Citi is a sophomore nursing student who credits her mom for paving the way for her educational opportunities and the chance to pursue her dreams. Born in Kenya, Citi’s mom moved their family to the United States when Citi was a child – and she now has high hopes to be able to give back by saving lives as a pediatric nurse after she graduates from college. The Western Union Foundation is proud to provide Citi with a scholarship to help fuel her educational pursuits.
“My mom is one of the most courageous people that I know,” shared Citi. “I know who I am and where I’m from through my mother… I also learned about the struggles that she went through just to get me to this country.”
Citi and her siblings appreciate the access to education and opportunities provided to them through their mother’s strength and perseverance when immigrating to America. Citi is proud to be the first girl in her family to not only graduate from high school, but to also attend college.
“I have younger siblings who look up to me, and I feel like I’m paving the way for my siblings as I succeed,” shared Citi.
Her inspiration to pursue healthcare and nursing stems from a traumatic personal experience. “I lost my brother to gun violence, and part of that experience led me to want to help save a life,” Citi said. “Even if I can help just one person, I feel like that would make the biggest difference.”
Citi is grateful for the financial support her scholarship from the Western Union Foundation is providing. “With this scholarship, it’s such a relief not having the burden of having to pay off school debt or take on loans. More importantly I feel like I’m able to focus more on school.”
The Western Union Foundation provided 70 scholarships to international and immigrant students during the 2024-2025 school year. Citi’s scholarship is part of the Immigrant Scholarship Program, in partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver. Through this program the Foundation is proud to support 28 immigrant students during the 2024-2025 school year. In addition to scholarship funding, the students are further supported by the University’s Immigrant Services Program, an academic and social support program that aims to increase enrollment, retention, and graduation of undocumented, DACA, immigrant, and refugee students.
Click here to donate to the Western Union Foundation to support more students, entrepreneurs, and people on the move who aspire to make a difference in the world.
