When Derby Ozioma Chukwudi first arrived in the U.S. in 2015, she said her transition from Nigeria to Kentucky's Berea College was difficult. Partly because she focused solely on academics while trying to shift through the challenges she faced living in a new country on her own. Then, 4 years later, the 23-year-old business administration and economics graduate found herself working on Wall Street.

"I strongly believe life eventually makes you land where you need to be at a certain time," Chukwudi said. "I figured that if I wanted a different result, I had to try something different."

When you meet Chukwudi, those words are a reflection of her life journey. After she graduated high school in Lagos, Nigeria at 18, Chukwudi said she only looked for U.S. colleges that provided full-tuition scholarships and landed at Berea College. "Although a small college, it was the foundation I needed to reach my dream of living a full, purposeful life," she said.

After her first semester, Chukwudi realized academics was only one part of her college career so she worked to build relationships. She first joined the African dance team at Berea College then found herself being a part of several other campus groups. Once she made herself well-known at the university, Chukwudi transitioned to focusing on internships to gain work experience.

She pursued opportunities in business, writing, and finance and spent her time doing Google searches and writing several essays. "I received many rejection letters but I didn’t let those rejections stop me,” Chukwudi said.

Eventually, friends and mentors like Chinelo Ibekwe coupled with her persistence, led Chukwudi to find a job. During her sophomore and junior year of college, Chukwudi landed internships at the SEO, MLT, and Forte Foundation and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

“I didn’t think much about Wall Street or of my current firm when I started my internship search,” Chukwudi said. “I dreaded the thought of New York and never looked for opportunities there but eventually, it's where I landed."

After graduating from Berea College in 2019, Chukwudi received a full-time job offer at JPMorgan and believes determination is what ultimately helped her to make her family in Nigeria proud. She was also named a 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 scholar.

"Always work hard but also strive to earn people's trust, treat them well, and follow up,” she said. “Your relationships and hard work are what determine what side of the table you end up on.”

A take back look at Chukwudi's 2016 interview with AfroVibes. Topic: Chukwudi's transition from Nigeria to Kentucky's Berea College so far.

Did you know what you wanted to do after graduating from high school in Nigeria?

I wasn't clear on what I was going to do next but one thing I knew for sure was that I desired to be more than mediocre. Then God showed me grace as He always does and I was given the opportunity to study in the United States. It was a dream come true and I was ready to begin the adventure of living in a new place even though it was my birthplace.

What were some challenges you faced when you first move to Berea, Kentucky last year?

I discovered the weather and time differences were big challenges for me. I still wish winter never existed but I'm gradually becoming acquainted with the weather changes especially because in Kentucky, you can experience the spring, summer, and winter all within the same week. It's frustrating at times but I'm grateful to experience the different weather conditions that don't exist in Nigeria.

Also, the language barrier. It's either I speak too fast for people to understand me or others speak too fast for me to understand them. Although I grew up speaking English, accents make it challenging for people to understand certain words.

Another challenge for me is the food. I miss the sultry spices found in Nigerian foods like jollof rice and pepper soup. In fact, I'm praying I'll be able to retain my cooking skills while schooling in America.

What's one lesson you've learned so far?

One of the biggest ironies I've observed so far is that many Nigerians believe it's easier to school in America but I disagree. The work here is not easier but my ability to handle a large amount of work really helps me during my transition.