Akosa Akpom, MS/Biomed ‘21 
MS in Biomedical Sciences

July 20, 2021

Having a parent who worked as a nurse and shared her on-the-job experiences, Akosa Akpom, MS/Biomed ’21, knew he wanted to pursue a career in health care from an early age.

“As a child, I would listen to my mother as she would tell me about her experiences at work and the contributions she was making,” he said. “These stories opened my eyes to the world of medicine and I truly began to appreciate the field of health care.”

After completing an undergraduate degree at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, Akpom wanted to equip himself with more tools to ensure success in his chosen career of dentistry.

He said, “After countless hours of research, I concluded that pursuing a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences would be the most beneficial route for me. I knew that this degree would not only broaden my academic horizon, but would also develop me into a more mature and disciplined student.”

Akpom chose to attend PCOM Georgia after careful research and discussions with PCOM Georgia students. “In my effort to find a master’s program that would challenge me and provide me with the tools I needed for my future, I placed PCOM Georgia at the top of the list.”

Akpom has set his aspirations high. He plans to use his skills and passions to benefit the people around him. He said, “As a future dentist, I intend to own multiple dental practices in the Southeastern region that support low-income individuals. Financing dental care can be very expensive and I want to be part of the solution to this problem.”

He also plans to own a practice in Nigeria that would be located in his family’s hometown of Onitsha in the Anambra state. “As a first generation Nigerian American, I would not truly feel a sense of accomplishment if I did not give back to Nigeria in some way,” he said.

“God has blessed me in so many ways, that I believe that one of the best ways to show my gratitude is to be a blessing to others.”

Akpom feels privileged to have been born into the Nigerian culture. His family is from the Igbo tribe, a group of people known for having pride in their culture. He recalled, “My grandfather used to tell me that although he was grateful that my siblings and I were fortunate enough to have access to the opportunities in America, he also didn’t want our rich culture to be diluted or forgotten.”

He added, “These words have always resonated with me and have shaped me into the person I am today. From the history to the food, music and traditions, I love my Igbo culture and plan on passing this knowledge down to the next generation. This love has also made me more aware of other cultures, which allows me to be accepting to other people who are different than me.”

His parents, who emigrated from Nigeria, inspire Akpom. “It is always amazing to hear the stories of how my mother and father made countless sacrifices in order to ensure that my siblings and I had all the opportunities we could imagine,” he said.

“Watching my parents selflessly struggle every day inspires me to work to the best of my ability.”

For those who are coming behind him, he recommends a Bible verse. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths.”

He said, “Throughout my years, I have struggled with finding a balance between planning my future and allowing God’s plan to manifest in my life. One thing I have realized is that the detours God takes us through in life are meant to improve and elevate us in some say.

“Every time I have been taken through one of these detours, I have acquired something necessary that I needed in the next stage of my life. It is important to remember that life will not always play out as we would like, but it is imperative that we remember that every moment in our lives serves a greater purpose.”

He has learned some other important life lessons along the way. “Instead of focusing on the negative, we should focus on how that moment can contribute to our growth. We all have constant stressors in life, which is why it is beneficial to stay focused on the positives.

“Despite what we are experiencing, there is always something that can provide us with a feeling of happiness,” he said. “As we walk through this garden of life, we should always smell the roses and strive to become better each day. Be wise, have fun and help others!”