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Nigerian siblings pursue the American dream
Nigerian siblings pursue
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Ethel Ngene, ’18, biology; Ryan Smith, business; and Nailah Williamson, ’18, biology, take a break from volunteer work at the GGC microfarm (see related story, page 4). Ethel and Kizito “Kizzy” Ngene
Kizito “Kizzy” Ngene, ’19, arrives home from work each evening around 11:30 p.m. Before retiring, he completes his college assignments from earlier in the day. He repeats his rigorous schedule the next morning, arriving at GGC by 7:30 a.m. for class.
Working full time while pursuing a degree in information technology may seem daunting, but Kizzy remains focused on his career, education, and most importantly, supporting his sister Ethel Ngene, ’18, in her own pursuits.
Kizzy and Ethel grew up with four siblings in Enugu State in southeastern Nigeria, over 6,000 miles from Georgia Gwinnett College. After losing their father when they were all quite young, the close-knit Ngene children survived on their mother’s meager teaching salary.
“We always supported and encouraged each other, especially when it came to achieving our dreams,” Ethel said.
Years later, their mother gave up her parental rights to Kizzy and Ethel, allowing their uncle in the U.S. to adopt them.
“The adoption process was stressful and expensive,” Kizzy said. “But our mum and uncle wanted us to have a shot at a better life and more educational opportunities.”
The siblings’ bond strengthened as they settled into their new country. Charting their postsecondary education, they ventured out on their own to share an apartment. For four years, Kizzy’s sole focus was Ethel’s pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.
“We balanced each other with our school work, bills and home responsibilities,” he said.
Kizzy earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology from a technical school. Meanwhile, Ethel chose GGC over a local university.
“I found GGC’s tuition and fees were more cost effective,” she said. “It was closer to our apartment, and it offered smaller classroom sizes.” Both Ngenes were impressed by Georgia Gwinnett’s diverse student body.
A biology major, Ethel quickly immersed herself in her studies. She also worked tirelessly to help grow Volunteer GGC, an award-winning program committed to community engagement and student service.
She credits the student organization for helping develop her leadership skills and allowing her the opportunity to give back to the local community.
“By nature, Ethel is a truth seeker who is extremely invested in her community and creating change. Her powerful words and the accountability she expected from herself and the members of her team made me proud and honored to work alongside her with Volunteer GGC,” said Ethel’s mentor, Allen Clarke, assistant director of the Office of Student Involvement and the Student Center.
Inspired by Ethel’s love for GGC, Kizzy enrolled part time as an information technology major.
Ethel Ngene, ’18
“Mum didn’t recognize me at first,” said Ethel with a wide smile. “She couldn’t believe how much I had grown into a confident woman.”
The much-needed visit allowed time for the family to reconnect and reflect. Had they not come to the States, the siblings’ futures would have been limited. Instead, Kizzy plans to complete his degree and work in information technology while Ethel dreams of attending medical school and working for Doctors Without Borders as an obstetrician/gynecologist.
This spring, her mother and siblings in Nigeria watched Ethel graduate with honors via GGC’s live internet broadcast of its commencement ceremony.
“They were so excited to watch me walk across the stage and receive my hard-earned diploma,” said Ethel, beaming. “And in 2019, we will all watch Kizzy do the same.”
– Ethel Ngene, ’18
While their GGC experience exceeded expectations, Ethel said it was bittersweet as many sacrifices were made for her and Kizzy to pursue their dreams. The vast distance between the U.S. and Nigeria made visits difficult. However, during the December 2017 holiday break, Kizzy, Ethel and their uncle traveled to Nigeria to surprise their family.
