Where are you from?
I am from Imo State, Nigeria.
What was your childhood like?
My childhood was a lot of fun, I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria which is a big Metropolitan city where I learnt to work hard for everything, respect and appreciate everything and everyone around me.
What brought you to Cleveland?
I moved to the Cleveland area because of Kent State Fashion School, I had read reviews about it being the best in the country and it definitely is.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
My first thought about coming to the US was everywhere would be like New York City, filled with skyscrapers and people. I was so disappointed when the first city I lived in was real country. My views about the US changed after I discovered there are different stories, people and things that make America unique in its on way.
What challenges did you face as transitioning here?
One of the many challenges I encountered was a lot of people having a belief that an “African” couldn’t speak English or was from a poor and starving nation. A lot of people did not even know where Nigeria was on the map. One of the other challenges was the cultural shock and different seasons. But, seeing snow for the first time was pretty cool.
What is your occupation?
I am a full time student at Kent State and also work at the Center for Student Involvement on campus part time.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Clevelanders are really friendly and it’s nice to know some of them are willing to have conservations with you about my background.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
I continue to cook my local dishes, play the music and practice my religion.
Why is it so important to welcome immigrants and refugees?
It’s important to welcome immigrants because you never know what struggle made them leave everything behind to start over.
Why is it important to travel abroad?
Traveling teaches you more about the world than a textbook or a media outlet will. It opens your mind to different people, culture and customs. So it is important to travel abroad because you learn and in the process cultivate an open mind.
