“After the Summer Bridge program, I felt less nervous to embark on the journey that is college because CSE would offer help when needed.”

Christina Nnabuife is a rising sophomore at the University of Houston with a major in Biochemical/Biophysical Sciences and a double minor in Medicine & Society and Spanish. She spent her first year at the university volunteering, going to workshops and participating in various programs and organizations. In her second semester of college, Christina was named to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean’s Distinguished Scholars List.

How did she hear about CSE?
Before Christina began her freshman year of college, she received an email from the Center for Student Empowerment (CSE) inviting her to their Summer Bridge Program. At first, she was skeptical as she had never heard of CSE before, but she decided to go anyway. As a result, she met new people and became more familiar with the University of Houston campus and its resources. She also learned more about CSE and its mission to give back to UH students. After the Summer Bridge program, she felt less nervous to embark on the journey that is college because CSE would offer help when needed.

What would be her dream job or dream accomplishment?
Christina became interested in medicine during high school when she had the opportunity to take health science, biology, and chemistry classes as well as volunteer at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center. During her junior year, she took Clinical Rotations which was a class where students gain exposure to the medical field by observing different hospital departments. Her dream job would be science or healthcare-related. Christina wants to be in a position where she is doing what she loves and can express her interest in helping people.

What would she say to someone experience a personal challenge that is affecting their academics?
She would say, “Life is tough, but so are you. You have the strength and ability to overcome anything and make it through. You’re not alone and this obstacle is not permanent. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Let your problems out to feel better; Talk to someone or write in a journal. Find people and resources around you such as CSE and CAPS that can help you and offer support. Have hope that everything will be ok and will work out. Don’t let a setback stop you from reaching your full potential!”