Your favourite online magazine is starting a series titled, Nigerian Women Abroad, through which we hope to share inspiring stories of immigration and success.
Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people, is home to some of the most talented and ambitious women in the world. Many of these women, for diverse reasons, chose to migrate to other countries.
Wherever they live and work, Nigerian women make significant contributions to their fields and to their communities. Unfortunately, these women are often overlooked and their stories are not often told.
In the series, Iya Magazine will celebrate the voices and experiences of these women
We will hear their stories of resilience, determination, and success in the face of adversity. We will also learn about the challenges they face and the strategies they use to overcome them.
Through these articles, we hope to shine a light on the contributions that Nigerian women are making around the world.
We also hope to inspire other Nigerian women to pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential, regardless of where they choose to live and work.
Our guest today is:
Amuche Genevieve Akuneme: A journey of resilience and adaptation
When Amuche Akuneme arrived the United States in 2007, she was greeted by freezing temperatures. Armed with immigrant visas, she had left the warm October climate of Nigeria and her job as a Computer Science lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Umunze, Anambra State, to seek new opportunities in the United States of America.
Amuche had come with her husband, who also left his job with beverage giant Coca-Cola in Nigeria to embrace the uncharted opportunities and challenges that lay in the US.
The first formidable challenge for Amuche was the abrupt change in weather upon her arrival in late October. She stepped onto American soil during the Fall season, welcomed by a chill in the air.
“As the days passed, the weather grew colder, ushering in the unforgiving winter,” she recalls. For someone not accustomed to such harsh weather, this was a significant hurdle to overcome.
Amuche’s story resonates with many immigrants who find themselves grappling with the same unfamiliar weather conditions upon arrival.
Job hunting, however, proved a tougher challenge. Back in Nigeria, Amuche was a higher education lecturer in Computer Science. But in the US, she had to start all over. She was fluent in English but the pace of American communication posed a communication barrier.
“Americans speak fast, and I was not used to that, especially during phone conversations and job interviews.”
Her accent, a beautiful reflection of her Nigerian heritage, sometimes made it challenging for Americans to understand her. “Yes, my accent was also somewhat difficult for them to understand. But with time, it became easier.”
When Amuche ended in a retail group as a cashier, she knew immediately that she had to enhance her career prospects. She took a detour from teaching and delved into the tasking but lucrative world of healthcare.
The first task, of course, was to study. Amuche enrolled in SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, New York, and within a few years, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Imaging – Radiography.
She was to follow this with a Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) from PA College of Health, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
With a young family, those academic feats did not come easy. But she was driven by her resilient Nigerian spirit.
“While I was studying, I also had jobs in a group home to augment family income” she says.
Now with excellent credentials, America was there for Amuche to conquer. She found jobs in different hospitals and currently works as a Sonographer in a 500-bed hospital in Virginia.
Coming from Nigeria, Amuche brought with her a strong work ethic instilled by her homeland. Her Nigerian heritage served her well as she navigated the challenges and opportunities in her new American life.
“In Nigeria, hard work is not merely a choice but a way of life, preparing individuals to thrive anywhere they go,” she enthused.
As a sonographer in a large hospital, Amuche works long hours, including all-night shifts. While at work, she is always on hand to perform ultra sound exams, including in emergency cases.
Despite the challenges, Amuche finds joy in her work. When asked about career fulfillment, she did not hesitate. “Being a sonographer is a fulfilling and rewarding career. We play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and conditions. We also have the opportunity to build strong relationships with the patients and the entire healthcare team.”
When asked to do a general assessment of her new world, Amuche was quick to appreciate one of the United States’ standout qualities – its efficient system.
“The American system provides an excellent platform for achieving personal and professional goals,” she says. “It is a very efficient system.”
So, how does it compare with home? “The strong family ties and the extensive support system that Nigerians enjoy within their extended families is the major difference. The unique communal aspects of Nigerian culture certainly have their own strengths and benefits,” she adds.
Amuche Akuneme’s journey from Nigeria to the United States is a testament to the resilience of immigrants. Her story sheds light on the challenges faced by newcomers and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
Sixteen years on, Amuche has adapted well to a new culture, climate, and way of life. This is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of diversity in our interconnected world.
