Congratulations to student government president Nadia Esha on her selection as a finalist in the Humans of Jacksonville Collegiate Essay Contest.

Image Credit: Michie Willman

The international student’s inspiring essay outlined her journey to college and the assistance she received from Director of International Student Services Anna Marie Siegel.

Nadia credits Anna Marie with making the FSCJ admissions process a smooth one.

In addition to applicants from FSCJ, the essay contest is open to students enrolled at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University and Edward Waters College.

This year’s theme prompted students to nominate a hero or heroine who has made a significant impact on their lives.

As part of the contest, Nadia nominated Anna Marie as her “unsung heroine,” highlighting her mentor’s positive influence on her education.

In her essay, Nadia described the difficulties she faced while applying to North American colleges from her native Bangladesh.

Anna Marie guided Nadia throughout the application process and continued to offer support well into her studies.

Nadia wrote that a reference from her mentor helped secure her current position as student government president. 

“I am ever grateful to her for everything she has done for me to fit into this new environment in a new country to discover the person in me, “Nadia said. “I hope everyone gets a mentor like her.”

Both Nadia and Anna Marie were invited to attend the Atlantic Institute’s Peace and Dialogue Awards Dinner on February 9.