Continuing what his parents started

MOULTRIE — Community is important to Emeka Ikeakanam. It’s something he experienced growing up, and it’s what led him to PCOM South Georgia.

“I really enjoy being here,” Ikeakanam, a native of Nigeria, said. “Seeing familiar faces and being able to know everybody is something you can’t really get anywhere else. You receive support in ways you don’t expect.”

Growing up, Ikeakanam witnessed his parents give back to others in immeasurable ways. His father, Bosco, and mother, Roseline, continue to sponsor children back in their home country so they can go to school, eat well and thrive.

“My parents always wanted me to strive to the top, but they also taught me that it’s not just about attaining high status,” he said. “It’s also about what you can do to give back.

“I believe they also sponsor food for their villages every Christmas. That connection to Nigeria, and my upbringing as a whole, helped develop my passion to be an advocate in health care.”

As a kid, Ikeakanam would cook boxed cakes for school and participate in bake sales. His love of cooking led to an interest in culinary medicine. Located in a food desert, PCOM South Georgia puts Ikeakanam in the perfect place to pursue that passion.

“First, make sure the food tastes good,” he said. “Second, think about how you can make that healthy for yourself. Why can’t you make healthy food that tastes good?”

Volunteering with the Moultrie-Colquitt County Boys & Girls Club, Ikeakanam said he hopes to spread that mindset to younger generations by working with them in their community garden. He isn’t interested in giving just a few hours of his time and moving on to the next thing. His goal is to make a lasting impact on each child he interacts with.

“I want to make sure I’m staying consistent because one thing that many of these kids don’t have sometimes is consistent role models in their lives,” he said. “While I’m not necessarily perfect in any form or fashion, the one thing I can offer is some type of consistency. If I’m able to come up there at least once a week, then it shows that someone cares about them.”

Balancing volunteering with his school work is no small task, yet somehow Ikeakanam also has become involved in five clubs and organizations. He is the president of the Nutrition and Medicine Club, vice president of the Physical Medicine and Rehab Club, a member of the Student Ambassadors, co-chair of Brothers in Medicine, and community liaison for SNMA.

Ikeakanam is committed to breaking barriers and giving back to others along the way.

“I want to continue what my parents started in Nigeria,” he said. “That doesn’t necessarily mean being a physician to the people there. It can be buying rice for the community or assisting with tuition. The heart of it really is, ‘How much help can you give back to raise that bottom line?’ and ‘How can you help those that need it in whatever way you can?’”

For more information, visit pcom.edu or call (229) 668-3110.

Special Photo: Ngozi IkeakanamSpecial Photo: PCOM South Georgia