Hobbies and interests
Architecture
Anatomy
Biomedical Sciences
Oluwaseyifunmi Olaoye
795
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FinalistOluwaseyifunmi Olaoye
795
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FinalistBio
My name is Oluwaseyifunmi Olaoye, and my ultimate goal in life is to make a meaningful impact on the world through civil engineering. I want to design and improve infrastructure in underserved communities, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their background—has access to safe, sustainable, and well-planned spaces. I believe that infrastructure is more than just roads and buildings; it is the foundation of opportunity, equity, and progress.
I am most passionate about using my skills to create lasting change. As a Nigerian immigrant, I have seen both the struggles of my home country and the systemic barriers that exist in the U.S. These experiences have fueled my commitment to social justice, sustainability, and community development. I want to combine engineering with advocacy, ensuring that marginalized communities are not overlooked in the planning and development process.
I am a great candidate because I am resilient, determined, and deeply committed to my goals. My journey has not been easy—navigating life as an immigrant, facing financial aid challenges due to my asylum status, and overcoming obstacles that many take for granted. But these challenges have only strengthened my resolve. I am adaptable, resourceful, and willing to put in the hard work to achieve my dreams. I am not just looking for opportunities for myself I want to use my knowledge and experiences to uplift others and contribute to meaningful change.
Education
Riverside High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Engineering Chemistry
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Career
Dream career field:
Civil Engineering
Dream career goals:
Civil engineering
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Rose Ifebigh Memorial Scholarship
My name is Oluwaseyifunmi Olaoye, and I am a Nigerian immigrant currently living in Indiana. I came to the United States in 2017, and I am set to graduate in 2025. My journey has been one of growth, resilience, and discovery. Coming from Nigeria, I have always valued education and hard work, and these values have shaped my aspirations. I want to become a civil engineer, not just to build structures but to create lasting change in underserved communities, ensuring that infrastructure is both sustainable and accessible.
2. What has life been like as an immigrant/foreign student?
Life as an immigrant has been a mix of opportunities and challenges. For the most part, my experience in the U.S. has been positive, but this year has been particularly difficult as my family is in the process of filing for asylum. This has affected my eligibility for financial aid, making the path to college more uncertain. It’s a scary and frustrating situation, but I refuse to let it define my future. I know that with determination and resourcefulness, I can find a way forward.
3. Tell us something you have learned about yourself, your home country/family, and the U.S. since making your journey.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay—you just have to find a solution. This journey has shown me that I am stronger and more adaptable than I ever realized. I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for my Nigerian heritage and the resilience of my family. At the same time, I have seen both the opportunities and the systemic barriers in the U.S. While it is a country of possibilities, it is also a place where immigrants and marginalized communities have to fight for their place. This understanding has made me even more determined to succeed and give back.
4. How has this journey impacted your life and career choices?
This journey has shaped my desire to become a civil engineer with a focus on improving infrastructure in underserved communities. I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of proper infrastructure can limit opportunities, and I want to be part of the solution. My experiences have also deepened my commitment to social justice, making me passionate about ensuring that resources and opportunities are distributed fairly. Though the road ahead is uncertain, I know that my journey has given me opportunities I never knew I had, and I am ready to make the most of them.