Meet Zikora Stephens
By Joan Frances | Photos by Paulette Orhii –
George Ranch High School has developed a reputation for the highest academic standards and successful graduation percentages in the district. The highly qualified staff supports students in all areas of education. Seniors graduate ready to take the next step in their future. One senior who has achieved high esteem from her teachers and peers is Zikora Stephens.
Zikora loves taking on challenges. Since her freshman year, she has endeavored to challenge herself by taking advanced courses, an experience that has taught her to always stay focused and determined no matter the difficulty. Zikora is a respected leader at her school. She is the George Ranch representative on the Lamar Consolidated ISD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board and has been a member of the National Honor Society for the past two years. She expresses pride and honor in being president of the African Student Association. “As an American-born Nigerian, culture is very important to me, especially in this day and age when it is so easy to get caught up in the mainstream trends of society,” she said.
“My culture is a part of who I am because it sets me apart. It is my pride, my joy, my essence. Culture is a beautiful thing, and this is why being the president of the African Student Association is so important to me. It is my aim that through my cultural pride, I will be able to inspire others to see the importance of their own heritage.”
When asked what value she lives by, Zikora said, “Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail,’ and in order to leave my own trail, I live by two values: ‘Always take the initiative’ and ‘In order to lead, one must first learn to follow.’ These are significant to me because as a leader, it is important to always stay one step ahead. I know that leadership isn’t easy, but it helps to always be on your toes and be ready to do things without having to be told to do so. Also, it is important to understand the perspective of those I lead and demonstrate humility in order to gain the respect of others to allow me to lead them.”
Zikora is very generous with her time outside of school. She is a member of the Service Chord Club, participating in volunteer work throughout the community and in different hospitals including OakBend. She is also part of many other student organizations such as United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Model United Nations and the Health Occupations Student Association.
According to Zikora, the best part of her high school experience is the memories. “When I first walked the halls of George Ranch four years ago, I wasn’t sure how I would make it through high school, but looking back, I know that it wouldn’t have been possible without my friends, family and teachers who seek nothing but the best in me. I will cherish all of my memories, both good and bad, because they reflect my maturity over the last four years. My future is bright. I will leave George Ranch with two accolades: my diploma and the memories that made the entire experience possible.”
Zikora hopes to attend college at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and major in psychology, then attend medical school to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. Congratulations on your accomplishments and ambition Zikora, and good luck as you benefit society in the future.