From Passion to Purpose: My FIUTS Experience
Emmanuel during a SUSI visit to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Emmanuel speaking during a recent leadership training in Nigeria.
My name is Emmanuel Ezekiel, and I am a FIUTS SUSI participant in the summer 2022 from Nigeria.
My passion for the environment and youth leadership became much clearer during my time with FIUTS. Before joining the SUSI program, I already had an interest in helping young people grow and in advocating for environmental protection, but my time in Seattle with the SUSI program took that to another level. The leadership workshops I attended there have shaped everything I do today.
I discovered my leadership style and realized that I have the potential to make a real difference. The SUSI program was the start of my journey toward making an impact.
Emmanuel and the Nigeria team, arriving in Seattle for the SUSI program.
Volunteering at local food banks during the program changed how I see community work. Watching people give their time and energy to help others made me rethink how I can contribute and inspired me to do more. Now I try to instill this value in young people in my country, Nigeria.
In my work today, I’m focused on making a positive change in my community. I’ve led several leadership workshops, helping young people become better leaders. I also co-founded a nonprofit, and we’re working on projects that support SDGs 3, 4, 5, and 13. The SUSI program didn’t just help me find my passion—it changed how I see leadership and service, and I’m excited to keep making a difference.
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Global Student Leaders are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and implemented in partnership with Meridian International Center.
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