From Refugee to Ensign College Student
Wisdom Chigbu’s journey to Ensign was unexpected and challenging.
Change people's lives at home and around the world
Apr 2021
Before coming to Ensign College, Andreas Lindquist, a project management student from Stockholm, Sweden, had two goals in mind for his future career: a position that would (1) give him flexibility to work anywhere in the world and (2) be in a field that improves people’s lives. Not knowing what career would check those boxes or what school would provide that kind of education, Andreas searched for ways to make his goals a reality.
“I heard about Ensign College from a friend back in Sweden, who was a student [at Ensign College] at the time. He knew academics had never been my strong suit but said I would learn how to study and be a good student on top of getting the type of education I was looking for,” says Andreas. “When I found the project management degree, it felt like the perfect fit for me. The college brings in professionals already in their careers to be our teachers, so we get a real-life work environment. Everything I need to prepare for my career is on campus.”
To help him reach his goals, Andreas received a scholarship that has not only blessed him but allowed him to start serving others. “Instead of having to take on another job, I have the time and ability to volunteer at Ensign College as a mentor, where I help students coming from different countries assimilate like I did,” he says. “I have a renewed motivation to work harder, give even more back to others, and make the most of the financial help and time I’ve been given thanks to a scholarship.”
Andreas continues: “When people share their time and money with students, we’re grateful for the support, and it makes Ensign College better as a whole. There’s a snowball effect with donations: students become more motivated, which raises the entire campus to be better, which then encourages others thinking about attending college to join a school that’s full of students doing their very best.”
Wisdom Chigbu’s journey to Ensign was unexpected and challenging.
From the outside, McManus’s childhood in Manchester, England, seemed normal. He had many happy childhood memories playing and being kids with his four older sisters and one younger sister. But behind closed doors, he grew up in a broken home, where he was physically and emotionally abused.
“Ensign College is a jewel in the Church Educational System.” – Scott Newman