WKU News

Neema Angelique’s journey to WKU is one of determination, ambition, and community support. Originally from Uganda, Neema and her family relocated to Bowling Green, Kentucky, eight years ago. Now, as the first in her family to attend university, Neema is navigating her college experience with optimism and purpose, setting a powerful example for her four younger siblings.

A graduate of Bowling Green High School, Neema is pursuing a management degree with a concentration in global business in the Gordon Ford Business College. Her dream is to eventually run a business of her own, with an early interest in design that inspired her goal of opening a clothing store. “I was into wanting to design something like clothing, or maybe own a little clothing store,” Neema says. “When I thought about it, if I want to manage a business, and several of them, I need a business major.”

Attending WKU was a deliberate choice, driven by the university's proximity to her family and its affordability. As a commuter student, Neema is undeterred by the morning drives to campus, cheerfully noting, “I’m a morning person, so making it to class is easily done.”

Neema’s WKU experience has been enriched by the Mahurin Honors College and events hosted by the Gordon Ford College of Business. Through WKU’s Catalyst Cohort, she’s received guidance and mentorship for academic and professional development. Her relationship with Lindsey Houchin, Assistant Director of the Office of Scholar Development and Catalyst’s creator, has been especially impactful. “It’s a good opportunity to learn how you can get involved in school activities,” she reflects, “if you want to apply for scholarships, for study abroad, and all that.”

Neema's college journey has also broadened her cultural interests. A fall 2024 WKU Global Chai Chat event sparked her interest in Thailand, a place she hopes to study abroad, inspired by Thai TV shows she enjoys on streaming platforms. With support from the Office of Scholar Development, Neema feels confident exploring opportunities beyond her initial expectations, noting, “Learning about those opportunities early on is better.”

While adjusting to college was initially daunting, Neema quickly learned the importance of preparation. “It’s so different in some ways,” she says. “You have to be a step ahead before you go to class, you have to be prepared.” Her proactive approach includes thorough textbook reading, which she finds especially useful in her history courses, a subject she has come to enjoy deeply. “We’re not focused on one thing,” she explains. “You learn about religion, you learn about governments, and how all of those come together in culture.”

Family support has been instrumental in Neema’s journey. They assist her with homework and are proud of her accomplishments, knowing she’s paving the way for her siblings. With a younger sister on the cusp of starting her college applications, Neema is eager to share what she’s learned. “I can kind of show her how she can be prepared,” she says, hoping to demystify the process for her.

Reflecting on her experience as a first-generation immigrant and student, Neema observes that many in similar situations feel pressure to join the workforce quickly rather than pursue higher education. However, she’s committed to showing her family—and her community—that college can create meaningful, long-term opportunities. Her message to others echoes her own journey: “To reach more opportunities, other scholarships and stuff like that... learning about those opportunities early on is better.”

In embracing her educational path, Neema Angelique is creating a legacy that will inspire her siblings and those around her, demonstrating that the possibilities through higher education and hard work are as vast as they are rewarding.