Outstanding! Nigerian Student Excels In Ohio College, makes 4.0
This was after making straight “A’s” in all his courses.
His story was that of a typical Nigerian desperate for any opportunity to improve the quality of his life in order to eke out a living.
Vincent left Nigeria for the United States few years ago with the desire to earn a living as professional Welding, Fabrication and Blueprint Engineer.
This desire led him to the best welding and Technology institute in the U.S, Ohio Technical College / Power Sports Institute, fondly called “The Harvard Welding School of Technology” an ivy school with state of the art facilities and sponsored by the world auto-makers situated in the heart of Cleveland Ohio.
Vincent could have thought all his problems were over despite securing admission into a prestigious institute, but his challenges had just begun.
Despite his lack of expertise in the course, he was faced with rejection on accounts of his race.
“I was underestimated every day in the class. I was discriminated against, due to my African origin and accent but I brazed the challenge,” Vincent said while speaking to newsmen.
He was inspired by success stories of how his compatriots had done the nation proud in the various fields despite initial challenges.
“When I got into the school, I officially enrolled into a diploma course for two years. However when I got into that school, I realized that they equally offer a degree program in the same field of study.
“You can only get into the degree program after a successful completion of the diploma course or if you are capable of combining the two courses simultaneously of course with additional cost on admission and tuition.
“So, I did the unthinkable, I shockingly applied to the school authorities for these two programs,” he added.
So determined to make his mark, Vincent ignored pleasure and dedicated himself to intense studying.
“I chose to study after church on Sundays. I begin lectures by 7:30am -1:45pm. The second lectures begin from 2:00- 4:00pm.Mondays through Fridays.
The school curriculum is fashioned in a way that, there is no break other than the U.S national holidays.”
“Though it was very excruciating, energy sapping and adventurous at times, I hardly got two hours of sleep a night, studying all the day. I was nicknamed Prof couple of times (laughs). I regretted ever combining these studies, but the ‘CAN DO’ spirit of Nigerians kept me going.
Not long after, the hard work started paying off, honor rolls, perfect attendance and the rest.
On June 24, 2016, The whole of U.S stood up for a Nigerian voted by his fellow students as the citizen of the year, selected by the school authorities as the outstanding international student of the year and inducted four times into honor roll.
An elated Vincent said, “The recitation was so strong that I almost slumped at the graduation podium. I was practically held by a professor.”
“I achieved two certificates in two years instead of four years. Voted by his fellow students as the citizen of the year and selected by the school authorities as the outstanding international student of the year. I was also inducted four times into honor roll and received perfect attendance award.
“What can I say? If you can dream it, you can achieve it,” he concluded.
• My efiko
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