Being the middle child in a family of six, Ezinne Ottih of Cheltenham, did not have much experience with leadership. However, her journey at Montco gave her the opportunity to acquire skills needed to serve in a leadership role, which include being a great listener and observer.

Stepping out of her comfort-zone, Ottih ran for Student Government Association president and won. Through serving as president, she gained confidence to excel in other areas, including her classes.

As a Life Sciences major, Ottih wants to do cardiovascular research since she is interested in making the world a healthier place.

“I want to help rehabilitate individuals’ physical and metaphorical hearts,” she said.

She believes her science courses at Montco have led her to find an interest in Life Sciences and have challenged her to become a better, independent learner.

I had Biology Assistant Professor Wendy Zoll Filgrove for Biology 151. She has an immense passion for science, which makes her class interesting for her students, said Ottih about her favorite class at Montco.  

In April, Ottih was awarded with the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team Member Scholarship for achieving outstanding academics. To qualify for the award, students must complete at least 36 credits at a community college and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Recipients receive a scholarship covering the cost of two years of tuition at any Pennsylvania state institution.

In addition to Student Government, Ottih was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the international honor society for community colleges, and served as the public relations officers, helping to promote PTK activities. As a member, she has volunteered for several activities, including collecting items for Montco’s Stock-up for Success Food Pantry and creating holiday packages for fellow students.

After earning her associate’s degree, Ottih plans to transfer to a four-year institution to continue her education in Life Sciences and eventually earn her doctoral degree. While she’s excited to start this next step, she will miss her peers and the close-community atmosphere at Montco.

“When you start talking to someone, you connect because of the community environment here,” she said.