International student finds growth, connection and new direction at CWU

Moving from Kenya to Ellensburg, Central Washington University international student Ogut Stephen Asewe brought with him a wealth of professional experience in accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, and administration.

Nevertheless, he is eager to continue learning, taking risks, adapting to new environments, and embracing his new identity as an international student.

After working in his business career for 12 years, Asewe enrolled in the Information Technology Management master's program at CWU, specialization in Cybersecurity.

As time has gone on, he has discovered that his journey to Central has provided considerable value to his life, far beyond just the academic framework.

By taking on numerous roles at CWU, from academics and employment to recreation, Asewe gradually developed a strong sense of belonging and connection to the campus community — something that helped him overcome the feeling of fear, anxiety, and homesickness that came with moving to a foreign country.

"What I like and appreciate most about Central Washington University is how friendly and welcoming the environment has been," he said. "The thing I like most about CWU is the sense of community. For me, CWU is not simply a place where I come to attend classes; it has become a community where I can learn, serve, grow, and build relationships."

Developing New Expertise

Prior to his arrival at CWU, Asewe earned a CPA(K) certification — Certified Public Accountant (Kenya) — which is a professional credential awarded to accountants who have passed the required exams administered by KASNEB, and attained the membership to work from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, alongside an MBA in Finance. As if he weren’t already busy enough, he established and managed his own company in Kenya.

Thanks to the extensive range of experiences, Asewe has developed strong skills in risk management, internal controls, technical supervision, financial controls, accountability, and decision-making.

As the expansion of technology intensifies, especially the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Asewe recognizes the significance of technology and cybersecurity in business, which helps him reinforce his existing expertise, both academically and professionally.

"I wanted to understand technology at a deeper level and develop skills that would allow me to connect business knowledge with information technology and cybersecurity," he said. "So, I don't see my transition into technology as abandoning my previous career. I see it as building on the foundation I already have and adding another important dimension to it."

Finding Fulfillment

As an international student, Asewe understands the challenges of balancing between studying, working and social life, especially for non-native-born students, as they have to acclimate to a new environment. He realizes that his journey in a new country is not simply about attaining good academic performance; it is just as much about how he manages his life outside the classroom and helps other students.

This is part of the reason Asewe decided to apply for the position as Graduate Academic Mentor, a role serving graduate students across all fields. Besides, through his prior professional experiences, he finds it is valuable to support, navigate, and encourage people to help them overcome their difficulties. This passion for helping others led him to seek out opportunities as a way of giving back to the CWU community.

"I applied for the Graduate Academic Mentor position because I enjoy helping people grow," Asewe said. "As a graduate student myself, I understand that university life can sometimes be challenging, particularly for students who are adjusting to a new environment. I try to be approachable and create a space where students feel comfortable asking questions."

In this role, Asewe works with students who confront various hardships, including academic challenges, feelings of uncertainty, and cultural shock due to adapting to unfamiliar environments. From his perspective, mentoring does not mean you have to help others resolve every single issue; sometimes, all students need is someone who is willing to listen, understand, and offer encouragement.

"Sometimes students need information, but sometimes they need encouragement, direction, or simply someone willing to listen," he said. "I don't believe a mentor needs to have every answer. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is help someone identify the next step and connect them with the right resources."

Asewe noted that this position is rewarding because it offers him an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his transition to life in a foreign country.

Aside from his primary position, Asewe was able to develop both soft and transferrable skills in his former role as a Custodial Services Assistant. Having an opportunity to engage with students from diverse cultural and generational backgrounds has helped him expand his worldview, while developing a deeper understanding of humanity.

"Many were younger than me, yet working together gave me an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication while also learning a lot from them," Asewe said.

Those experiences reflect the two core values that CWU always emphasizes: learning is reinforced through mutual sharing and embracing diversity consolidates the connection within the community.

Seeking Belonging

The transition from Kenya to the United States has not only required Asewe to adjust to the new educational system; the experience has also forced him to familiarize himself with new routines, lifestyles, and customs.

"I knew I would have to adapt to a different educational system, but I did not fully appreciate how much of the experience would involve learning how to navigate everyday life in a new country," he said.

The language barrier is often one of the bigger challenges for most international students. However, Asewe has also had to address multiple changes to his daily routine, manage his coursework, and learn new ways to effectively communicate with people.

"The practical experience was both challenging and rewarding," he said. "I have had to adjust to a new culture, a new academic environment, different ways of communicating, and the responsibility of balancing school, work, finances, and personal responsibilities."

Not to mention that he often endures uncertainty, homesickness, and feelings of loneliness and unfamiliarity.

"There have been moments when I missed home and the familiarity of Kenya," Asewe said. "But those experiences have also helped me become more resilient and independent."

These experiences have contributed to his progress in communication, life management, professional competency, and adaptability, but he has found his true connection and belonging through his love for badminton.

For Asewe, badminton is not simply a sport; it’s his passion. By constantly training and playing badminton with other students, he has strengthened his friendships, learned new things from them, and built a stronger network.

"I have had the opportunity not only to play badminton but also to train and interact with other students," he said. "Through the sport, I have met people I might not otherwise have encountered in my academic or professional activities."

Beyond the Degree

Asewe is proud to report that the journey he has experienced thus far at CWU has been shaped by constant learning, growth, adaptability, transformation, and connection.

Carrying with him a solid foundation that he has strengthened through years of hard work, the move to the United States still challenged him to become a learner again — not just learning in class, but learning to be more flexible, more open about embracing different perspectives, and more confident to ask for help.

"I have discovered that being a student is not only about earning a degree," Asewe said. "It is about the people you meet, the communities you become part of, the challenges you overcome, and the opportunities you have to help others."

Asewe's experiences at CWU have helped reveal the hidden value of higher education that he has dedicated himself to fulfilling. Regardless of the previous academic and professional experiences he has gathered, he has found that when it comes to learning, there are no limits to what one can accomplish.

"When I eventually complete my time at CWU, I hope I will leave as more than someone who earned a master's degree," Asewe said. "I hope I will leave as a better professional, mentor, colleague, and member of the community."