Vermont’s lush greenery and towering mountains are what initially drew Chidinma Ezugwu to Vermont State University (VTSU) Castleton to earn her Math degree. Originally from Nigeria, Ezugwu found a welcoming home that values international students and the ways they enrich the campus.
“The University always goes above and beyond to ensure that every international student is well cared for and feels at home,” she said. “Since day one, I have felt at home at the small university with a big heart.”
The senior has always had a passion for mathematics and solving complex problems.
“Apart from God and family, mathematics is the next thing I love the most,” she said. “I also have a dream to change the world. I plan on combining the knowledge I acquire in the fields of mathematics, statistics, and economics, which is my secondary discipline, to solve complex problems of growth and development in poor countries.”
During her time at VTSU Castleton, Ezugwu was an active participant in the campus community and involved in many clubs and organizations, such as being president of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, a student representative on the President’s Student Advisory Board, and Vice President of the Badminton Club, just to name a few.
She also worked in the university’s Advancement Office as a university relations assistant, as well as doing an internship in the Career Services Office and as a math tutor in the Academic Support Center.
“VTSU has provided me with the tools to grow intellectually. I cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunities that Vermont State University has provided me. From equipping me with various internships, scholarship, and volunteer opportunities, VTSU has molded me into a strong, resilient, and goal-driven scholar,” she said.
Ezugwu connected with people on campus through her involvement who have made her experience at Castleton a memorable one, including Director of Career Services Renée Beaupre-White.
“She inspires me in all she does. Little things matter to her and she understands individuals on a whole new level. She makes you feel appreciated and is very genuine in her actions. To describe her in one word, I would say that she’s just amazing,” she said.
Ezugwu remembers not only the people who made her time at Vermont State University a wonderful experience but also the reasons she came here in the first place.
“I’ll remember most the beautiful fall leaves and the warm feeling you get when you wake up in one of the places that you love the most,” she said.
