Building a Life of Impact
From the moment she first considered her future, Chioma Echefu ’25 knew she wanted to make a difference. Today, as a senior nursing major at Elmhurst University, she’s preparing to do just that—equipped with clinical experience, leadership skills and a supportive community behind her.
An international student originally from Nigeria, Echefu transferred to Elmhurst in 2023 from Elgin Community College, in part because her relatives live in the area. Her journey to Elmhurst was made smoother by many generous scholarships, including a presidential scholarship and the Private Illinois Colleges & Universities (PICU) award through a partnership between Elmhurst and her community college. The University has strong support for transfer students.
“The transfer process was really smooth because I had support,” Echefu said. “I worked with Kristina Black in the Office of Admission, who told me about all the scholarships and resources available at Elmhurst, as well as the nursing major, which is an impressive and competitive program, all with a close proximity to the city. I knew it was the best decision I could make.”
With abundant access to resources and Chicago’s opportunities, Elmhurst provides students with wraparound support and relevant, hands-on practice so they are prepared for whatever comes next.
Making Elmhurst Her Own
Echefu wasted no time getting involved on campus, even before she was officially an Elmhurst student. The spring before needing to decide which four-year institution to transfer to, Echefu reached out to students at Elmhurst via social media to gain a better understanding of what the Bluejay community—particularly the international student community—was all about. Soon after, she was invited to a Black Student Union event and began to make strong connections, solidifying her decision to call Elmhurst home that fall. She values Elmhurst’s diverse student body, which cultivates a sense of welcoming and belonging so that all students can thrive.
“I actually came to campus and I met people, and I really loved the atmosphere and the community I found,” Echefu said. “The people are what I love about Elmhurst—downtown Elmhurst is beautiful, of course, but when I came here there was a Nigerian student community already established. I’ve made lifelong friends who have impacted my time here, who check in on me; whether we’re studying or exploring, we’re together.”
A Supportive Place to Learn and Grow
For Echefu, the Elmhurst community has been a vital part of her success.
“Everyone here knows your name—your professors know you; people say hi and check in,” Echefu said. “It’s very close-knit.” The high level of hospitality, care and attention that Elmhurst provides through supportive experiences like these will allow her to build the confidence to excel in her career and collaborations.
Echefu serves on the board of the Black Student Union and the International Student Association, works as a student ambassador with the Office of Admission giving campus tours and advises her fellow nursing students as a peer mentor through the Office of Advising. She also lends her creativity to Conference and Event Services, helping with campus events and even designing centerpieces.
“Being an Elmhurst student was a life-altering experience,” Echefu said. “I learned a lot, I discovered a lot about myself, I grew up and I saw the impact I could make on people’s lives and the impact they could make on mine. Elmhurst gave me the opportunity to do that.”
Exploring Cultures and Fostering Care
She credits Elmhurst with helping her grow through cultural exchange and professional development opportunities that extended far beyond the classroom. Elmhurst encourages students to become inclusive and adaptive leaders through interest-based, University-funded organizations and events where they can choose to take personalized, growth-minded paths for development.
“I saw the International Student Association as a place where I could make friends from all over the world—we had people from Ukraine, other parts of Africa that I’ve never been to, from all over Europe and South America, Asia—and I got to learn these people’s cultures and get together and just be all one big family,” Echefu said. “When I joined the board, we decided to make it a home away from home, to create a community where no one feels left out, especially when they’re in a new environment in a new country. We’ve tried to create a support system for international students, and that is one thing that I’ll look back on and know I did something here.”
From leadership roles in student organizations to working with various offices, Echefu has seized every opportunity to build connections and make a meaningful impact while leaving her legacy at Elmhurst long after she graduates. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed— Echefu was recognized as a student leader and has consistently made the dean’s list. She has taken on mentorship roles and has been able to both teach and learn from others.
“These are different education and health care systems for me and I’m still able to succeed,” Echefu said. “I’ve been able to show other students that they can also do it, to inspire them.”
On the Horizon
After graduation, Echefu hopes to begin her professional nursing journey in a high-acuity critical care unit at a hospital in the Midwest. Thanks to her rigorous nursing education and clinical experience, she feels well-prepared for the next step, and says Elmhurst allowed her to take it by encouraging her professional and personal growth.
“My passion for nursing deepened when I started taking classes and doing clinicals, and got to see people who really needed help, because in a nurse you can find a lot of things: you can find a provider, a respiratory therapist, a social worker, a therapist,” Echefu said. “You can find everything in a nurse, and I wanted to be able to be that for others—that’s what keeps me going.”
Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step towards your future.