An Interview with Boluwatife Dorcas Oyeyemi
BACKGROUND
Boluwatife Dorcas Oyeyemi aka Bolu is a first year student studying law at the university of Birmingham. She shares her passion of becoming a human rights activist and her inspiration. "Anyone can inspire me, whether you are an average individual or just someone that people see as important".
TELL US ABOUT YOU
I'm a first year law student of the university of Birmingham. I like to study but when I'm not doing that I just like to read my novels, except romantic novels, I really dislike them. I enjoy watching movies especially Nigerian movies. I also enjoy discussing about world issues, keeping up to date with the news. I just like being informed basically, just being aware of what's going on. Although I'm an introvert I like hanging out with my flatmates sometimes. I enjoy baking, I see it as a hobby. I also like listening to Beatenberg's and Bob Marley's songs.
ROLE MODEL/INSPIRATION
A lot of things and people inspire me, so I don't really have one person that I will pinpoint as my role model. But if I'm to pinpoint it's definitely Jesus Christ because he teaches us to love people. Anyone can inspire me, whether you are an average individual or just someone that people see as important. For instance, people who are successful inspire me to be successful. And people going through human rights issues also inspire me. I'm interested in human right law and criminal justice reform. That's the field I would like to work in. They make me want to work hard to help those people. So, the whole world inspires me, I find inspiration from everywhere.
FIRST DAY OF UNI
That day was really stressful. We were asked to meet in Law 111 and I almost got missing while looking for it. I was a bit late though but everything still went well. I didn't really meet people until my second day. I was with my mum on the first day so it was actually okay.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAILY LIFE
I'm an early riser, so when I wake up I pray and read my bible. My timetable is quite alright, most days I have just one class. If I have any seminar, I make sure I go for it. No day is really the same because you never really know what may come up. But basically, it's just to go to class, and afterwards just have a meal, study and rest.
WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU LEARNT SO FAR?
I've learnt that it's not good to procrastinate. Never ever procrastinate. That's the major thing I've learnt, to be time conscious, to learn how to manage my time. There was a time I had an essay and I kept on postponing the day that I wanted to start it, until the night before the due date. It really disorganised my day because I didn't really get enough sleep, I was tired most of the day and I felt ill. So yeah good time management.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT UNI?
I like the fact that you are treated as an adult, unlike secondary or primary school, but obviously that comes with responsibilities. I like the independence because they let you grow up to be your own woman and to make your own decisions. And I've also met a lot of great people in uni, so that's good.
HOW HAS LIVING IN THE UK BEEN FOR YOU?
It has been normal so far, the only difference is basically having to plan my own meals, walking more than I usually do in Nigeria and taking public transport. But except from that it has been normal. The weather is also different but then it's not unbearable.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR COURSE
Hmmm if law is something that you are interested in and passionate about then it will be very interesting. Except from that it is stressful, you cannot be lazy and be a law student because there is a lot of work and reading. And not every book you read is going to be interesting but the overall is it's actually really interesting and stimulating.
MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT UNI
for me, it's that I don't get to see my family everyday but everything else is pretty normal.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE YET TO GO INTO THE UNIVERSITY?
They should anticipate uni, but they shouldnt be in a hurry to go to uni. Though uni is very fun but there's more work than in secondary school. You should enjoy secondary school, don't be in a hurry, don't jump classes, don't jump from primary 4 to primary 6. Just don't be in a rush to come to uni but when you are finally in uni, make the most of it. Just always remember that your degree is the number one reason you are in uni, so don't get caught up in social activities. Your degree should be your main priority.
You can follow Bolu on social media:
snapchat @boluoyeyemi
MUJI O.
Social media:
Instagram @_mujii
Facebook @Mujibat Okwilague
mujiokwilague@gmail.com