Okunbor blazes her own trail at Minot State

MINOT, N.D. – When Minot State nursing student Marvellous Okunbor looks back on the path that led her here, it was not definitive; rather, she saw a trail lined with moments of caretaking, courage, and quiet determination.

“Honestly, nursing was not my first choice of study,” she said. “But thinking back now, caring and advocating is something I have always done. Taking care of my younger siblings and my grandma, speaking up for others when they could not do so was second nature to me, so I thought, ‘Why not make it a profession?’”

Her journey to Minot State began with a nudge from someone she trusted most: her sister, Praise ’23.

“Having a sister who attended MSU really helped me get first-hand knowledge that I could really rely on and trust,” she said. “It was really nice to have someone I knew when I was coming to study at MSU.”

Leaving home was a leap, but not one made without preparation. She grew up attending a boarding school, a setting that strengthened her independence long before she stepped on a plane.

“It was not the easiest thing,” she said, “but lucky for me, the secondary school I attended was a boarding school, and that gave me a foundational six years’ experience of independence.”

This past year brought a particularly emotional milestone: seeing her mother for the first time in three years.

“It was really amazing,” she said. “The funny thing is that it did not really feel like we had not seen each other that long, thanks to voice and video call, I guess.”

Life as an international nursing student has brought both challenges and joy. Adjusting to a new environment, she said, wasn’t always simple.

“The biggest challenge is trying to adjust to my new environment both in school and socially,” she said.

But the rewards have been just as profound.

“Being an international student, it has been amazing meeting students from all over the world and getting to learn new things every day,” she added.

At Minot State, she found a community that lifted her up, specifically finding professional growth through her role in Residence Life and Housing.

“First, I'd like to shout-out my international community because they do their very best to make us international students feel very welcome and at home,” Okunbor said. “(Residence Life and Housing) taught me time management, how to respond in situations professionally, how to collaborate and work with others, proper communication skills, and to provide a timely response. These are skills that I will need going into nursing, and I'm really lucky that I got a job that teaches me this while in nursing school.”

Her nursing professors, she said, have been steady partners in her journey.

“They are great role models that continue to teach, correct, and encourage me to be better,” she said. “They remind me that I am not alone in my journey to become a nurse.”

One clinical experience stands above the rest. During an operating room rotation, Okunbor assisted in the care of a patient undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Watching the entire procedure unfold left a lasting imprint.

“I was struck by the precision, coordination, and calm intensity of the OR team,” she said. “What stood out most was the moment the gallbladder was removed and the team seamlessly transitioned to post-op care; each movement purposeful, each communication clear.”

The values she carries from home anchor her through every challenge. Her faith, too, remains constant.

“One lesson that has helped me is that ‘Hard work pays,’” she said. “Something that keeps me going is knowing that ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’”

As Okunbor reflects on her future, she credits Minot State with shaping her calling.

“My time at Minot State has profoundly shaped my goals for the future by grounding me in both academic rigor and compassionate care,” she said.

She envisions herself serving not just individuals, but entire communities.

“My long-term vision is to become a nurse who not only delivers individualized, holistic care but also addresses health disparities in underserved communities,” Okunbor said.

For other international students considering nursing at MSU, her message is simple and sincere.

“You can do it,” she said. “Sometimes you’ll get it wrong or make a mistake but it’s okay, just learn from it and aspire to improve on yourself daily. Do not hesitate to ask for help from your professors. School is important but don’t ignore your social life, attend school events, and meet new people.”

Her story is one of resilience, faith, and purpose, a reflection of what happens when calling and courage meet opportunity.