Wilma Nnoke
Graduation year: 2018
Major: Biology
Minor: Biochemistry
Activities: African Students Association, Global Engagement Team, Global Ambassadors
Internship: I shadowed a doctor in a clinic located in Detroit.
Post-grad plans: Attend Wayne State University in the fall to pursue a master’s in public health
Why Augustana?
Among all the schools where I was accepted, Augustana gave me the most financial aid. Also, the small class structure and just the beauty of the school when I looked at photos made my choice to study at Augustana easy.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
Absolutely not. As a freshman, I was shy and intimidated by the fact that I was in a new country with all the adjustments I had to make. But at the end of my freshman year, I decided to get involved on campus. I became a Global Ambassador, which is a position that helps freshman international students thrive in the United States and at Augie in particular. Before I knew it, I was elected co-chair for signature events with the Global Engagement Team. I founded the African Students Association (served as president for two years), and I was promoted to lead Global Ambassadors my senior year.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Advisors, professors and in general everybody was willing to help me. My academic advisor helped me in regards to my career path, and my International Student Life advisor (Danny Kim) helped me become the leader I am today. They did this through the one-on-one meetings we had, through which they were able to orient me. Also CORE and the Reading/Writing Center were very useful resources when I was applying for my master’s in public health program. They made sure I had a strong personal statement and résumé.
Peak experience?
My peak experience would be when I took the cadaver dissection lab. Through this lab, I put in practice what I had learned in anatomy, and it was so intriguing to be able to see the parts that one usually only sees in textbooks. I actually got to hold a human heart in my hand.
What surprised you?
I learned that even when times are hard, I can find the strength to push through these situations, which is better than settling for self pity.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice during my internship. It helped pay for transportation, food and accommodations during my stay in Detroit.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the people I made so many memories with and the Augie bubble I became so used to.
Advice for the Class of 2022?
Take advantage of all the resources Augie has to offer. Also, never limit yourself because you can achieve great things!
“As the only international student in my course Multicultural Literature of the United States, Helen-Wilma worked hard to cover what would have constituted unfamiliar materials—and to excel in them. She mastered the historical, and various cultural and societal underpinnings that characterized both the theoretical considerations and literary texts. One factor that makes Helen-Wilma’s performance in that literary and humanistic course so impressive is that she is mainly a science student. Her strong performance in the arts and humanities serves as an indication of her commitment to Augustana’s ideal of a well-rounded liberal arts education.”