Texas A&M Scholar Ready to Lead

Shukuru Makanyaga, a senior at Robert E. Lee High School in Houston, Texas, will attend Texas A&M University this fall as a member of one of the institution’s first Posses.  Since emigrating from Rwanda with his family in 1998, he has worked diligently to be a role model to his family and peers.

Shukuru took on AP coursework and was  elected as president of the community service club at his high school. Additionally, as a member of his school’s SkillsUSA program—a national initiative that teaches students technical skills, leadership and teamwork—he learned the craft of cabinet making and the value of hard work alongside his team.

“Leadership isn’t just one person taking over” says Shukuru. “It takes everyone on the team to know when to lead and when to follow.”

At a recent local competition in Texas, Shukuru was awarded a first place ribbon for the craftsmanship of his individual entry and his team earned best-in-show recognition. They will compete in a national SkillsUSA competition this summer.

When Shukuru arrives at Texas A&M this fall to study petroleum engineering, he is looking forward to the support and encouragement of another team—his Posse.

“Any problem we may face, we can overcome it together,” says Shukuru.