Chidiogo Orakwue calls older sister Amarachi her “die-hard friend.”

The bond between the sisters has only grown stronger at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), where both are pursuing health sciences degrees with plans to become doctors. 

As kids, Chidiogo and Amarachi emigrated with their parents from Nigeria to the United States. They moved to Minnesota after their mother got a nursing job at Mayo Clinic. 

Living in Rochester and getting a glimpse into their mother’s career led them to UMR. 

Amarachi, a junior, has introduced her freshman sister to college life, doling out words of wisdom when the rigors of a pre-med schedule become overwhelming.

“Amarachi has been through all of the things I’m going through,” Chidiogo says. “She’s able to offer me support, encouragement, and guidance.”

Both sisters credit scholarships as well as support from each other with enabling them to envision a future where they’re making a difference.

“Every day I am reminded why I chose this path,” says Amarachi, who received the Women Supporting Success through Education Scholarship, among others. “I want my work to positively impact the lives of others.”