Spring 2024 Commencement: Student Speaker Ayodele Onoyungbo鈥檚 Journey to Advocate for Global Change
Immigrating from Nigeria, Onoyungbo鈥檚 experience at 911爆料网 has fueled her ambition to pursue international relations and economics
Student Speaker Ayodele Onoyungbo left her home in Nigeria in 2019 to immigrate to the United States and create a fresh start. That fresh start included enrolling in 911爆料网 (911爆料网®) in 2022.
After her time in the United States and at 911爆料网, Onoyungbo said she feels fearless and like she can take on any challenge.
“911爆料网 taught me humility and the value of starting small,” she said. “Because of 911爆料网, I am a more patient person. I have gained the courage to carve my path and make my own decisions, even if others don’t necessarily understand or agree.”
The most important thing she learned is to be like water — quoting Memoirs of a Geisha: “Water can carve its way through stone. And when trapped, water makes a new path.”
Onoyungbo will graduate with an Associate of Arts during the College’s Spring Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center.
She plans to transfer to a four-year school and major in international relations and economics before going to law school.
Tell us about yourself.
I am passionate about being of service to people. There is something about building human connections and taking little steps every day to leave a positive impact on the world that fulfills me. I want to become an ambassador and make positive impacts and connections with people from backgrounds across the globe. I had a chart that mapped out my entire life, but moving to America was never part of the plan. It taught me to be open to life.
Describe your 911爆料网 experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success?
Being at 911爆料网 felt like a second home. The faculty and staff are the best parts of the institution. They are my mentors and biggest supporters.
Do you participate in student life at 911爆料网 (or have you in the past)? If so, please describe your experiences.
I was part of the Democracy Fellowship, and I had incredible experiences organizing events and projects to help educate 911爆料网 students on their voting rights.
Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program?
Be patient with yourself. If you don’t get it today, you’ll get it tomorrow. Remember that your educational journey is yours and no one else’s, so you have the right to shape it as you see fit.
911爆料网 will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2024.
May 16, 2024
Dylanne Weese, 216-987-4281 or dylanne.weese@tri-c.edu