of sophisticated lab equipment, and honed her research capabilities.
Personally, the journey exposed her to diverse cultures, built resilience, and taught her to adapt to new environments. It was an all-around growth experience, one that brought her closer to her dreams.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Process
Like many aspiring scholars, Favour initially feared rejection and questioned whether she was competitive enough. The pressure to be perfect often led to anxiety, especially when refining key documents like her SOP and CV.
She overcame these fears by:
- Focusing on growth rather than perfection.
- Leaning on mentors and friends for support.
- Keeping her eyes on the bigger picture.
- Using checklists and setting weekly goals to stay consistent.
Dr. KC’s advice stayed with her: “It’s better to try and get rejected than not try at all.” This mindset pushed her forward.
Lessons Learned and Advice to Others
Favour’s biggest lesson? The process is as valuable as the result.
She advises scholarship seekers to:
- Start early and remain consistent.
- Gain hands-on experience through internships and volunteering.
- Attend conferences and take relevant online courses.
- Develop programming skills and take up leadership roles.
- Tailor application documents to each program.
- Seek constructive feedback.
- Stay persistent, even in the face of rejection.
“Every effort counts. Every experience adds up. Even failed applications build your confidence and sharpen your focus,” she says.
Looking Back
If she could do anything differently, Favour says, she would have embraced the learning journey sooner and worried less about being perfect.
“I’ve learned that it’s okay to be imperfect. What matters is that you keep learning, improving, and staying committed to your goals.”
Final Words
Favour Onoharigho’s story is a testimony to the power of courage, consistency, and community. Her journey reminds us that while fear and setbacks are real, they do not define the end of the story. With the right mindset, preparation, and a strong support system, success is not only possible, it is inevitable.
She is not just a scholarship recipient but a beacon of hope and a trailblazer for many young Africans daring to dream big.
We proudly spotlight Favour as a Kempite and celebrate her remarkable journey. May her story inspire others to take bold steps toward their academic and professional goals.
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