West Africa to Saint John, NB: Christine’s Story

Christine Eruokwu from Nigeria chose to study her Masters of Business Administration at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John in 2014. 

Christine pursued the year-long program in Canada while her husband and three girls stayed in West Africa, “I’ve come to see them as my back bone,” she said. “I am where I am today because of my family’s support. It’s huge.”

Christine’s family now calls Saint John home thanks, in part, to an interaction with a kind stranger. 

“I’d gone shopping at McAllister place mall and while I stood wondering how I would get back home, wondering where I should get the bus or a taxi. A stranger came up to me and asked, ‘would you like me to call you a taxi?’” The Saint Johner called a taxi for Christine on her cell phone. The kindness was striking to Christine. She remembers thinking, “If everyone I meet is like this here, upon my completion of my education my family should stay here. This is a place to be.”

Christine is a Business Analyst with the Information Technology Division at JDI. "Each time I think about the IT Division, I think about it with a big smile because it reminds me so much of Maya Angelo's quote, 'People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.' For me, that's my story about the IT Division. Since I came into the division I have had no reason to worry about the challenges my role presents to me. Knowing you have support of my team and leadership means so much."

When asked what message she’d like to share for African Heritage Month, Christine quoted Maya Angelo, “In diversity, there is strength and there is beauty. To me this means irrespective of how different you are, there is something beautiful and strong about you if only you can bring it and show it forth. In this month that we’re celebrating African Heritage, people need to see the strength and beauty in diversity.”

With over 280 IT professionals, JDI IT Division is one of Atlantic Canada's largest Information Technology employers. Explore current openings for Information Technology Professionals.