For Rowan College at Burlington County student Omolayo Akinwole, transferring from Landmark University in Nigeria after earning her bachelor’s to a university in the United States became more than an academic endeavour; it has evolved into an unexpected journey of reinvention.
Akinwole’s first few months at the University of Albany in New York, where she was to work towards her master’s in public health, were supposed to be an exciting time in a new country. Instead, she struggled to find her footing on campus, knowing a passion for nursing lay deep within her. With a short deadline, she had to transfer quickly and chose a community college in South Jersey.
But she didn’t feel a connection there, either. A second search for a college in the area led her to a place where she knew she’d receive a good education in a field she loved and finally feel at home.
“That was when I discovered RCBC, a college that offered not only an excellent nursing program and affordable tuition but also a true sense of community,” Akinwole said. “I remember my first day on campus, being welcomed with pretzels and ice cream. The simple gesture reflected the school’s heart and commitment to making students feel valid and seen.”
Even with the warm welcome, Akinwole attests to a shyness that affected her everyday life. Worried that people might not understand her because of her accent, getting a job on campus as a student ambassador was the perfect opportunity to discover that she actually fit in just fine.
“Working as a [student ambassador] really opened me up to a lot of people. I’m able to communicate with a lot of people,” Akinwole said. “And when I speak, sometimes people are like, ‘Where are you from?’ and I’ll be like, 'Oh, I’m from Nigeria.” They’ll be like, ‘Oh, I love your accent. ’ They gave me that strength, the motivation to speak.”
This emerging confidence carried into her nursing studies as well. Any lingering trepidation was dashed by RCBC nursing instructors Lisa Parker, Elizabeth Brendle, Amy Melsi, Kelly La Rocca Amy Anderson, and Kelly Rivera, as well as Nursing Program Success Manager Sheri Hunter.
“The nursing program has been awesome,” Akinwole said. “I’m more confident now, having to speak to patients. In clinicals, my instructor will push me to go talk to a patient, and I was able to talk to them, assess them, and do the right thing. Before, I was shy, but now I can do that on my own.”
For her confidence and determination, Akinwole was awarded the President’s Award and will deliver a speech at winter commencement.
Akinwole credits the first inspiration she got to chase her dreams in the U.S. to her mother and father. Although the road she took out of her home country ended up not being the one she expected after earning her bachelor’s degree, it was worth every step, as it brought her to a place where she could find her footing. She hopes the cohort that will be hearing her words will take them encouragingly.
“RCBC gave me my voice,” Akinwole said. “RCBC opened that door for me… I was welcomed with love, and I received the love. I’m trying to give back the love I received from RCBC.”
Akinwole will be speaking at 11 am commencement on Wednesday, Dec. 17. To learn more about RCBC winter commencement, visit rcbc.edu/commencement.
