Today, as we celebrate International Education Week, we are featuring Lucinda.

Lucinda Ama Mboge Mboge, who hails from The Gambia in West Africa, embarked on an exciting adventure in 2009 by moving to Barcelona, Spain, to learn Spanish and pursue her dream of becoming a hairdresser. Although mastering the language was a challenge, her determination led her to work as a kitchen assistant. Encouraged by her boss’s praise for her cooking, Lucinda felt inspired to embrace this newfound passion in a welcoming country that would celebrate her authentic self.

Lucinda Ama Mboge Mboge

Lucinda enthusiastically explored culinary schools across France, Italy, Ireland, England, and Canada, and finally, the United States. Just as she was weighing her options, her sister, Sarah Yehouenou, called from Namibia, where she works for the United Nations. Sarah proposed a wonderful opportunity: what if Lucinda attended Saint Paul College and became her nephew’s legal guardian? With her sister’s generous offer to sponsor her tuition and living expenses, Lucinda felt inspired and excited. She happily enrolled in the SPC Culinary Arts Program, ready to embrace this new adventure and foster a close bond with her nephew!

Lucinda tackled her social anxiety by diving into Student Life and connecting with fellow students through campus clubs. She soon found a warm and welcoming home within the vibrant SPC community. With her sights set on graduating from the Culinary Arts program in 2026, she plans to transfer to Minnesota State at Mankato to earn a BS in Nutrition and Dietary. Lucinda envisions a fulfilling career supporting the restaurant industry in a clinical setting.

“If given another chance, SPC would be my first choice!” I feel at home here and am no longer lonely as my connections here have brought out the best in me.”
Lucinda Ama Mboge Mboge, Culinary Student

Lucinda’s nephew has joined the SPC Computer Animation Program, continuing to share exciting global adventures with his extraordinary aunt!