Whether racing around the track, working on the third floor of the library or cracking jokes on the comedy stage, senior Ini Oyewusi has taken full advantage of opportunities to get involved on Colgate University’s campus. She has balanced being a member of the Colgate track and field team, improvisational comedy troupe Charred Goosebeak, the African Student Union and the Black Student Union. Additionally, she has worked as a sports medicine trainer for the Colgate football team, a peer research assistant and in the communications department of Colgate Athletics.
Oyewusi, a sociology major from Columbus, Ohio, has kept herself busy with all of these pursuits. While each of these vast activities worked to shape her Colgate experience, two in particular have stood out above the rest.
“Charred Goosebeak and working with the football team were both really influential for me. I got to have a life outside of [being an athlete] with both, which was really nice. I got to meet a lot of people that I normally wouldn’t have interacted with,” Oyewusi shared.
Additionally, her work with the football team even gave her clarity on what she wanted to do with her future and experience in the field.
“Working with football was also really influential because that’s what I want to continue doing with my future, so it’s really nice getting that experience in,” Oyewusi said.
When preparing for college, many incoming freshmen are given similar advice about putting themselves out there and being open to all of the opportunities that come their way. Oyewusi has embodied this advice while on campus and gained invaluable personal growth from doing so. Reflecting on how she has grown during her time at Colgate, she had this to share.
“I’m way more comfortable putting myself in uncomfortable situations and just being in spaces where you don’t know anyone and being able to make connections in a meaningful way,” Oyewusi remarked. “I think Colgate being so small has really helped me grow out of my shell, not be so shy and push myself to get to know a lot more people, which was nice. I feel like I’ve matured a lot.”
However, Oyewusi knows it isn’t just the number of connections you can make while on campus, but also how meaningful they can be to your experience.
“I never understood the Colgate connection until I came here. I feel like when I came here my cup wasn’t full, and now I’m leaving and it’s overflowing. I have friends that I consider to be family and I know I’m gonna have in my life for so long. And as silly as it sounds, the Colgate connection is a real thing. And you truly do find that with people here.” Oyewusi articulated.
While walking away from Colgate with lifelong friends is an accomplishment on its own, it is not the only life skill she has recalled being taught while on campus.
“I think that it’s super important to learn how to push yourself out of that comfort zone and just do whatever it is that you can and like,” Oyewusi voiced. “Say yes to everything and if you have too much on your plate, no one’s going to judge you.”
Not all of the skills gained on campus are big personal revelations, some come in seemingly small ways.
“You learn so many skills over your four years here. You learn how to go to office hours. Whether you believe it or not, that’s a huge skill. Being able to ask for help on something you don’t understand is a really big thing,” Oyewusi shared.
After graduation, Oyewusi will be spending the summer in Hamilton while she applies to graduate schools to pursue a master’s degree in sports management with the eventual goal of becoming a director of football operations or even an athletic director.
Oyewusi’s parting advice to current and further Colgate students align with the mentality she went through Colgate with.
“It sounds so cheesy and corny, and you hear it all the time. But, take advantage of what you can. If something seems cool to you, then go do it. Don’t worry so much about what other people think, because at the end of the day, it’s your life. You’re gonna be the one who looks back and wishes you did this or that,” Oyewusi noted.
