Students Can Choose Their Own Paths
One San Jacinto College student succeeded beyond her own expectations.
Umahi Agwu started her college journey as a life science major with dreams of becoming a doctor, but she knew there was much to accomplish before reaching that finish line.
To become more familiar with the field, she found an opportunity to shadow a doctor at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. But Agwu’s discomfort around blood and needles proved medicine was not the practical career choice. While helping her dad run his beauty supply company, she realized she had a knack for business instead. She joined the San Jacinto College Investment Club, got involved with Future Business Leaders of America, and soon forged a new career path.
The Mosaic program, which supports students through mentorships, connected Agwu with Melanie Sanchez, integrated reading and writing professor. Having a mentor was very helpful, as Sanchez advised her with writing essays, applying to colleges, landing a science lab internship at Rice University and guided her through starting a student club.
“Umahi is an exemplary student,” Sanchez said. “She worked diligently to establish a student organization, the Transfer Student Association, which helps students stay on track with application deadlines and submissions to their desired four- year university after completing their studies here at San Jacinto College.”
Business professor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor Elizabeth McKinley has taught Agwu in class beyond working with her in the honor society.
“She has a grasp on concepts when they are presented in class, is a hard worker, and was a joy to work with in PTK,” McKinley said.
A few of Agwu’s accomplishments include serving as the PTK student vice president and being recognized as part of its All-Texas Coca- Cola Academic Team. She was one of 15 students to receive PTK’s 2023 Hites Transfer Scholarship award of $10,000. Winners were selected from more than 2,700 applicants based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community activities. In 2022 and 2023, Agwu placed in the top 10 in the U.S. at the Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate Division’s state and national competitions.
Agwu never thought attending Duke University was possible. An acceptance letter and a campus tour with her parents proved otherwise. She started her first semester at Duke in fall 2023 as a business/finance major.
Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is the international honor society of students attending open-access institutions and seeking associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or other college credentials. It has more than 3.5 million members in nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 nations.
- Founded: November 19, 1918
- Members: Over 3.5 million collegiate
- Symbol: Golden key, Athena, oak leaves, laurel leaves
- Chapters: 1,275+
- Colors: Blue and Gold
- Headquarters: Jackson, Mississippi
– Source: Wikipedia
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