Charles Nwachukwu

A man stands against a plain background and is wearing a yellow suit jacket and white shirt. His hands are in both pockets.

Charles Nwachukwu

MSc Public Health and Community Wellbeing

1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Charles Nwachukwu, and l am from Nigeria. My Bachelor's Degree was in medicine and surgery from Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
I loved being an International Digital Student Ambassador and representing ARU in the #WeAreInternational campaign that was led by Universities UK. It was an honour to be chosen to carry the flag of ARU as part of a national campaign and was a huge opportunity for me, giving me hope and confidence that I can and will be a part of even greater things in the future.

As part of the #WeAreInternational campaign, being referred to as a Nigerian was massive to me as well because my country's name was in the news and for a good reason; not for any negative or antisocial vices. I received heart-warming feedback from across the world when the campaign launched on what a good role model I am for kids growing up. I specifically remember someone from America saying she showed her kids the YouTube video and initially I hadn't thought about myself in that way but it definitely made me feel good about myself.

3. What has been your favourite job?
I really enjoyed participating in SHoKE projects at ARU. I was able to network and collaborate with others to share knowledge both ways while providing solutions for real world community problems, which I found really fulfilling.

4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Dynamic.

5. How did your time at ARU help you?
Being at ARU gave me the opportunity to network and expand my knowledge and views.

6. What did you love about your chosen course?
I loved that it focused on the health of the public. As a healthcare professional, I am always and have always been enthusiastic about health related topics and have always been an advocate for universal health care coverage. The course prepared me to take my next steps in this journey and gave me the opportunity to undertake a short course in Global Health Diplomacy and Security at the University of Oxford, courtesy of one of my public health lecturers. If I had studied a different course, I wouldn't have been able to attend!

7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Think about your next steps and what it is that you want so you can plan in advance.

8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
Time is key.

9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
Myself. I had people I looked up to while growing up but I have always dreamed of where I wanted to be in the future. I don't believe I'm where I want to be yet, and perhaps there are things I would have done differently if I could turn back the hands of time. However, I have always remained focused on my dream and I believe that it is difficult to be influenced by others if you cannot see the vision yourself.

10. What advice would you give your younger self?
Think of what you want to achieve in 3 years time and prepare for it now.

11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I have never eaten amala and ewedu before and I have never watched Game of Thrones.

12. What’s next?
I want to get a stable job and do lots of travelling.