Tri-C Presents the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine
The Tri-C Classical Piano Series Is proud to present a special concert featuring the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine. Led by American Ukrainian conductor Theodor Kuchar. The concert will feature Steinway Artists Antonio Pompa-Baldi and Emanuela Friscioni, as well as guest conductor Carl Topilow.
From Nigeria to Cleveland!
I came to Cleveland from Nigeria in August 2010 and started my higher education at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). My first two years in the U.S was very tough, because I schooled in the U.K for two years before I moved here so I didn’t expect to experience a lot of culture shock. The American culture is very different from that of the Nigerian culture or even that of the U.K.
My first experience with culture shock in the States was riding the RTA bus to school every morning. It was a reliable way to get from point A to point B but I had to do a lot of waiting. Before riding the RTA I had familiarize myself with the transportation system. Another difficult adjustment for me was the weather. I thought I had experienced the cold when I was in the U.K but when winter arrived it was like nothing I had ever experienced.
I missed home a lot and wanted to go back home every day, but with time I got the hang of how things worked around the City of Cleveland. After spending two years at Tri-C I transferred to Kent State University (KSU) the summer of 2013 and majored in Journalism. The atmosphere at KSU was a lot different from that of Tri-C. At KSU I had an opportunity to make friends and be a part of different organizations as well as showcase my skills as an aspiring journalist. I learned every aspect of journalism at KSU such as radio, television and newspaper which gave me a feel of the world of journalism.
The year 2016 was a great year to be in Cleveland because I participated in all of the city’s accomplishments. While I interned at WOIO Channel 19 I worked with reporters to cover the Cavaliers Championship win and the Republican National Convention. I graduated from KSU August 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. After a months of graduation I started working with WKYC Channel 3 and I am also excited to be a part of the Global Cleveland family. Working with Global Cleveland gives me the opportunity to work with other international students like myself, by helping them adapt to the Greater Cleveland area.
Although I had a tough time adapting to Cleveland, the city has given me a great opportunity to further my career. As an international student in the field of journalism I was worried I would not find a job, but staying focused has lead me to where I am today and it is a blessing. My journey in United States is proof that no matter where you go or where you come from you can make it as long as you believe in yourself and you know what you are fighting for.
