Written by Luna Erica
Meet Roki, a dedicated student with a bold vision to revolutionize healthcare access in underserved regions. Originally from Italy, Roki’s global perspective has been shaped by living across multiple countries, including an impactful experience presenting her undergraduate dissertation at Oxford. Now, she is advancing her academic journey to create meaningful, long-term change in public health.
"People often ask, ‘Can you just stay put somewhere?’ But constant movement is what fuels my personal growth. By immersing myself in diverse cultures, meeting new people, and learning different languages, I have evolved into a more compassionate and well-rounded individual."
Roki’s journey began at eighteen during her first trip to the USA. "Coming from a traditional, religious background, my path wasn't exactly what my parents envisioned," she reflects. Despite societal expectations to marry and remain local, Roki chose a path of self-discovery abroad. "Living independently changed everything. It forces you to mature rapidly and becomes an addictive way of life—once you experience the world, there is no going back to who you were before." After completing her Bachelor’s degree in London, she decided to continue her Master’s studies in the UK.
Her commitment to healthcare is deeply personal. A severe health crisis two years ago, which landed her in the intensive care unit, served as a stark reminder of life’s fragility. This transformative experience solidified her dual priorities: cherishing her loved ones and pursuing a career that bridges the gap in global healthcare access.
"My family roots are in West Africa. Growing up in Italy, I realized the immense privilege of having access to a functional healthcare system—a luxury my brother and nephews abroad do not share. It is unfair that one's quality of life depends on their geography. I want to leverage my education not just for personal gain, but to help build robust, sustainable healthcare infrastructures. Whether through government policy or social entrepreneurship, I aim to prove that physical and mental health are the foundations of true progress."
With the support of her International Distinction Award from Online Result, Roki is currently pursuing her Master’s in Global Public Health. By financing her studies through this scholarship, she is turning her academic expertise into action, preparing to advocate for systemic change in developing healthcare systems worldwide.