Hello, everyone!
I’m delighted to be in this class with you all.
Disclaimer: I am not a real princess; I just thought it would sound cool.
So, who am I? I’m a 23-year-old graduate student from Nigeria, and I am currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Information Program.
My name is Amaka Odozi. I was also born and raised in Nigeria, and I belong to the Ndokwa tribe of Delta state in my country. I speak ‘Igbo’ and if you’re wondering what my name means, Amaka means ‘beauty’ while Odozi means peacemaker. I have two dogs, and I adore them- a German Shepherd, and a Boerboel – but they are back home, and I miss them terribly. My dogs are my world, but before I get too carried away, let’s keep going.
I earned my first degree in mass communication from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun state with an emphasis in public relations and advertising. After I graduated from university in 2019, I began working for a broadcast news outlet. During this period, I developed an interest in writing, editing articles, blogging, and researching. This experience gave me the confidence to launch my news website – ConfamNews, in 2020. The goal of my news platform was to share underreported news about Nigeria and give people an opportunity to tell their own stories.
Sadly, I had to shut down my news website. I wanted to explore the technology field to expand my knowledge as time went on. So, in 2021, I began working as a content creator for a product development company, but had to leave when I decided to pursue my studies further. I applied for the Master of Science in Information program at Florida State University because I have always been interested in how information affects people and how they can leverage it.
I was lucky enough to be accepted, so I packed up my bags and moved to Tallahassee, Florida, in December. Technically, I’m still a newbie. It’s my first semester here, and I’m still adjusting. I have a hard time finding my way around campus and I find myself getting lost all the time. Lol!
I enjoy watching movies, especially horror and thrillers, during my free time. I also like crime documentaries. I also love listening to music. I’m always interested in checking out new places, meeting people from different walks of life, and having a good time.
In the coming weeks, I hope to learn how to tell stories and create better content through this course. I also plan to improve my audio and video editing skills and push myself creatively. I see this course as an excellent opportunity for me to step outside my comfort zone and take on new challenges. I am interested in learning about the digital media sphere, becoming a better professional, and exploring the more obscure parts of the IT industry.
I am looking forward to working with each of you, and I believe it will be a fun experience. Please feel free to reach out! I love meeting new people and networking. And if you want to know more about me, leave a comment below or shoot me a message.
Hi Amaka! Haha, you almost got me with your title about being a Nigerian Princess. You look like a princess from your photo. Wow, that is amazing you launched your own news website for Nigeria and previously worked in the broadcasting industry. Welcome to FSU, this is my second semester in the Master of Science in Information program so I am sort of new to all of this too. I know the struggle of moving overseas and starting a new life. I also had to leave behind my Chihuahua dog. It is tough, but sort of exciting starting a new chapter in life. What are your favorite horror and thriller movies? My favorite are the Train to Busan and Ringu or just anything in the Korean and Japanese horror genres. Thank you for sharing your life story about Nigeria and your academics. Good luck to both of us in the MSI program journey.
Hey Lynn, thank you for your kind words. I’m glad that we can both relate to moving to new environments. I enjoyed the movie, Train to Busan. I don’t think I have watched Ringu but I’ll check it out. My favorite horror movies are “Get Out” and “The Nun.”
Amaka,
While reading your story, I became sentimental. That was me 30 years ago! I travel to a different country pursuing higher education just like you. Nevertheless, my story took a relatively quick turn as I enlisted and allowed me to reside in Tanzania for three years. I want to mention my time in Dar because I do agree with Lynn’s comment, “Haha, you almost got me with your title about being a Nigerian Princess.” I encountered a culture that embraced my family and made us feel welcome. I encourage you to bring back your news website as it is essential to hear the younger generation’s perspective. Welcome to Florida and just give it time; Tallahassee is not that big … lol
/r
Alex Palma
Your comment means a lot to me, Alex. Now I’m teary. There is a lot I miss about home, and I will definitely bring back my news website. I also hope you will read more of my articles in the future.