Sophomore | Economics & Finance
Choosing a university to attend can be a difficult decision, but imagine attending a university you had never visited, in another country, on a different continent, over 6,500 miles from where you lived.
Living in Lagos, Nigeria, that’s exactly what Oludamilola “Dami” Adekoya did after applying online to Baylor.
“I saw the pictures of campus on the website when I applied,” he said. “My dad was an architect, so I have an appreciation for architectural design and thought Baylor looked like a prestigious campus.”
But it wasn’t just appearances that sold Adekoya on Baylor – he also received input from friends and family.
“I learned about the university from a few seniors at Baylor who had gone to my high school, Loyola Jesuit College,” he said. “Also, a deacon in my church talked to me about Baylor. My family was anxious but excited for me after I was accepted. One of my older brothers had gone to Canada, so it was a little easier for me to leave home after him.”
Originally pre-med, Adekoya is now double majoring in Economics and Finance and has been accepted to the business school’s BEST program.
“I like the integration of the Christian faith and academics here at Baylor,” he said. “I think economics is fascinating, and I thought finance would provide good training for my business career. I applied to BEST for all the opportunities and the interesting projects. I’m really looking forward to the class.”
Adekoya hasn’t been home in two years and admits to getting homesick, but he has joined campus organizations that keep him engaged. He’s the 2010-2011 vice president of finance for Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity; and the 2010-2011 treasurer for the African Students Association (ASA).
“I like the business, social and service aspects that are covered in Alpha Kappa Psi,” he said. “I have weekly meetings for both Alpha Kappa Psi and ASA. For ASA, we hold a weekend in the fall with universities from all over Texas that come to campus to put on a talent show and share cultural activities. There’s a small group of Nigerians on campus, and I know many of them from ASA. We’ll get together and reminisce about Nigeria.”
As far as cultural differences, Adekoya said he’s become acclimated to American culture and adapted to Texas as well – he’s now a big fan of Mexican food. He has kept his love of Reggae music, which he said is popular in Nigeria, and still enjoys soccer, which he played in high school and is the national sport of Nigeria.
“I’ve gotten used to watching American sports,” he said. “Although, Americans waste so much time between plays, like in football. I like watching soccer when they play straight through!”
After graduation, Adekoya hopes to continue his education with earning an MBA and may leave his legacy through entering politics.
“I would like to work at an investment bank or firm and definitely earn an MBA,” he said. “I would like to return to Nigeria eventually, go into politics and affect change within the country.”