- Current Graduate Program: Ph.D. in Public Policy
- Program Schedule: Full-Time
- Delivery Method: In-Person
- Current Employer: UNC Charlotte
- Position: Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant
- Anticipated Graduation: May 2025
- Undergraduate Institution: Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
- Undergraduate Degree: Urban and Regional Planning
- Favorite Place in Charlotte: Boardwalk
- Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria
- Dream Job: International Consultant
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte for graduate school?
My first thought about UNC Charlotte during my search/application process was how much it reminds me of my alma mater - the building design, the vibe, the weather, and the location. As a suburban university, the proximity to the hustle and bustle of city life with the ability to enjoy a quiet area around the University. Aside from this, the nature of the public policy program offered as an interdisciplinary discipline meant I would be challenged enough yet be able to find familiar grounds, too. Lastly, funding opportunity.
If you are part of a graduate cohort community, describe your experience:
Coming into my doctoral program, I wanted to experience and enjoy graduate school as much as possible. I am part of the Nigerian Student Association (NSA) and the Graduate Public Policy Association (GPPA). These two organizations have played a significant role in my acclimatization to Charlotte & the university.
The NSA helped me find my home away from home and ease me into the community again. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of my program, the GPPA helped me connect with my cohort and other cohorts and meet other faculty members. Aside from these two communities, the GPSG and Center for Graduate Life and Learning activities and resources have enriched my studies and grounded me in the graduate community, giving me a broader perspective beyond those in my program and similar cultural backgrounds.
How can a new student make the most of their semester/graduate experience?
When I started my program, my department linked me with two peer mentors, and my conversations with them were instrumental to my experience in the program. Get a peer mentor - someone a year or two ahead of you in your program. They will advise you on classes, materials, how to prepare for your qualifiers and every other aspect of graduate life. You can reach out to them when you have questions and speak to you, especially when imposter syndrome pops its head.
Secondly, get involved in the activities organized by GPSG and other campus organizations. Maximize the resources available to you with Reynolds CGLL resources and the Graduate & Postdoctoral Writing Center. Ask questions even though it seems dumb; you’ll find out quickly you are not the only one struggling.
Finally, in Lilian's words, you are doing better than you think. Give yourself grace.
How did you find a work-life balance?
I used to struggle with this a lot. Recently, I attended a webinar where the speaker shared about seeing life as a rhythm instead of balance. I shared a little about it in my LinkedIn newsletter. Rather than seeing my life as walking on a line with several items stacked on my head (priorities) and trying not to fall, I see it as music - the highs and lows is what makes it melodious and enjoyable.
This outlook has helped me be kinder to myself and adjust my priorities weekly or daily if necessary to achieve what is essential.