International students thankful for support during COVID-19

Isioma Akwanamnye (E-si-or-ma Ah-Kwa-nahm-ye) a junior majoring in Human Biology, is from Lagos, Nigeria, 6,723 miles from Chadron. Manou Mbombo (Man-oo Bom-bo), a junior majoring in mathematics, is from the Democratic Republic of Congo, 8,128 miles away.

Akwanamnye said she believes the CSC community will get through the COVID-19 challenge together and emerge stronger afterward.

“I’ve been able to make deeper connections with my friends. And I also appreciate all the little things that I took for granted before the pandemic started. Things like having people around, the noise in the cafeteria during lunch, being able to travel without restrictions,” Akwanamnye said.

Mbombo said she is thankful for overwhelming backing from community members, faculty and staff.

“They have repeatedly said they will be there if we need anything,” Mbombo said.

Akwanamnye also said she is amazed at the kindness and warmth she has experienced.

“My professors and members of staff have been a huge support system for me, trying to help out as much as they can knowing that we’re a long way from home and missing our family. My family and friends have also been a huge support system for me. I’m proud to be a member of the Chadron community. I’m proud to be an Eagle,” she said.

Mbombo said she is working hard to track her assignments and homework.

“Now I’m responsible for my own learning schedule. You need to be checking your Sakai almost every day if you don't want to miss submitting an assignment,” Mbombo said.

Akwanamnye said she finds it challenging to maintain her motivation level, track deadlines, and understand expectations for certain assignments with the online format.

“I’m missing the face to face interactions with professors and classmates. And I miss having labs,” she said.

Akwanamnye said being able to continue her work in the Call Center has helped her maintain some normalcy and routine in her daily activities.

Both students said being staff members for The Big Event was a positive experience.

"It helped me a lot. Not only were we able to do an random act of kindness but we also received so much encouragement from the CSC staff, Dr. Shaunda (French-Collins) and our GA, Kelsey Brummels. We were all really happy to see that despite the fact that The Big Event was virtual this year, so many people still gave back to the community,” Mbombo said.

Akwanamnye said she learned something important.

“There are no small acts of kindness. Kindness is kindness,” she said.

Akwanamnye and Mbombo offer advice for other students adapting to the new normal.

“Communicate. Call, text a friend or a family member. Check on them and make sure to share worries and thoughts. Allow yourself to enjoy their virtual presence as much you used to before the pandemic,” Mbombo said.

Akwanamnye suggests keeping busy with hobbies, defining goals or exploring new interests.

“Reach out to people you haven’t heard from in a while. Read a book or maybe start writing one. Take a walk around. Every morning, I make a to-do list for the day. I make it as flexible as I can so there’s a little wiggle room for other things,” Akwanamnye said.