Maverick profile: Meet Stone-Andy Ngale Nguenkam

“Work will be tough, life will be tough, friends will be tough. Everything will be tough at some point, but the one thing that will never be tough throughout one’s lifetime is time and truly being yourself; find who you are and be that,” are the wise words of Stone-Andy Ngale Nguenkam, a remarkable individual who is keen on making his mark in the world.

Nguenkam is a phenomenal leader, currently the president of his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and a bank teller at the Wells Fargo on campus. He was also heavily involved in various clubs last semester, such as the Accounting Club and the Black Intelligent Gentlemen, holding a leadership position in all of them. Nguenkam’s diverse perspective on issues, his cool attitude, and his energetic outlook on life truly make him stand out from the crowd.

Nguenkam is a senior pursuing a degree in accounting and business law.

“As far back as I can remember I have always wanted to do something related to accounting,” Nguenkam said. “My mother always tells the story of how every time we would drive by my uncle’s bank as a child, I would always scream about how we should stop and pop in to do so many countless things.”

Nguenkam actually finds it funny that he is now living his childhood dream of working at a bank. Nguenkam also stated that he had always performed exceptionally well in math when he was younger but could not correlate mathematics with other subjects like physics or chemistry. When he stumbled upon accounting it was as if he had finally found something he clicked with.

Nguenkam is originally from the West African country of Cameroon, having travelled numerous times to and from America before finally settling in the U.S. in his late teens. He completed high school in the U.S. and is grateful that he was introduced to accounting courses during his senior year.

Nguenkam chose to work at Wells Fargo when he came to college. The bank provides services to students all year long and is located right on campus.

“Working at Wells Fargo is like being at the forefront of the bank,” Nguenkam said. “Plus, being able to recognize any needs beyond what I can provide and having the knowledge of directing individuals in the correct pathway is pretty cool.” He also likes the buzz of always being on campus and says that seeing friends, faculty, and staff all going about their daily business is also unique.

“Wells Fargo is a prestigious organization with hardworking people who are down to earth, empathizing with any situation one is going through. It has become like a second family to me,” Nguenkam said. “There are so many bonds I have formed while working at Wells Fargo and every day I get to learn something new, making the job experience extraordinary.”

“Knowing that I can provide some type of solution to people’s numerous number of problems is really what drives me to come to work each day,” Nguenkam said. “Creating that vibrant atmosphere and spreading it to everyone I see is also a vital aspect in my life.” Nguenkam spoke very highly of Wells Fargo bank for having taught him several things, and he plans on carrying these life lessons with him everywhere he goes.

However, balancing his work life with his social and academic life is not a walk in the park, he says. Every area he is involved in requires his undivided attention and full dedication. Nguenkam also has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as the leader of his fraternity.

“The code of TKE is to build better men for a better world, and as a senior on my way to complete college, I believe this is the golden opportunity given to me to truly make a change before I move on to greater things,” Nguenkam said. He considers becoming president of his fraternity one of his greatest achievements.

Nguenkam strives to make everything he does fun while still maintaining a professional standpoint, which makes things a bit easier for him. He also tries his best to hit the gym to blow off some steam whenever he gets the time.

“My advice to any individual going through hard times is to be yourself through every challenge and, during those rough hours, talk to people you can connect with on another spectrum, those closest to you,” Nguenkam said. “Whatever challenges you face today will be your strength tomorrow, so always keep a positive mindset in life.”

Nguenkam’s future endeavors include starting up his own company or owning his own business at some stage in his life. Nguenkam is getting ready to face the world head on after graduation, beginning with a job at an accounting firm he managed to secure over the past year. Nguenkam also stated that acquiring money should not be the main objective in people’s lives. Instead, money should be used as a tool to get to a higher level and achieve greater targets.

Nguenkam clearly shows what true leadership is about by always keeping in mind that he must empower others and guide them to something better. Nguenkam is a special embodiment of Maverick pride, and without a doubt he will forever cherish all he has learned in his college years and will pass on his knowledge through everything he indulges in.