‘I’m prepared to take on new challenges’
NAME: Nnamdi Onuigbo
CLASS YEAR: 2024
HOMETOWN: Cedar Falls, Iowa
MAJOR: Political Science
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Men’s Basketball, IgKnight Mentor, Orientation Staff, Academic Resource Center employee, Castle Connections, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WARTBURG: My mom used to work here, so I initially knew a lot about Wartburg. Honestly, the basketball coaches recruited me, and once I got on campus and saw how friendly everyone was, it just felt like a community on campus. Basketball was a big part of my decision, but I also love the small college feel and how everyone knows everyone and the class sizes. At the bigger schools, I felt like it would be harder to get involved and find my community. At Wartburg, I’m involved in so many different things, and it is easy to meet new people. Here I know people from outside my own major and people I probably wouldn’t have talked to if I went to a bigger school.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE POLITICAL SCIENCE: When I first came to Wartburg, I was a biology major. After a while, I realized that biology was just not a good fit, and I wanted to explore other interests. I remembered back to my AP US Government class in high school, and how it was my favorite class, but I never really thought of doing anything with it. I went in and talked to Veronica Reece (assistant director for advising, vocation, mentoring and careers) and others in Student Life, and she told me about what political science was. I switched to that halfway through my first year, specifically pre-law and I have loved it ever since. When it came to my minors, I felt like business, psychology, and leadership will give me a good background for whatever I do. They all give me a good foundation for whatever career I choose. As a student in the department, I feel like I can take classes that I will use for the future instead of just classes that are required for my major. For example, next year I am taking some criminal justice classes that aren’t necessarily required for my major, but that I know will be useful in my future as a lawyer. In general, the political science department is really good, with a shoutout to Dr. (Bret) Billet. I have never been as interested in class as I am in political science.
WHAT EXPERIENCES HAVE YOU HAD IN THE LAW FIELD: I did an internship with a Wartburg alum that I had a connection with from my high school. I did some work in immigration law with her. I had reached out to her to ask if she had any opportunities where she worked and she did. I was doing pretty basic things, but it gave me a great first step into how law works. I even got to talk with some clients, so it was great exposure.
AS A LEADER, A LOT OF YOUR INVOLVEMENT FOCUSES ON THE FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE. WHY DO YOU STRIVE TO SERVE FIRST-YEARS IN THE TRANSITION TO COLLEGE: I remember when I was a first-year, I was so nervous to be in a new place even though I was close to home. As a mentor, I like to be able to help people with the same problems that I had, and it feels really good to be able to help the first-years in that way. I remember changing my major my first year and how stressful of a process that was. I knew I didn’t want to study biology anymore, but I didn’t know what my next path would be. Everyone in the Student Life Office was so helpful, and I think I wanted to help guide students in the same situation. As a mentor, I think that my confidence in being in situations that I am uncomfortable with or new experiences has really growth. I feel so much more prepared to take on new challenges and lead other people through their challenges too. Being a mentor, you never know what problems someone might be facing, and you often have to roll with the punches.
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE BASKETBALL TEAM BEEN LIKE: It has been such a positive experience to be a part of the community and just having people built in from the moment you get on campus. I know I can go to my teammates if I ever need anything, and I know the coaches are always by my side. As a team, we take a Florida trip every year, and that is a really fun experience being able to bond with my teammates in a completely different setting than usual. We play some games, but other than that, we have a lot of free time. As a student-athlete, I’ve learned since my first year that communication is a huge part of your success with time management. Communicating with the different groups that you are in and your coaches allow you to explore whatever interests you have. My coaches are supportive of all the different groups that I’m involved in. I also think being a part of the team, I have learned how to connect with people from different backgrounds. I’ve been able to connect with people from small towns, big cities, out of state, or whatever it may be. I think knowing people from different backgrounds and experiences has been a really big growth point for me.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR STUDENTS LOOKING AT OR CURRENTLY IN COLLEGE: I would try to interact with students or staff at the college before you get there. Try to get the vibe of the campus and see if it fits you. Take to the professors and see how they teach and whether or not you like their methods of teaching to see if it would be a good fit for you. That included coaches and directors as well. For current students, step outside of your comfort zone. I never thought that I would have tried to be a student leader. Some of the things I have tried, I haven’t stuck with, but it still was a great experience being able to take advantage of opportunities that you would only get in college.