“Studying at UoPeople has made me more proactive, resourceful, and independent,” Says Computer Science Student, Tamba N.

Tamba N. was born in Torwah village in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. Growing up in a rural community with limited access to educational resources, he developed resilience, discipline, and a deep appreciation for hard work. From an early age, he saw learning as the most powerful tool for transforming lives and contributing meaningfully to society.

In 2023, Tamba moved to the United States as an international student to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in Washington, DC. “It was a major milestone in my life and a dream come true. However, after completing just one semester, I faced a serious financial setback. The annual tuition of $28,500 was beyond my means. It was impossible for me to continue. It was a difficult and discouraging moment. I feared that my dream of higher education might come to an end,” he recalls.

Instead of giving up, Tamba chose to persevere. “Because of my deep commitment to education, I began searching for alternative opportunities and affordable universities. Through extensive research, I discovered University of the People, the first tuition-free accredited online university in the United States.” The opportunity renewed his confidence and strengthened his determination.

Now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at UoPeople, Tamba says, “My academic progress at the university has been very positive. UoPeople aligns perfectly with my academic goals and financial situation. I also strongly believe that education should be accessible to everyone.”

Beyond affordability, he values the institution’s flexibility and global community. “The diverse, global student community has enriched my learning experience by exposing me to different perspectives, cultures, and ways of thinking,” he shares. He also appreciates the emphasis on “self-discipline, independent learning, and critical thinking,” which has strengthened his academic and professional skills. Studying at UoPeople has made him “more proactive, resourceful, and independent” in his learning.

Looking ahead, Tamba hopes to build a successful career in the information technology and computer science field, using his skills to solve real-world problems and contribute to technological development, especially in underserved communities like the one he comes from. He also aspires to inspire young people from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds to believe that education is possible, regardless of circumstance.

For Tamba, his degree represents far more than academic achievement. It reflects “resilience, determination, and commitment to lifelong learning.” His journey stands as proof that perseverance, faith, and access to opportunity can transform even the most challenging obstacles into stepping stones toward success.