Personal Statement

"Understanding others' identities and struggles begins with seeing the humanity in ourselves and extending it outward."

— Brené Brown 

The first major decision I ever made was about my name, standing outside my kindergarten classroom with my mother by my side. My teacher asked whether I wanted to be addressed by my given name, Chinelo, meaning “God thinks for me,” or a nickname, Ellie. As I peeked into the classroom filled with Johns, Sarahs, and Olivias, I chose the nickname, hoping it would help me blend in and avoid misunderstandings about my background. I was too young to fully understand it then, but that decision marked the start of a journey of navigating identity, belonging, and self-expression, challenges that are core to my experiences and values today.

Growing up as a first-generation Nigerian American, I felt as though I was balancing multiple cultural worlds. My choice to go by Ellie in public settings felt practical, yet it left me grappling with what parts of myself to share with others. This early awareness of the complexities of identity is what drew me to social psychology, and it has inspired me to seek out roles that address and celebrate diversity. For example, as president of the African Student Association in college, I worked to create inclusive spaces for African students, organizing cultural events that both connected our community and educated others on the richness of African culture. These experiences highlighted for me the need for inclusive spaces where all individuals feel acknowledged and valued, a goal I strive to bring to every setting I am in.

My professional experience on a crisis line, where I provided support to individuals in distress, reinforced the importance of active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental understanding. This role taught me how essential it is to connect with others on a personal level, especially when they are navigating life’s most challenging moments. Through these conversations, I came to see how crucial it is for marginalized voices to feel heard and understood. I bring this commitment to empathy and cultural sensitivity into my academic and community engagements, and it is a perspective I will bring to a PhD program as well.

In my current research as an IPREP fellow, I am investigating empathy and sexual harassment in the workplace. This work is meaningful to me because it addresses the intersection of social identity and systemic issues, deepening my understanding of how people, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, navigate complex social environments. A PhD program’s diverse academic community would allow me to share my insights and experiences on issues like these while learning from others’ unique perspectives.

I look forward to contributing to an inclusive environment where diverse voices feel empowered to share their experiences. My journey, from embracing my full name and cultural identity to supporting individuals on crisis lines and researching marginalized experiences, has prepared me to both bring and receive new perspectives, enhancing the graduate community at large. I hope to create spaces that echo the support I have experienced, helping others embrace their own identities while we engage in scholarship that addresses and respects our diversity.