Osayaniriuwa Enagbare
Being the first in her family to go to college means something special to Osayaniriuwa.
“For my family in particular, I’m doing the impossible-and it feels like it sometimes. It just means I am fulfilling something that I was supposed to be doing, like something I was born to do, to help out my family. Being first generation for a lot of people, especially people of color, means we’re not only students, but we are also working and doing other things because of circumstances that we can’t really control. It’s been difficult but something I’ve learned to balance.” Osayaniriuwa’s parents immigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria. Since she is exposed to the Nigerian culture at home and the American culture in school, she has learned to embrace both cultures. By coming from such a unique background, Osayaniriuwa feels as though she has an advantage. “For me, by having such a completely different viewpoint and experience from people who have the privilege to be non-first-generation, I think I get to see the world in a different way.” Osayaniriuwa is very fortunate to have a supportive family. |
“I think they're just very supportive of my major I know a lot of other immigrant kids who don't really have that ‘oh you can do whatever you want to do’ support from their family. Honestly, they would have been ecstatic if I wanted to be a doctor, but my mom and my dad always told me to do what makes you happy.”
Osayaniriuwa’s mother is self-employed as a hairdresser and Osayaniriuwa looks up to her when it comes to entrepreneurship. She is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance to not only make a living from, but to help herself and her family be financially educated.
“I wanted to be at a better place and my parents obviously wanted the same for me. I wanted to know more about handling money and by having this background, I’ll be able to not only just help myself, but help my parents with whatever issues they are dealing with as well as give back to other people in the community who do not have the same access to the resources like I do.”
Osayaniriuwa’s mother is self-employed as a hairdresser and Osayaniriuwa looks up to her when it comes to entrepreneurship. She is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance to not only make a living from, but to help herself and her family be financially educated.
“I wanted to be at a better place and my parents obviously wanted the same for me. I wanted to know more about handling money and by having this background, I’ll be able to not only just help myself, but help my parents with whatever issues they are dealing with as well as give back to other people in the community who do not have the same access to the resources like I do.”