Churchill Ezeokonkwo arrived to Augusta University two years ago from Clayton State and with one year of athletic eligibility remaining. Ezeokonkwo wrapped up his track and field career and then this year served as a graduate assistant coach. He'll receive his master's degree in December but while he's going to walk across the stage during the ceremony, he'll also be sitting on the stage after being voted to be the student speaker during commencement.
 
To be voted for by your peers has been somewhat overwhelming. His family has been overjoyed by the honor and he said the excitement probably won't calm down until after graduation.
 
Unlike some who don't know what their next step in life will be, Ezeokonkwo does. His message to his fellow graduates, centers around purpose.
 
"It's centering around finding your purpose and pretty much helping others to find theirs as well," said Ezeokonkwo.
 
While it may sound simplistic, it really isn't.
 
He's getting his master's in public health and wants to help people but also has several other goals and "purposes." One big one is to help people.  
 
The prospect of working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one aspiration he Ezeokonkwo has, but he's keeping an open mind as far as job opportunities.
 
"It's one of them, but I never like to limit myself. I feel the CDC is up there, but I also feel there possibly could be a new branch coming out in the next 10 years and they could even surpass that. I'm always being open to the possibilities," he added.
 
Ezeokonkwo has seen first-hand the importance of public health. Locally, going through hurricane Helene and even on a bigger scale, going back to the COVID-19 pandemic. He knows having rules, standards and policies in place helped everyone to move forward.
 
Not only will he be getting his master's in public health, Ezeokonkwo has his own video and photography business and covers a lot of sporting events. He's a regular at Jaguar games, camera in hand, getting the shots that end up on various platforms. It's something that started as freelance work at Clayton State, and just blossomed from there.
 
"I've worked with professional athletes, I've worked with Olympians and corporations, so I thought I'd have a good shot of doing it here. Kadijah Dickens gave me a chance and it's been a blessing ever since," he said.
 
That alone may be his next step after graduation since he has gotten some job offers and has a couple lined up and waiting for him. It's certainly taken the pressure off immediately following graduation.
 
While he's from the Atlanta area, Ezeokonkwo would like to stay in the immediate area. He said the area opened their arms to him.
 
"I would love to stay here as long as I can. The city's given back so much to me and has given me just a bundle of blessings and opportunities over the past couple of years," he said. "I got more support here in probably four months than I did in four years back home. It's just really interesting for me to just be surrounding by the culture of everyone you know, that were just so helpful."