May 2022 Graduation Spotlight: Ruby Oku

Originally from Ghana, Ruby Oku ’22 moved to the United States in 2010 and obtained her high school diploma in Anna, Texas. After completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas, in Tyler, she decided to go even further by obtaining a graduate degree in management at Hardin-Simmons University.

During her time at HSU, she felt led to create a society where both international and domestic students could come together to talk about topics ranging from the week’s occurrences to cultures. She called the group Away from Home. “I created this program in the hopes of giving both domestic and international students a safe space to express themselves,” she shared in a recent interview. Ruby also served as secretary for the International Student’s Fellowship (ISF). In addition, she was a member of the Baptist Student Ministry (BSM), where she worked as a Graduate Assistant to Tanner Clarke, BSM Director.

In Ruby’s free time, she enjoys exercising, watching Korean dramas, and reading novels. Whenever she felt homesick or down, she visited the HSU pond, her favorite spot on campus. “I feel closer to nature when I am there” she explained. After graduation, she plans to visit her hometown in Ghana.

The saying, “Never give anyone your pen to write your life story for you,” is her favorite quote, and she has lived her life following this quote. Her advice to other students is “It is okay not to be okay.”

Congratulations, Ruby!