My Background

My name is Naomi Ifunanya Obinwa, and I’m from Nigeria. I attended Chrisland High School VGC in Lagos. I’m currently studying at Boston University in the United States, and I’m in my third year! I love learning, and I’m really keen on using every opportunity I have. 

Why I Chose to Study in the United States

There were many reasons I decided to study abroad, but it was largely centered on the numerous opportunities it offered: research, internships, and the chance to learn from a diverse set of perspectives were all compelling factors. Studying in the United States promised broader choices than I would have had back home. 

When it came to choosing a country, it was a major decision. The United States stood out for its exceptional diversity and academic excellence. The opportunity to work with renowned professors and learn from them was an experience I couldn’t pass up. While many countries have large international student populations, the US offers unique opportunities.

Why Boston University?

I chose BU because, first of all, who doesn’t love Boston? It’s a great place with many students, and so the city is filled with youthful energy. Among the schools I applied to, BU stood out for its excellence in Biomedical Engineering as one of the top 10 schools in the nation for BME. Additionally, BU’s reputation for having a diverse student body aligned with me, as it was something I was really keen on when applying.

Academic Achievements 

I worked hard throughout high school to build a strong academic foundation. My achievements include:

• WAEC: All A’s across nine subjects.

• IGCSE: Seven A*s and one A.

• SAT: A score of 1460.

• High School GPA: 4.0, graduating as valedictorian.

In terms of extracurriculars, I had a variety of activities both in and out of school. Within school, I was a member of the Olympiad team, regularly representing my school in competitions and collaborating with other students to learn. I also played the violin as part of the school orchestra. Then I was a member of the debate team, served as a prefect, worked as a content writer for the yearbook, and spoke at public events at my school. Outside school, I conducted research under the mentorship of a PhD student at Oxford University, acted as an ambassador for an NGO focused on UN SDG 17, and enjoyed playing the piano for fun.

Honors and Awards

The awards I reported were:

• Conrad National Competition: 2nd Place and Best in Health category.

• Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition: Gold Winner.

• Oluwole Awokoya Chemistry Competition: State Finalist.

• Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists Competition: State Finalist.

• School Recognition: Most Outstanding Student of the Year.

Resources I used

God was my greatest resource; if not for Him guiding my hand and giving me hope throughout the application, I’m not sure what would’ve happened. My guidance counselor was also quite helpful, and a big shoutout to my parents for all the support they provided whenever I had goals in mind. Another great resource was YouTube videos or blogs of others who had gone through the application process and could mention what worked for them (just like this one!).

Financial Support

I’m fortunate to be a Rise Fellow, an award I won in 2022. It includes a four-year scholarship, including tuition and a living stipend, based on financial need. For those curious about that, I encourage checking out the Rise website for more details.

Tips for Aspiring Students

When applying, focus on highlighting your passion across your application—in essays, extracurriculars, and achievements. I’m by no means an expert on this and don’t really know why I got into BU exactly, but in my application, I made sure to tie everything together to convey exactly what I’m passionate about.

Life at Boston University

I’m currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and I love the hands-on, practical projects and real-world applications the curriculum offers. My first week at BU was challenging—I missed my family, Nigerian food, and the familiarity of home. I also hadn’t made friends yet, and so I didn’t have the best time. However, as time went on, I built a community by joining clubs, attending a lovely church, and making friends across various schools. My friends are currently scattered across Massachusetts! I made a home away from home.

The academic workload is heavy. I take 5-6 classes most semesters, which is more than the average and recommended 4 classes a semester. It works for me because I’m quite used to a heavier load coming from a Nigerian secondary school and WAEC background, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The classes only get harder as you go on, in my experience thus far, and it’s harder to find a good balancing point for social activities and school. A lot of my friends are in STEM courses, though, and so we usually are able to study/relax together as our schedules align. Another great tip is really to take it day by day and not stress about next month or even next week. I find that approach has helped me to balance things out.

Outside of class, I work within the College of Engineering as a tour guide for prospective students and their families and an office assistant. I’m also part of a research lab. In terms of clubs, I try to participate in clubs both related to my major and not. I’m a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and a really great art club that donates art pieces made by members to charity!

Building Connections

Making friends takes time. I formed some of my closest friendships during my second year and have stayed connected with a few people from my first year. I’ve heard stories of people making friends in their third or even final year, so it really comes down to each person. My advice? Know who you are and what you want from your university experience. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people will make it easier to find a strong, supportive community.