Esu Ekeruche is a sophomore in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University. Moving from Nigeria to the United States at a young age brought a new perspective to her life and a passion for service and listening to others’ stories. She is a member of the Zachry Leadership Program and the National Society of Black Engineers. She is also an electrical and computer engineering student ambassador and a blogger for the engineering student blog, Ingenium.
Q. What drew you to the Zachry Leadership Program?
A. I was intrigued by the Zachry Leadership Program because of its mission to build authentic leaders. They want to really help us lead authentically and be true to ourselves.
Q. Can you share about your experience with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)?
A. Having my sights on an engineering career, I thought it would be wise to get involved with an engineering community to find a support system and also learn more about the field. Since Texas A&M offers a general engineering program for freshman year, I talked to a few people in NSBE and they helped me figure out what specific engineering I might be interested in pursuing.
Q. How has your experience moving to the U.S. from Africa when you were younger impacted you?
A. I moved to the U.S. a few months before I turned 11. Even at that early age, it started to broaden my perspective. I was always a forward thinker, but it further accelerated my growth. I started learning even more about my identity in Christ and God’s purpose for my life. I formed a closer relationship with my family, and I began volunteering in my community. There were some challenges, but relocating helped me think about what I would want to do in the future and started formulating my ideas and perspective of the world. It also made me more eager and open to listening to people’s stories, which I have become very passionate about.
You belong here and you are going to find your place here.
Q. Has anything surprised you coming to college?
A. As a freshman, I was overwhelmed with all of the people that were doing so many cool things. I remember thinking that I didn’t really know what cool things I wanted to do yet. Since then, I have learned that while a lot of people are doing a lot of amazing things, we each have to find our own purpose and walk in that. It’s been a fun experience to learn more about myself and how I fit in and contribute to my community.
Q. Why did you decide to study electrical engineering at Texas A&M?
A. I have said I wanted to be an electrical engineer for years now. Through the years, I found out that I really love math and I still do. My junior year of high school, I took a digital electronics class and I really enjoyed the class. Attending Department Information Saturday and completing the general engineering coursework freshman year helped me filter what aspects of engineering I was and wasn’t interested in. I was also able to talk to some mentors who helped me decide that electrical is what I want to go for.
Q. What advice would you give to another student who has relocated to the U.S.?
A. I would say you belong here and you are going to find your place here. I would also say that you do not need to rush the process. Be confident that you will find your place at Texas A&M and in whatever area you are studying. You might also sometimes feel like you have two homes, and there’s beauty in embracing the entirety of your story.
Q. What is something you would like people to know about you that they might not know?
A. I like to write. I also enjoy problem-solving and community outreach and service. I’ve said I want to start a nonprofit foundation to educate children for a while now. While I’m still learning more about this passion on my journey with God, I’m always excited at the opportunity to give back to my community.
Q. What drew you to Texas A&M?
A. It was the reiteration of community that drew me to Texas A&M. While I do believe that getting a degree is important, the community we build is also really important and helpful through the journey too.