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Faithful U Okoye

Biography

Profile: Faithful Okoye, a native of Nigeria, is the eighth Broward College student to earn a scholarship from the Foundation. Her involvement in programs such as Kids in Distress, Competitive Edge, the African Student Union, Student Ambassadors and as a peer academic advisor were some of the reasons that she was selected as a recipient. Those are just a few of the organizations that Faithful gave her time to during her days at Broward...the young lady, bound for the University of Virginia, shined as well in the classroom earning a perfect 4.0 GPA and was one of the most popular students on the Florida campus.  But Faithful has always scored high grades, and she said it goes back to her days in boarding school in Nigeria.  “This experience (boarding school) affected me detrimentally, but eventually in a positive way.”  Bullied as a youngster by older students, Faithful found solace in studying and joy in always ranking higher than her peers.  And then it was on to the U.S. and Broward College where her professors and mentors “helped me not only to believe in my ability to get good grades, but in my ability to lead and make a difference.”

Inspiration:  First and foremost, Faithful believes it is by the grace of God that she has succeeded so far and her devout faith is now and always will be her main inspiration.  Second, Faithful’s parents and siblings have been her backbone, “most especially my dad.” Lastly, on campus, her Honors Advisor, Dr. Lulrick Balzora, “took me under his wings, pushed me to do great things and believed in me.”

Aspiration:  An absolutely superb writer and reporter, Faithful’s goal is to become a journalist, author or professor. 

Making a Difference: Faithful is most proud of the fundraiser she facilitated for South Sudan. “As soon as I learned about the genocide that occurred in Darfur and the current proceedings to divide South Sudan from the North, I responded with a desire to help the new nation.” With the help of the Honors Student Committee, she spearheaded a poetry reading and open mike fundraiser. The theme for the event was “Hope for a New Tomorrow.” The funds were donated to an organization called Village Help for South Sudan.  “It was one of my most life-changing experiences.”

Accolades:  Faithful was on the President’s List four straight semesters, won a GOMA Leadership Certificate and was presented with a Student Life Community Service Award.

Interesting Fact:  Faithful graduated from high school when she was 15.

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