Oluwasola's personal statement
"I can be shaped by what happens to me but i refuse to be reduced by it"
I have wanted to be a beam of light to others. When I was 10, I wanted to be a lawyer to avoid math. At 14, it was because I liked the outfit. Now, I want to be a lawyer to help people believe that justice can truly prevail. That may sound cliche, but law is a powerful field, one that offers people a sense of justice and a place to turn when they've been wronged.
Studying to be a lawyer in another country has really made me question myself, but I tell myself I should not have to do it for revenge but to help other people who might have been in similar situations as myself regardless of what country i might be residing and this is a key quality of community that honors students have.
I understood it had to do with a lot of writing and reading at that time, but as I grew older, I understood what my future career really entailed after having a personal experience of unjust treatment. As much as I do love my home country, the reality of how corrupt the legal system is cannot be overlooked.
From pain to purpose
I am originally from Lagos, Nigeria and on getting to the United states, I volunteered for Gleaners in my school food pantry all through my last year in high school and being involved in that really shaped me to understand my community and help them in ways I could. Even when I got into college, I continued to volunteer with them and a couple of other organizations, such as the Dream Alive.
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Volunteering has really built my mindset as a student, a human, and most importantly, as someone who hopes to be a lawyer someday.
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Every child deserves a gift. Although I could not provide gifts myself, I had to help in the little way I could, which was volunteering to help set up and distribute gifts. I look forward to doing so in the future as well.
These experiences have created a long term memory for me, and that is something I believe an honors student should embody. Volunteering for Dream Alive made me see the joy and innocence of younger kids when they get to receive gifts during Christmas.
How the Honors college is shaping my Future
​Working on an honors contract also helped me connect more with my professor and improve my writing, research, and analysis skills. Being part of the Honors College has shown me the value of scholarships and leadership opportunities. Scholarships would help me focus on my studies while exploring internships, research, and legal systems.
Talking to Faith Odiete, a former honors student, gave me a better idea of how the Honors College can help me reach my goals if I stay committed. She shared some great advice: find a balance between mental health and school, use internships and shadowing for hands on experience, and stay focused on my own path in college.
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Helping others has always been a part of who I am. From being on the student council to volunteering at Gleaners and mentoring at Dream Alive, I've learned a lot about teamwork and making a positive impact. I hope to keep growing as a student, a leader, and a future lawyer.
I am excited for what the future holds as I grow in college and I hope to be that beam of light that I have always wished to be in the little ways I can. From pain to purpose - Oluwasola's story.