Omowunmi Adedeji

Originally featured in the Fall 2014 newsletter

Omowunmi Adedeji, 25, started her academic career at Rutgers University in 2008 on the Newark campus. While taking a short leave of absence from Rutgers-Newark, Omowunmi visited the New Brunswick campus and was inspired by the tremendous academic and professional opportunities awarded to the students. It was at that time she said, “I decided to take advantage of these opportunities and surround myself with individuals who were passionate about teaching and learning.” In fall 2011, Omowunmi re-enrolled to Rutgers University to study on the New Brunswick campus in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) as a biological sciences major

As a result of transferring to the New Brunswick campus, Omowunmi has had to commute from her home in Essex County to class every day via public transportation. Although the commute has been challenging—especially during the winter and for early classes—Omowunmi says, “It has made me much more flexible and able to adapt to changes.” In addition to commuting every day for school, Omowunmi also holds a part-time job on campus to help pay for her books and other student expenses.

Through joined efforts by the University College and the Mary I. Bunting program in reaching adults and women about scholarship opportunities on the New Brunswick campus, in May 2014, Omowunmi was awarded a scholarship from the Greater Wayne Area branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The AAUW prides itself on empowering and advancing women through educational and professional opportunities. Scholarships, fellowships and grants are offered on a yearly basis through their online application process on the AAUW website.

Omowunmi describes her experience at Rutgers as rewarding, satisfying, and challenging. She says, “It is a learning environment that provides all the tools for student success. I have been fortunate to have Professors, staff, and colleagues who care about me and have helped to develop me into the person I am.” She also credits her family for providing her with a strong support system and always reminding her that hard work pays off in the end.

Omowunmi is currently a senior at Rutgers University and is enrolled in a program partnered with Rutgers’ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. This program will help to transition her into the medical school after she earns her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. Her career at Rutgers has been guided by one of her favorite quotes from Norman Vincent Peale (1898 - 1993): Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.