From Nigeria to Westcliff: Comfort Nkana’s Journey of Growth, Giving, and Global Impact
One of the greatest strengths of Westcliff University is its incredible diversity. This diversity encompasses a rich tapestry of cultures, nationalities, and languages spoken throughout the halls, as well as a wide array of professional backgrounds and experiences among students, staff, and faculty. Comfort Nkana, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) alumni and current peer mentor, is an exceptional example of this diversity. Her journey was fueled by a desire not only to learn and improve herself but also to make a tangible difference in the world. This drive brought Comfort from her home country of Nigeria, where she worked as a lawyer, to the U.S. to study at Westcliff University.
Bridging Continents and Careers
During her seven-year legal career in Nigeria, Comfort generously took on pro bono cases to support clients in need who couldn’t afford legal representation. This commitment to selflessness and service to others is just one of the many ways Comfort exemplifies Westcliff’s values. Beyond these cases, she also practiced property law, commercial law, and criminal law, making her a well-rounded professional. Her work with prominent businesses in Nigeria sparked her interest in formal business education at Westcliff, where the College of Business‘ hands-on, practical teaching approach proved the perfect match.
Moving thousands of miles to the United States is no easy feat. Reflecting on her experience, Comfort shared, “The transition from my country to America was pretty challenging at first. But I would say that the very diverse and culturally inclusive nature of the university helped me acclimatize and adjust to life here pretty quickly. Westcliff provided a community and opportunities that made that possible.” She credits much of her smooth transition to the comprehensive support she received, noting that Westcliff’s Alumni Affairs and Career Services helped her secure her first U.S. internship, refine her resume, practice interview skills, and more. “Westcliff has helped me grow personally and professionally. I think the importance of building a community cannot be overstated.” Comfort also found support in Westcliff’s rich array of events, such as networking opportunities, club events—including a Nigerian Culture Club—and Student Life’s social gatherings.
From Student to Mentor
“It’s not an easy journey, but it’s very achievable. Looking back, I have no regrets. I think Westcliff has definitely given me the foundation to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead,” Comfort says. Today, she holds an MBA with concentrations in data statistics, business analytics, and health administration, and she works as a business analyst at a prominent Los Angeles law firm. Despite her thriving career, her commitment to giving back has not slowed. Comfort now uses her experiences as an international student to support other Westcliff students in finding their own success. As a peer mentor, Comfort and her fellow mentors help new students adjust academically, personally, and professionally. “There are so many networking opportunities at Westcliff, and through them, I have been able to introduce some of my mentees to the right people—now they have jobs.” This invaluable support is what makes Westcliff such a unique institution and an ideal choice for international students pursuing a degree in the U.S.
For new students, Comfort offers one more piece of advice: embrace the fun. “Meet people, collaborate, network. Have fun. Please, have fun. It shouldn’t just be about the books. Go out, enjoy! We have the serious stuff, but also the fun stuff. Student Life offers beach hangouts, trips to neighboring cities, and so much more! So work hard and make time for fun, too.” To follow her advice, check out upcoming events with Student Life and get in touch with Westcliff’s team of experienced peer mentors.
Students like Comfort Nkana make the Westcliff community one of collaborative strength, sharing knowledge, experience, and ideas. At Westcliff, opportunities are created through connections, friendships are forged, and bettering oneself goes hand in hand with bettering the communities around us.