A Grateful Scholar

February 25, 2021

Junior psychology major John-Beloved Osho '22 is achieving his goals at Texas A&M with the help of a Foundation Excellence Award scholarship.

Photo of junior psychology major John-Beloved Osho '22

By Clare Fusselman ’21

When John-Beloved Osho ’22 talks about his future, he is excited by the endless possibilities that lie ahead. A dedicated student, the psychology major has always had a passion for learning and has dreamed of working in the medical field from a young age. Today, Osho is pursuing his educational dreams at Texas A&M University thanks to the support of a Foundation Excellence Award (FEA) scholarship.

“As the oldest of four children, there was a period of time where I was unsure if college would be a possibility for me,” Osho said. “This scholarship has relieved financial demands for my family and allowed me in turn to focus on academics at Texas A&M.”

TEXAN BY NATURE

Photo of first-generation student John-Beloved Osho.

A first-generation student, Osho found his place in the Aggie family after attending Fish Camp.

Although he was born in Nigeria, Osho considers himself a true Texan. His family moved to Richmond, Texas, when he was 7 years old. He is grateful to have grown up in Texas and though he remembers little of his time in Nigeria, Osho remains very proud of his African roots, especially every year during Black History Month.

“I am proud to come from Nigeria and have a unique familial and cultural history,” Osho said. “My African heritage is part of who I am.”

Osho spent most of his childhood moving around the Richmond area. Though his family never left Texas, these moves exposed Osho to different and unique environments. “Looking back now, I think that experiencing so many diverse settings has allowed me to be successful at Texas A&M,” he said.

As a first-generation student with no one to guide him or provide advice about college, Osho was nervous to start school in College Station. However, after attending Fish Camp, his confidence and love for Texas A&M quickly grew. Returning to Aggieland after the four-day orientation, Osho remembers leaving with new friends and unforgettable memories.

“Fish Camp was my first introduction to the Aggie family,” he said. “My positive experience as a freshman is what inspired me to become a Fish Camp counselor and get involved on campus.”

In addition to his role with Fish Camp, Osho’s time at Texas A&M is interwoven with participation in organizations such as Connect, a community service and networking organization, and Legion, a men’s social organization. “My involvement on campus is, in part, what has made my time at Texas A&M so memorable,” said Osho, noting that these experiences have also helped him develop skills that will serve him well in his future career. “These organizations have allowed me to meet people that I would never normally get to meet.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
After witnessing the generosity of the Aggie family firsthand, Osho developed a deep appreciation for the Aggie Network. As an Aggie, Osho now feels it is his duty and privilege to continue to help the next generation.

“When individuals like my FEA donor create scholarships, it speaks volumes to the trust and belief Aggies have toward each other,” Osho said. “I am beyond grateful for the support of my scholarship and hope to one day be able to give back to others.”

Last year, Osho got the unique opportunity to sit down with his scholarship donor and express his gratitude. He left their friendly meeting with a new perspective on philanthropy. “Aggies have a strong reputation for loyalty and supporting future generations,” Osho said. “The commitment that donors and former students express for Texas A&M and its students is exactly what makes our university stand out among the rest.”

Looking to make himself and his scholarship donor proud, Osho continues to place academics as his highest priority. After graduating, he plans to attend medical school and specialize in orthopedics, a profession that perfectly combines his passion for science and helping others.

“My time at Texas A&M has given me the tools to follow my passions,” Osho concluded. “I am thankful to call myself an Aggie for the rest of my life.”

Originally published here by the Texas A&M Foundation.

To learn how you can fund a scholarships in the College of Liberal Arts, contact Andrew Millar at amillar@txamfoundation.com or by calling (979) 845-5192.