Esther Njuguna
Growing up in Kenya, Averett University student Esther Njuguna wanted to come to America to study government and politics.
After hard work at Averett and a 4.0 grade point average, Njuguna, 20, was accepted to attend Georgetown University’s Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems — proving she is not only living her dream but excelling at it.
Njuguna is the first Averett student to be accepted to the highly-touted program and was nominated by her professor Chin Chyuan Tai. Only 100-140 students are accepted from thousands of applicants all over the world.
Her internship will focus on economics and transformation of American politics. She received a Georgetown Institute Scholarship of $1,500 plus room and board costs and an anonymous donor from Averett has provided a $1,000 match.
Njuguna is seeking to raise $4,500 by March 18 to cover the full cost of the internship. School officials are working with her to try and raise the money.
“After the program I am going to come back and graduate next spring,” said Njuguna. “I would like to give a presentation to the school after to encourage other students to apply.”
She is planning on getting her doctorate and hopes she can work in American government or public policy so she can give back to the country.
“I think I owe America a lot for giving me this opportunity. I came from a very poor background in Kenya and I lost my dad last year,” said Njuguna. “I would love to give back to America and work here for a while before returning to Kenya.”
One of the reasons American government and public policy has been her focus is so she can return to Kenya, where her mother and brother still live, and use American policies for Kenya. Njuguna said that America would make a great model for the country that is struggling in these areas.
Njuguna also credited Averett for helping her earn the summer internship.
“When I came to America for Averett I knew no one,” said Njuguna. “Now it is like my second home. I have made so many great friends and the faculty is wonderful. When I lost my dad the president even called me. I am so grateful to be here.”
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