George Zama with his 2019 BMW i8.
RADFORD – On the streets around Radford, you’ve probably noticed the 2019 BMW i8 with gull-wing doors, sleek and purring at a stoplight.
Perhaps you’ve even passed it on the street – or, more likely, it passed you.
Behind the wheel of this remarkable car is an even more remarkable young man. George Zama, Class of 2026, a marketing major born in Bamenda, Cameroon, has a life story steeped in resilience, dedication and defying adversity.
Zama was born in 2002, and his early days were marked by the harsh realities of a high mortality rate in his hometown. In 2004, his family won the American visa lottery, granting them the opportunity to migrate to the United States. However, their entry into the land of opportunity was anything but smooth.
Arriving with virtually nothing, they navigated the complexities of a new country, facing homelessness and the challenge of adapting to an unfamiliar culture. The initial struggle led them from couch-surfing to renting a room, with the only bed they owned salvaged from a dumpster, unknowingly infested with pests.
Finding their challenges insurmountable, Zama’s parents made the difficult decision to send him back to Africa for a year. Upon his return, the family slowly rebuilt their lives, eventually securing a two-bedroom apartment. After a series of underpaid and unconventional jobs, Zama’s mother joined the United States Navy, ultimately achieving the rank of lieutenant.
Against the backdrop of a tough neighborhood in Hampton, Virginia, Zama thrived. Though surrounded by crime and poverty, he refused to succumb to negative influences, driven by a determination to make his mother proud. Witnessing her sacrifices and unwavering work ethic inspired Zama to pursue success at a young age.
At 15, he became an entrepreneur, delving into professional photography and reselling cars. Yet he yearned for faster financial growth, leading him to explore the world of finance and, ultimately, options trading. Despite initial setbacks, Zama persisted, honing his skills and achieving consistent success.
Recognizing the need for long-term stability, Zama diversified into real estate, gaining skills in real estate investing. His success allowed his mother to retire when he was 21, a monumental achievement and a testament to Zama’s determination to fast-track his dreams.
However, his journey doesn’t end there. Despite his financial achievements, Zama recognizes the importance of an American education and feels a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities the United States has provided him. Today, he’s not just a successful entrepreneur; he is also an active participant in the Virginia National Guard, driven by a desire to give back to the country that gave him freedom and opportunities.
Zama started his academic journey studying nursing at a different institution, inspired by his mother. But when the other school was not a right fit, he reflected on his life and what he wanted to achieve. He looked for a different field and a different university with a more student-centric approach. Zama chose Radford University and the Davis College of Business and Economics to help further his entrepreneurial pursuits.
Zama’s story is not just about financial success; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, determination and pursuing dreams. He says his flashy car serves as a tangible reminder “that despite my background, despite the color of my skin, despite the true statistical fact that I shouldn’t be where I am today… that no matter where you start and no matter where you seek to reach, there is NO excuse to achieving your goals.”
Through his journey, Zama aims to inspire others, particularly his peers, to believe in their potential and strive for success.
“The life you wish to possess is just as attainable as the life most deem as ‘realistic,’ he said. “The question is, how hard are you willing to work for a dream that is rightfully yours?”
Evan Musgrave for Radford University
