From Nigeria to Lexington …
MLS Pinning Ceremony: ‘It’s validation … of the hard work and dedication’
By Ryan Clark and Ella Rosner
CHS Contributors
David Anoka-Ayembe landed in Atlanta, Georgia, on Aug. 12, 2021. He was 17 years old. He’d never been to America, and he was all alone.
He then took an eight-hour bus ride to Lexington, Ky., where he enrolled at UK.
This week, he will graduate from the Medical Laboratory Science program. On Dec. 19, he will participate with nearly 30 other students in his MLS pinning ceremony.
A native of Auja, Nigeria, the 21-year-old chose to come to UK after hearing positive reviews from friends and family, who worked in higher education. Those family members will be here when he graduates this week.
“I was very afraid I would let my parents down by not being able to complete college,” he says, “but it all worked out.”
David wanted to give a few special shoutouts to those who have supported him throughout his journey.
“I would like to add a shoutout to my professors and classmates,” he said. “They made the program so fun and I’m going to really miss seeing them every day. Also, second shoutout to the Chamley/Pawliks for practically being a second family to me. I would not be able to be here without them.”
We congratulate David, as well as all of the other MLS graduates, on their amazing accomplishments as they ready for their pinning ceremony.
Here’s five questions with (almost) graduate David Anoka-Ayembe …
Why did you major in Medical Laboratory Science?
I wanted to work in healthcare without having patient contact, because I’m not one for the spotlight.
What was your most memorable moment?
Singlehandedly winning the toxicology Escape Room Challenge in the clinical chemistry lab.
What does the pinning mean to you?
It’s validation and concrete evidence of the hard work and dedication I put into the MLS program.
What are your future plans?
Working as a lab tech for Baptist Health for the short to medium term — I don't really know what the distant future holds for me.
What advice would you have for future MLS students?
Keep moving forward. It’s going to be worth it in the end. Once you get past the first semester, going downhill is a lot easier.