Name: Kelechukwu Onyedimma
Year: Senior
Major: Exercise Science
Minor: Biology
Her Campus (HC): I know you probably get this question a lot, but what does your name mean and where are you from?
Kelechukwu Onyedimma (KO): I’m from Nigeria. My first name means “Thank God” and my last name means “One who is good,” but I go by the name “Kelechi.”
HC: Wow. That’s really cool. I hear you’re a part of an organization on campus called The African Student Association (ASA). What is this organization about?
KO: The African Student Association here at FSU is a social and multicultural organization where we try to bring awareness about African culture to the Tallahassee community. It is more so an organization that allows Africans to interact with one another and learn about each other and the various countries we all come from.
HC: What does ASA do?
KO: We conduct social events, community service events, but mainly cultural showcases. ASA doesn’t only consist of people who are African or were born in Africa. We have members who from Haiti and Jamaica as well. We try to stress the fact that one does not have to be African to join or attend the general body meetings. As part of helping raise awareness for our various cultures, we are open to anyone who wants to attend our meetings and events.
HC: It’s great to know that anyone can join. When people see the title, The African Student Association, it looks exclusive, but it’s seems like a very welcoming environment for anyone interested in learning about African culture. Do you hold a position in ASA?
KO: Currently, I am the president of the organization. I have been able to work my way up to this position. My freshman year, I was secretary and I became vice president my sophomore and junior year.
HC: How did you get involved with ASA?
KO: I attended a Black Student Union event and met a girl who recognized me from our hometown. Our schools competed in track meets together and we did the same events. She recognized me and asked me if I was African. When I answered yes, she told me that she was in an organization called ASA and I asked if I should come check it out on the day of the next meeting. We exchanged contact information and I attended the first meeting and I have been apart of ASA ever since.
HC: Sounds like you found a great opportunity randomly. If only life could be like that all the time (sigh), but your story is also a testament of what can happen when you’re dedicated to something. What legacy are you hoping to leave in ASA once you graduate?
KO: Being that this is my last year in ASA, I hope to leave a legacy of leadership that will continue to carry ASA forward. I gained a lot of leadership skills and team work skills that I didn’t have coming into college and I hope the next group of executive board members can keep the fire alive and help ASA be the best organization it can be, uniting Africans and non-Africans not only at FSU, but in Tallahassee.
HC: Speaking of this being your last year, what are your plans after graduation?
KO: I plan to apply to medical school and hopefully start in the fall of 2015. Because I am applying this upcoming cycle, I will have a gap year. During my gap year, I want to travel. I want to go to Nigeria, Haiti, New York- the list goes on. I want to participate in more clinical experiences that include shadowing doctors and going on another medical mission trip. I also plan to be in Tallahassee during my gap year, so I would like to be a mentor at one of the middle schools in the area while hopefully working at a small clinical-related job to earn money.
HC: Your plans are so interesting. You have a year to gain more experience, travel, and mentor. I wish you the best. Since you’re graduating this semester, you’ll probably get this question a lot more. What was your most interesting experience in ASA and at FSU?
KO: My most interesting experience with ASA was basically seeing the organization grow over the past four years. When I attended my first ASA meeting back in 2010, there were approximately eight people in attendance. Now four years later, at any given GBM, we have at least 30 people in attendance. Seeing the growth every year has been what has kept me active and along the way, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the best people, making life-long friendships. My best experience at FSU occurred this year and it’s the fact that when I graduate I will graduate proudly because I attended the best school in Florida and not only that, the school that is currently holding the National Championship title.
HC: Well spoken. I just have to say it before we end- Go Noles!