A native of Nigeria, Ekong attends UTA thanks to the Terry Foundation Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for Texas residents to support their goal of earning a college degree. Terry Scholars are selected based on their demonstrated leadership, academic achievement and financial need.
“I came to this country when I was 11, and it was hard for me to understand the accents. I didn’t know anyone,” said Ekong, who attended Arlington Collegiate High School. “I chose to attend UTA as a Terry Scholar to be surrounded by peers like me who aim to make their marks on the college community and the world.”
She chose to become a Peer Academic Leader because she saw the high percentage of foreign-born students who needed additional help.
“I know how they feel,” Ekong said. “My commitment to mentorship comes from the heart. But it also led me to receive a job this fall as a Peer Academic Leader, teaching two first-year success classes—nursing and biology—both of which give me a platform to teach academic excellence.”