A Roxbury student shines at UMass-Lowell

Morgan Hough

Adaobi Onyekwu, a graduate of John O’Bryant School of Math & Science in Roxbury, had some great choices when it was time to select a college. She was accepted at Boston College, Brandeis University, Salve Regina University, Smith College and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

She chose UMass-Lowell.

“I visited the UML campus and really liked it,” says Adaobi. “I found that it was quiet, and I knew I could get my work done. Plus, it was still close to home, and they gave me the best financial aid package.”

Adaobi says she quickly settled into life at UMass-Lowell.

“I like being away from home and living on my own,” says Adaobi. “There is no one who is going to tell me to do my homework or pick up after myself or ask, ‘Have you eaten?’”

A sophomore in UML’s nursing program, this was the year that Adaobi hit some academic challenges.

“This semester has taken its toll on me,” she admits. “I’m into the core nursing courses now, which are completely unfamiliar to me. I see nursing as hands-on, where you get to interact with people. I’ll be much better once I get past the textbook work.”

For help with her courses, Adaobi turned to UML’s Centers for Learning and Academic Support Services, which offers students a wide range of assistance. There, she worked with a tutor and took practice exams to prepare for her professors’ real ones, often going to the centers with friends and forming study groups with fellow nursing students.

That study technique was new for her, as it may be for other students. For them, Adaobi has some solid advice.

“College is totally different from high school, so expect change!” she says. “All I got were A’s in high school, and this semester, I realized that A’s aren’t guaranteed.”

But that realization brought on another for Adaobi, one she’s glad to pass on.

“Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone,” she says.

When not studying and attending class, Adaobi has found a haven in the Campus Recreation Center, a 65,000-square-foot facility with a fully equipped fitness center, multipurpose courts and studios and a running track.

“I fell in love with the rec center,” she explains. “I know there’s always something to do there, like yoga and Pilates classes. The gym is a good alternative to studying, studying, studying! Plus it is right next door to my dorm, so it’s very convenient.”

Adaobi also maintains a busy work schedule and an active social life. She works for the Office of Student Activities and Multicultural Affairs, which administers the 100-plus student clubs and organizations on campus. This year, Adaobi has attended concerts and plays on campus, and is looking forward to spring carnival. She has also discovered the world of hockey at UML, whose Division I RiverHawks play in Hockey East, the most competitive league in college hockey.

“I like going to the hockey games,” she says. “They’re really good. It’s a totally different experience. I want to watch all the sports teams play.”

Adaobi also attends meetings and events — everything from parties and game nights to lectures and poetry slams — of the Association of Students of African Origin (ASAO). ASAO celebrates the varying cultures and lifestyles of its members, who come from everywhere from the Caribbean Islands to Africa.

“My friends and I went to the whole series of ‘Roots,’ which ASAO sponsored during Black History Month,” she says.

“UML is very diverse,” Adaobi explains. “Like any school, your experience is what you make it. You should really commit yourself to the campus. Get your bearings, find what you like and have fun.”

UMass-Lowell, with a national reputation in science, engineering and technology, is committed to educating students for lifelong success in a diverse world and conducting research and outreach activities that sustain economic, environmental and social health. UML offers its 11,000 students more than 120 degree choices, internships, five-year combined bachelor’s-to-master’s programs and doctoral studies in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Management, the School of Health and Environment, and the Graduate School of Education. For information, visit www.uml.edu.