A UTM student’s commitment to providing opportunities and representing her peers.
Somtochukwu Nnakenyi is a dedicated fourth-year student at the U of T Mississauga (UTM) who is double majoring in political science and criminology with a minor in sociology, but her academic journey wasn’t always so direct.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Nnakenyi initially felt compelled to follow a similar path.
“At first, I felt like I had to be in a STEM program,” says Nnakenyi.
“To be a doctor or engineer just because my parents and sisters are pursuing similar fields – maybe I wanted it for myself initially just because I thought they wanted that for me.”
However, a latent interest in law nudged her in a different direction: having fallen in love with sociology in high school, Nnakenyi discovered political science in university.
“I was captivated by the broad and intellectually stimulating nature of political science. I wanted to get into the minds of philosophers of then and today,” she says.
Her second year at UTM was a turning point, and seeking mentorship opportunities, Nnakenyi joined the UTM Pre-Law Organization (PLO) as a mentee.
“My mentor was really encouraging to just keep trying, get help, and use resources,” says Nnakenyi.
“That cemented my career prospects and gave me confidence in my undergraduate journey.”
This experience also solidified her passion for political science and law, reassuring her that she was heading in the right direction for her scholarly pursuits.
Involvement in several clubs at UTM further enriched her university experience. Despite not being naturally extroverted, she embraced opportunities to connect with others. Nnakenyi joined the UTMSU volunteer team where she promoted events and campaigns, eventually discovering World University Service of Canada (WUSC), whose mission is to support and empower youth from developing nations by sponsoring refugee students and facilitate their smooth transition into Canadian post-secondary institutions, including UTM. This organization resonated deeply with her, given her own personal experiences.
“As a Black Nigerian female international student, I have had to navigate the struggles that emerge in coming from a whole different country during the COVID era in unique ways” says Nnakenyi.
During her time as the WUSC Coordinator for UTM’s Student Union and Community Mentorship Assistant at the Centre for Student Engagement (CSE), Nnakenyi exemplified a commitment to community support and mentorship stemming from the impact such initiatives have had on her growth. As the WUSC Coordinator, Nnakenyi increased WUSC’s outreach initiatives and worked towards sensitizing others to these issues. Currently, as the Team Lead for Community Mentorship programs at CSE, she aspires to support more students beyond their first year and expand the impact of mentorship through the UTM alumni mentorship programs.
“I just want to make a positive impact, especially in areas that resonate with my intersecting identities, allowing me to be the person my first-year self needed— but for others, and for my potential future in the legal field.” says Nnakenyi.
When reflecting on challenges in education, Nnakenyi shares that another pivotal experience she had was with the UTM Mental Health Student Association, which provided another outlet for connection and community and helped her navigate the challenges of university life.
“I was going through a lot in my first year,” says Nnakenyi.
“I didn’t know anyone aside from my twin sister and felt a lot of isolation. I just needed someone to talk to,” she recalls.
Driven by a desire to make life and education more accessible and equitable, Nnakenyi envisions a future where identities do not hinder opportunities. Her work with the UTM Student Union (UTMSU) and WUSC has not only informed her studies in political science and criminology, but has also fueled her passion for policy work and advocacy. Additionally appointed as a co-opted member of the University Affairs Board of the University of Toronto, Nnakenyi is a representative who speaks on behalf of students at a larger scale and is determined to act on the interests and well-being of all students.
With her unwavering dedication and impactful volunteering and leadership, Nnakenyi is poised to be a catalyst for positive change in the UTM community and beyond.