International Student Spotlight: Eberechukwu Nwachukwu

 

External Vice President – TTU Student Government Association 

Eberechukwu Nwachukwu (Ebere), a native of Warri, Nigeria, advises international students that are considering a degree at Texas Tech to “embrace every opportunity you can at Texas Tech. Don't say no to anything before trying it because the years fly by. Try to meet as many people as you can while doing different things you love. Texas Tech has something for everyone. You just have to find it.” This is exactly what she has done during her years in Lubbock. Ebere, an accounting major in the Rawls School of Business, is currently serving as the External Vice President for the TTU Student Government Association (SGA). In this position, Ebere and committee members serve as student liaisons between the university and the Lubbock community. 

Tell me about growing up in Nigeria and about who inspired you to pursue an education outside your home country. 

“I have two brothers, one older and another younger, and a twin sister who also attends TTU. Growing up in Nigeria was a daily experience. I attended boarding school in Nigeria hence I learned very early to be independent. My family taught me that regardless of circumstances, they are the people who will unfailingly always have your back. 

My parents were from two different parts of Nigeria with very different ways of life. Hence, I have grown up in two different cultures and have always understood that there are many solutions to an issue. However, one fact that never changed was the value of education. Not just the value of any education but of an American education, which my father understood very early on. Despite the potential challenges for paying for college for my three siblings and me, he began planning very early for us to come to America. In 2017, the year I graduated from high school, my father was unsure of the economical state of the country. He decided we should consider an undergraduate degree in Nigeria and then our masters abroad. However, my older brother had already begun his college experience and convinced my dad to not lose hope and stay on route with his original decision for my twin sister and me to study abroad. The understanding of the American system that my brother had learned played a pivotal role in my father's decision on schooling in Nigeria.”

What brought you to Texas Tech?

“At first, I had no interest in Texas universities. I only applied to one school in Texas and that was Texas Tech. I was drawn to its diverse culture and the range of opportunities for me to grow as an individual.”

What has been your favorite experience at Texas Tech so far?

“It will have to be a close tie between all the basketball games that showcase our continuous school spirit and the Student Government Association.”

Talk about your involvement with the many student organizations on campus such as the Student Government Association and being a Global Guide for the Office of International Affairs. 

I also served as a Global Guide for the TTU Office of International Affairs for two academic years. I enjoyed giving back to the international students and helping them in any way I could with the hope that they will fall in love with the same institution that welcomed me with open arms. I have made some of my best friends through this program and have enjoyed the opportunity to be a source for international students prior to and upon arrival at TTU.”

Ebere has served as a member of the National Association of Black Accountants, Student Staff Leadership Council, Black Students Association, and the Honors College. She is also treasurer for “It's on Us”, “an organization that encourages everyone to acknowledge that sexual assault prevention is on each one of us, not just the parties involved.” 

Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a degree abroad.

“Studying abroad as an international student encourages me to gain a new perspective on life. While attending a large institution, we get to meet people from all over the world and learn about new cultures in a unique way. The main disadvantage is the culture shock. Most people think culture shock lasts for a few weeks but it takes years to adapt completely. Sometimes I walk into spaces and people don't understand what I say, or the jokes my fellow Nigerians make. This makes one miss home all over again. 

Another disadvantage is the uncertainty. When one graduates, whether you get a job within or outside America, there is no defined sense of certainty, which hurts at times.”

As you think about your accomplishments, of what are you most proud?

“I think that aside from my work with the community, I am most proud of my position as External Vice President. Many international students do not run for positions like this. With my position, I get to fight more than ever for other internationals and women, two groups that affect my decisions every day.”