Tell us briefly about your educational journey before coming to UVA, particularly your university studies.

Onyima: My undergraduate degree was from a small university in Nigeria. I knew immediately after graduating from my undergraduate program that I wanted to enrol in a graduate program elsewhere. I also realised from tutoring my classmates that I loved teaching. So, I began seeking a funded master's program. I had not realized that I could apply directly to a PhD program. Applying to and getting into UVA was a dream come true, except that I was not courageous enough to dream so big.

What drew you to UVA for your PhD studies?

Onyima: I wrote my undergraduate thesis based on a book whose author is a professor at Georgetown University. His name is Ahmadou Koné. I emailed him and asked if I could work with him for the graduate program. He responded and said that Georgetown did not have a graduate program in French. He then referred me to the University of Virginia, where his friend Kandioura Dramé teaches. I sent Professor Dramé an email, and he responded and encouraged me to apply, and here I am. I did not know much about the US or R1 institutions. I also did not know that UVA was a great school either. I am glad not to have known because I may not have applied if I had known.

Why did you decide to apply for the ISCL fellowship? What inspired you to put together GAPSA as your project?

Onyima: I was here during the pandemic when the world shut down. At that time, many international students could not return home. I felt very alone and wondered how other international students were coping. When the guidelines for social gatherings were relaxed, I invited African international students to my apartment. We shared meals and discussed our experiences in the U.S. and at UVA. After our first meeting, we decided to continue meeting more regularly. Our group grew quickly; we began to have about 30 people gathering to play games and eat. I started seeking funding within UVA because our group had become too large, and self-sponsoring was no longer feasible. That is why I applied for the ISCL fellowship.

What advice or insights would you share with international students pursuing graduate studies at UVA?

Onyima: Find your community and stay connected. To survive the challenges of graduate school, we need a village. Your village could be made up of people who are ethnically, religiously, leisurely or even intellectually connected. What matters is that you feel safe enough to be imperfect and to make mistakes with them.

Tell us about your plans for the future.

Onyima: I am excited to start my career in academia. I have always wanted to be a professor but only realised it last year. However, I am even more thrilled about the very near future. I look forward to simply participating in and enjoying my graduation ceremony. I have never been in a graduation before. My undergraduate institution cut costs by alternating graduation ceremonies; the year I graduated, there was no ceremony. We simply left with our certificates. I completed my master’s at UVA during the pandemic. There was no ceremony either. Therefore, my PhD graduation will be the first time I wear a graduation regalia. I am excited!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself or your experience at UVA?

Onyima: I may have founded the Graduate and Professional Students of Africa (GAPSA), but I have benefited more from the love and community we have built together. Our gatherings are filled with laughter, dancing, fellowship, and delicious food. The friendships we develop and the community of care have a greater impact. I love and am loved, give and have been given to by the members of this wonderful community. Love is everywhere, and at UVA too, you just need to discover that love and bask in it.