Tobechukwu Nwaelugo ’18 is an aspiring lawyer, a dedicated student leader and a spirited dancer.

When she graduates from Manchester, the native of Imo State, Nigeria, plans to study international law and pursue a career with an intergovernmental organization such as the United Nations or the African Union. 

Manchester, says the junior political science major, is preparing her well.  

“Being a part of Model United Nations, I have been able to get experience in what conferences will look like in the UN,” she said. “I have taken up a lot of roles that help me with public speaking and my leadership skills.”

Tobechukwu is active in a number of student clubs and organizations. She is president of the Manchester University International Association (MUIA), and is a devoted member of Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) and the Black Student Union (BSU). She also is director of events for the African Student Association (ASA) and is vice president of Model United Nations.

To broaden her leadership skills, Tobechukwu works as a student ambassador. “I give tours and eat lunch with prospective students and, because of this job, I am able to be a student assistant to three admission counselors,” she said. She is also a social media ambassador and writes biweekly blogs directed at prospective students. 

At the beginning of each academic year, Tobechukwu serves also a Student Orientation Leader (SOL). “I am in charge of a group of first-year students and I serve as a student mentor,” she said. “SOL week is one of the best times for me, when we welcome all the incoming first-year students,” she added.

When she meets those new students, Tobechukwu has only had good things to say about the community she found at Manchester. “My academic advisor, Professor Benson Onyeji, has become a father figure to me,” she said. “He genuinely wants the best for me.” Her other advisor, Michael Dixon, director of multicultural affairs, “always encourages me and, when he can, he shows me the best options for something I am pursuing.”

Tobechukwu draws strength from her MU friends, too. “The kind of friends I have made here push me to be the best I can be,” she said. “I will forever be grateful to Manchester, and I am so proud” to be part of the community. 

 By Karen Kanyike ’18