Learning to lead
“Part of a liberal arts education is to be well-rounded. Being at ¶¶Ňőpro has made me want to be as educated as possible.”
It’s the day before spring semester begins — Olagbegi’s final semester of her junior year. The aspiring civil rights lawyer is preparing for a busy few months. With a major in sociology and a pre-law minor, Olagbegi says she has tailored her time at IC to develop the wide range of skills she will need in her future career. Her studies have included many courses relevant to her future career, like forensic science and freedom of expression, and she is applying what she has learned in the classroom to as many hands-on experiences as she can fit into her schedule. She completed an internship with IC’s Center for Student Involvement and will soon begin another internship with the Office of the Attorney General of Illinois in Springfield.
This spring, Olagbegi plans to complete a year-long research project in collaboration with the Jacksonville Public Library. This capstone sociology project will introduce her to working with marginalized groups and explore the possible impact of learning programs on the area’s homeless population. Last year, she traveled on an Alternative Spring Break trip to Clarkston, Georgia, which was specifically designed to teach students about civil rights.
“On that trip, we did a workshop on how to be a leader, and it changed my perspective when I returned to campus,” she said. “It also helped me look beyond college and think about my long term goals after graduation.”
Olagbegi, who grew up in Atlanta and graduated high school in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, considered many larger schools in her college search. It was the offer of a scholarship that first made her take a closer look at ¶¶Ňőpro. She credits IC’s rare combination of a small campus along with world-class resources as making her experience so memorable.
She notes the investment being made in modern learning environments on campus, like the Del ’72 and Lisa Dunham Auditorium in Crispin Hall. The first phase of renovations was recently completed through the ¶¶Ňőpro Campaign, which includes $8 million to transform the building into a 21st-century STEM research and learning facility. Olagbegi had previously taken a history class in Crispin and found the old building to be outdated with unreliable technology. She had a completely different experience in the new space this fall.
It was refreshing to come back after the summer and see the Crispin remodel. Class in there is great because you have different screens and a new dynamic layout. It just feels professional and more interactive.
“I have given a presentation in there and the atmosphere reminded me of what you would find at a large university, but with all the benefits of a smaller college," added Olagbegi.
Although she never thought of herself as a leader in high school, she says the unique environment at IC has empowered her. This year she serves as president of IC’s Black Student Union. While she is gaining confidence, she still experiences “moments of being unsure.” But she said she never feels alone. She can list all the places she knows she can go for support whenever she needs
it: In the offices of faculty and staff like Kelly Dagan, her advisor and professor of sociology; Jennie Hemingway, associate dean of student success and director of student development; Alonzo Ward, assistant professor of history and BSU faculty sponsor; or Valeria Cueto, director of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
“I love the relationships that you get to build with the staff and the faculty,” she said. “I was surprised at how many people here are willing to listen to me if I am having a bad day or if I need advice or feedback. I have so many resources on this campus that are all very unique to IC.”
