Kenny Okwaraoha
Kenny Okwaraoha, a first-generation Nigerian American, is making significant progress at Georgia State. He is expanding his involvement in the African Student Associations and setting himself up to achieve his dream of becoming a financial planner. We had the opportunity to talk with Kenny about his journey.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
Kenny, how did you find yourself at Georgia State?
As a kid, the first college I wanted to attend was UGA. I thought it was going to be the type of environment I wanted to be in until I went there one day, and it just wasn't the atmosphere I was looking for. I’m not from Atlanta; I’m from Lawrenceville, and the atmosphere of Atlanta and Georgia State is what drew me here. The views, meeting different people and just the opportunity, I felt like Atlanta was a hub of entrepreneurs and businesspeople. There are a lot of people you can reach out to.
What are some of the activities you’re involved in at Georgia State?
I go to the Student Rec Center. I might also go on the Panther Involvement Network to see what opportunities I can find and where I can talk to people. I also attend football and basketball games. I have my share of fun at Georgia State.
The group I’m trying to get more involved in is the African Students Association (ASA). I'm Nigerian and being in a group full of other African people helps because we have the same struggles and come from the same background. Being in a group with people who do the same thing as me (go to school) and who grew up with African parents helps me figure out more of my culture, find ways to stay tuned in and not forget that I come from Nigeria. Even though I was born here, my parents are from Nigeria, so I’ve got to stick with the culture.
Why economics as a major?
I want to be a financial advisor and eventually someone’s financial mentor. As I continue to learn about the economy and finance, I realize I could be there for someone and help them make smart financial decisions and more money for themselves and myself. I want to help people around me learn more about funding and being financially free. I'm not financially free yet, but I’m going to be.
How is Georgia State helping you achieve your goals?
Georgia State is pushing me to get out there and talk to people, find what I want in life, and not sit down and let it come to me. I feel like the university has the opportunity for anybody to succeed and put themselves out there. For me, I get put in those places to meet the right people. With all the clubs and organizations here, it can put your foot in the door for what you want in life. It's very open.
Georgia State is making me very open to a lot of things. I am a Christian, and every Monday I attend The Living Room [a weekly meeting for college students at Buckhead Church]. Being surrounded by like-minded people and being positive is a good thing for me as well.
Final thoughts?
One thing I will say is that I appreciate Georgia State because this is a time in my life when I need to get out of my bubble and buckle down on fulfilling my life goals and purpose. Being at Georgia State is definitely helping me do that. This place has changed my mindset on certain aspects of my life. Even though there might be distractions — there are distractions at every college — and with the resources the university has, it can keep me focused. It's just up to me, and Georgia State is making me more responsible with life and realizing I’m not a kid anymore.
