“Early in the pandemic, I lost my father due to complications with Covid. I was unable to see him in the hospital and it was very difficult to communicate with his nurses and caregivers. That was a really pivotal point in my life. It pushed me to consider a career change and ultimately to get my second master’s degree in Healthcare Administration at the University of Utah.

I grew up in Nigeria but moved to the UK for college where I earned a bachelor of science in business economics and business information technology management and master’s in human resources. I loved HR and worked in the field for 12 years in the education sector and a London hospital. So I was already familiar with the administrative side of healthcare (both medical and non-medical), but I still wanted to learn more. I was interested in seeing how a different healthcare system worked, so I started looking at schools in the U.S. I applied to 21 schools, got 18 admissions, and of those, five were happy to offer me scholarships. I’m grateful that the U was one of them.

I didn’t actually know anything about Utah, and I’m glad my husband and I ignored any negative information we found on YouTube and took the leap of faith to come here. My family has thrived. They love the snow, the people, the mountains and the fry sauce! They don’t want to leave. It’s true this is not a very diverse place compared to other big cities and I’m often the only black person in the room, but we have experienced so much genuine kindness.

As an international student, you really have to get used to living outside of your comfort zone. No matter where you are in the world, you must let the goal be to stay in the moment, be intentional and blossom. Maybe you look different, you’re older, or your English skills aren’t translating as well as you hoped—you have to set those insecurities aside and reach out because there are still people who genuinely want to connect with you. Whoever wants to be your friend, let them. Something my mom told me that I now share with my kids is this—  “You are not ice cream. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s ok.”

It’s a massive privilege to have lived in three very different countries and one of the best decisions I made when I came to the U was to accept a job with the International Student and Scholar Services office. I get to help students transition to a new way of life. I’ve been there, so I know that struggle. Working with ISSS has given me a front-row seat to all of the extra hurdles, challenges, and victories that international students face. It has helped me see what the U can do better to help these students.

I started a podcast to help give a voice to this community. Maybe they will gain confidence by hearing the similarities in each other’s stories. I want them to involve themselves on campus, enjoy this chapter of their life and not miss out because they’re so focused on getting good grades and maintaining their immigration status. Using my story and my background to build trust with these students and help them thrive like I have is an honor.”

—  Adebowale “Debbie” Adebunmi, Master of Healthcare Administration ’24