A dream chose her
International Women’s Day is the celebration of the political, cultural, social and economic achievements of women worldwide. From Nigeria to Hungary, Castleton University is home to women from around the globe achieving more each and every day.
This week at “Every Woman Has A Story,” an event in Huden Dining Hall where women from CU can tell their personal stories, Chidinma Ezugwu shared her journey of moving across the world to a foreign land to further her education. Ezugwu has been here for two years and is an economics major.
From a young girl in Nigeria to now, Ezugwu has always excelled in school. Her passion for learning has guided her to be successful.
“You choose some dreams, but some dreams choose you,” Ezugwu said, referring to all she has accomplished academically.
The 4.0 student also shared what the English meaning of her beautiful name means. Chidinma translated from Nigerian to English means “God is love.”
Another scholar who dedicated her life to education in order to leave her home country was Dr. Livia Vastag, a science professor at CU.
Vastag, originally from Hungary, spoke not only of her hard work in school, but her journey to love herself.
At 6 feet tall in sixth grade, Vastag didn’t necessarily “fit in” with the cool kids.
“I was kind of a social outcast,” Vastag said.
After a rigorous interview process, Vastag was selected to attend a prestigious high school in Hungary. Once she moved there, they were locked away indoors for safety reasons, and had little freedom
It was an emotionally difficult time for Vastag, but her father made her keep going. Her junior year, she wanted to leave Hungary. While working with her chemistry teacher, she received a full ride to complete her schooling at a very competitive school in Norway.
Through these schools she has made lifelong friends and stayed true to who she was.
“If you are not yourself, you won’t like yourself,” Vastag said.
Next week Betty Moyer and Jami Yazdani will share their stories.
More Stories
Coffee Cottage isn’t closing, despite rumors and decreased offerings, Cottage to remain open
When Coffee Cottage suddenly closed its doors two weeks ago, students were left wondering once again if the cafe would reopen at all this time. With only two employees and no other staff to pick up the slack, the coffee shop must completely shut down – as it did the week of March 18 – […]
Q&A with SGA Pres.Perry Ragouzis
Vermont State University Castleton Student Perry Ragouzis is well-known on the Castleton campus and in the state, for his various leadership roles including Student Government Association president and student representative on the VTSU Board of Trustees. He took time recently to answer questions about leadership and life. Q. What is a prime motivator of yours […]
SGA members attend retreat on Lake George
The Student Government Association of VTSU Castleton recently held its annual retreat to the Sagamore Hotel on Lake George. During the three-day retreat, students from the Congress, Court, and Campus Activities Board could bond, go to the local restaurants and an arcade and sit in on their peers’ presentations. “I learned about being more open […]
Water main break causes flooding in Woodruff Hall
A water main broke near Coffee Cottage and Woodruff Hall on Feb. 28 that flooded the basement of Woodruff Hall. According to Keith Molinari, director of Ppublic Ssafety for the Castleton campus, the broken main was first noticed around 7 a.m. and disaster relief(s)workers were called in to take over after the attempts were made […]
VTSU admissions rise following merger
If you’ve ventured along Seminary Street any time recently, you’ve undoubtedly seen the signs reading “Admissions Event” accompanied by large, pointing arrows. When followed, these arrows direct you to Wright House, one of the smallest official buildings on Castleton’s campus, yet also one of the busiest. As Vermont State University approaches the end of its […]
Safe Ride is back but needs riders
Safe Ride is back in action but may be having an identity problem. Vermont State University Castleton has been transforming its student safety protocols by reintroducing Safe Ride, a ride service provided to ensure students have a safe ride home from parties on the weekends. “I believe our current operations prioritize safety and efficiency, aiming […]