ACLA scholarship recipient motivated to continue breaking boundaries

As an international student, OSCPA student ambassador Christian Igweagu knows the importance of taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. 

Igweagu, a sophomore accounting and business administration major at the University of Akron, is originally from Nigeria. When he first came to the United States for college, Igweagu sometimes found it difficult to build connections in an unfamiliar place.  

“As a business student, you really have to be a good public speaker and sometimes I am introverted and get nervous speaking to people,” said Igweagu. “Something I have really enjoyed about the [student ambassador] program is that it has helped me figure out who I really am and to not underestimate my abilities.” 

Last November, Iqweagu attended the Accounting Careers Leadership Academy (ACLA) and received a scholarship from Nationwide. While the experience was memorable for Iqweagu,  receiving a scholarship meant a lot to him.  

“As an international student, I didn’t think you were recognizable because of your status, but receiving a scholarship changed my mentality on that,” he said. “It doesn't matter where you're from or what you do. All that matters is how you present yourself and what you do that makes you different from every other person, regardless of your race or where you come from.” 

Speaking on what he has learned so far from the opportunities and challenges that he has experienced, Igweagu stressed that it is important to not hold yourself back. 

“Never underestimate or lose faith in yourself,” said Igweagu. “There's always an opportunity for you to try. Even if it doesn't work, there's always an experience that you could learn from and do better the next time.” 

Iqweagu will continue his studies and plans to graduate in 2026 but is considering extending his studies and adding supply chain as another major.       

Find out more about the ACLA program here!