Michael Igwenma Research Paper

Personality Description
For this assignment, I chose to interview my sister’s boyfriend, Michael Igwenma. I have known Michael for six years now, so I feel as though I have a good understanding of his personality. Michael was born in Nigeria, but raised in England by his mother. His father died when Michael was only six years old, leaving his mother to raise six children on her own. Michael is the oldest boy in the family and therefore, felt the need to become the male role model for his family. Michael stated that the passing of his father is what shaped his personality the most and gave him an appreciation of life. He wants to be there for his children and make memories with them. His goal is to be a good role model and teach them the values
and morals that he says his parents taught him. He believes that this led him to become a strong, independent man (M. Igwenma, personal communication, November 24, 2016).
Michael moved to the United States when he was eighteen years old to go to college and find a good job. He settled in Omaha, Nebraska, where he currently lives today. When asked if his personality has been determined by where he lives presently or where he came from, Michael stated that his personality has definitely been formed by his native country. He says his roots run deep and he is always proud to share with people about his homeland, Nigeria. He also had many good experiences growing up in England where there were many more opportunities. However, he also states that moving to the United States has given him opportunities to expand his horizon, get the best education possible, and become the leader and man that he is today. “Growing up without a father, going to a boarding school, and being a minority had a large impact on my life,” stated Michael. The boarding school taught him to be independent and to become outspoken to stand up for his rights and not be pushed around by anyone. It taught him respect, honor, and how to get along with others that he encounters throughout his daily life. Being a minority, Michael states, “It can be very difficult because people often make you feel like you do not fit in, people stare, people can be very rude and people act privileged.” He had to learn to stand up for himself when he was not treated equally and this caused him to become outspoken. Michael says his personality has definitely developed over the years and shaped him into the man he is today (M. Igwenma, personal communication, November 24, 2016). These factors have led Michael to become a strong, independent, hard-working man.
Michael describes his personality as outgoing, a strong leader and independent.
He states that his job as a manager at a car dealership fits his personality well. He says he works with many different people and cultures on a daily basis. When asked how his family would describe his personality he stated, outspoken and somewhat stubborn. Having known Michael for six years I can agree that he is very stubborn. He also said other people, such as friends and co-workers would describe him as a leader, caring and a very outspoken man (M. Igwenma, personal communication, November 24, 2016). Working in his job, Michael says he has to be caring to help people make important decisions in their lives. He has to be a leader and role model for the employees and help the business be successful. He is a mentor to the employees and lets them know when they have done a good job or when they have messed up and need to fix a problem. Michael’s success in his job for many years is due to the personality factors he exhibits in his daily life.
Michael says Martin Luther King is a man he has admired for a long time. Martin Luther King was a strong, independent, caring man and Michael says it is those personality factors that he tries to model his life after. Martin Luther King stood up for his background and his people. He spoke loud and clear and stood up for the rights of many. Michael says he stands up for his coworkers and his family and even at times, when needed stands up for his race. (M. Igwenma, personal communication, November 24,
2016).