Spring 2024 Commencement: Student Speaker Ayodele Onoyungbo’s Journey to Advocate for Global Change

Immigrating from Nigeria, Onoyungbo’s experience at Tri-C has fueled her ambition to pursue international relations and economics

Student Speaker Ayodele Onoyungbo left her home in Nigeria in 2019 to immigrate to the United States and create a fresh start. That fresh start included enrolling in Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) in 2022. 

After her time in the United States and at Tri-C, Onoyungbo said she feels fearless and like she can take on any challenge.  

“Tri-C taught me humility and the value of starting small,” she said. “Because of Tri-C, I am a more patient person. I have gained the courage to carve my path and make my own decisions, even if others don’t necessarily understand or agree.” 

The most important thing she learned is to be like water — quoting Memoirs of a Geisha: “Water can carve its way through stone. And when trapped, water makes a new path.” 

Onoyungbo will graduate with an Associate of Arts during the College’s Spring Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center. 

She plans to transfer to a four-year school and major in international relations and economics before going to law school. 

Tell us about yourself.  

I am passionate about being of service to people. There is something about building human connections and taking little steps every day to leave a positive impact on the world that fulfills me. I want to become an ambassador and make positive impacts and connections with people from backgrounds across the globe. I had a chart that mapped out my entire life, but moving to America was never part of the plan. It taught me to be open to life.  

Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success? 

Being at Tri-C felt like a second home. The faculty and staff are the best parts of the institution. They are my mentors and biggest supporters.  

Do you participate in student life at Tri-C (or have you in the past)? If so, please describe your experiences.  

I was part of the Democracy Fellowship, and I had incredible experiences organizing events and projects to help educate Tri-C students on their voting rights.   

Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program? 

Be patient with yourself. If you don’t get it today, you’ll get it tomorrow. Remember that your educational journey is yours and no one else’s, so you have the right to shape it as you see fit.  

Tri-C will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2024.  

May 16, 2024

Dylanne Weese, 216-987-4281 or dylanne.weese@tri-c.edu