International Voices: Madey Sule ’27 Reflects the Love of God & Her Family in All Her Endeavors

Madey Sule ’27 has always been fascinated by the way mechanisms work. From cell phones to ceiling fans, she always wondered how the circuits caused such devices to function. Her curiosity, interest in improving day-to-day life, and yearning to answer God’s calling gave her the drive to leave her home in Nigeria for the first time in order to pursue an engineering degree at Azusa Pacific University.

Growing up in Jos, Plateau, Sule’s parents were determined to provide her with the best education. She attended an international school, and knew from a young age that she wanted to go to college in America. When she began applying to many universities, Sule was discouraged because many were too expensive to afford. When she discovered APU, Sule was unsure whether she would be able to come, since she was unable to obtain a visa in order to attend an in person interview for her scholarship. She recalled grabbing a journal and writing, “God, I don’t understand why this has to be so difficult, but I’m going to trust you. You’re still in control and I know you have my best interest at heart.”

Fortunately, Sule completed her interview online, and remembered waking up in the middle of the night receiving a congratulatory email with her acceptance. “I knew God was with me. He saw me personally. He loves me and wants me to succeed.”

Stepping on an airplane to leave her country was bittersweet, as Sule was eager to discover new opportunities, but sad to say goodbye to her home. “Nigeria has some of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met. Amidst struggles, sacrifice is a norm,” she said. Sule reflected on how common it is for Nigerian parents to pour everything into their childrens’ education with a happy heart. “I hope to be a representative of the love and dedication Nigerians share.”

Sule’s passion for studying engineering stems from her desire to give back to her country and develop ways to improve life, such as creating better means of food transportation. “While I was privileged enough to not have to worry often about the power going out, not having running water, or having to wash my clothes by hand, these are common occurrences in Nigeria, and I want to be able to give back to the people and country I love,” she said.

Biology was always Sule’s favorite subject in school, and she aspires to pursue biomedical engineering. In high school, when Sule learned about how prosthetic limbs work, she knew she wanted to be a part of giving people hope, whether it be through prosthetics or other ways of making life easier for those in need.

“I never thought I wanted to be an engineer, because I honestly thought I was not smart enough, but I realized there’s no reason to think that,” she said. “I chose engineering as my major to prove to myself that I can do it.” Her eyes lit up and she couldn’t help smiling as she said, “And now I love it!”

Sule’s joy shines through immensely as she discussed her gratitude that God led her to APU. “God has become more real to me here. My faith expanded astronomically when I saw His goodness play out in my own life,” she said. Like many international students, Sule has discovered community in the Third Culture Kids club (TCK), where she was able to make friends from the start, proudly share her love for God and Nigeria with others, and learn their stories as well.

When she’s not deciphering her next engineering project, Sule enjoys going to the gym, playing sports— especially basketball–and getting to spend time with her friends. She values each day that she gets to increase her knowledge, cultivate friendships, and discover more about her faith.

Sule’s willingness to serve others through her passion for science reflects the love and light that shines so brightly for her back at home. Her parents and two younger sisters continually cheer her on from afar. Sule is dedicated to pursuing what she loves, doing everything for the glory of God, and hopes to give as much love and more back to those who have loved her so deeply.

Posted: January 29, 2024