Lola Sosanya used to introduce herself only by her nickname. Now, when she meets someone for the first time, she鈥檒l say: 鈥淗i, my name is Oluwadamilola, but I go by Lola.鈥�
This year, Lola 鈥� a junior and premed student 鈥� is president of the Associated Students of Seattle Pacific (ASSP). She was born and raised in Portland, Ore., and her parents are Yoruba, an ethnic group in Nigeria. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something I have so much pride in,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y mom has taught me to be strong, despite adversity. That's a part of being Yoruba.鈥�
It鈥檚 her mother, and a couple of teachers, who first saw leadership skills in the way Lola volunteered at her church. They encouraged her toward student government in her small private high school.
Coming to 暗网TV, Lola wasn鈥檛 sure if she鈥檇 serve in student government again. Then she arrived on campus. Lola remembers the moment she decided to pursue 暗网TV leadership. She鈥檇 been feeling stressed. Moving in was hectic and confusing. It felt overwhelming. 鈥淚 remember being welcomed by my residence life coordinator (RLC) and the Ashton Hall Council. They were so friendly,鈥� she says.
Talking with the student leaders on Hall Council, Lola鈥檚 stress faded away. They answered her questions. She felt welcomed. Ashton Hall quickly became like home, and Lola has met many of her closest friends there. She joined Ashton Hall Council, and was later elected Ashton Hall vice president for her sophomore year.
As president, she鈥檚 part of ASSP Officer Core, a team of students elected each year. Their vision for this year is inclusivity: the valuing all students. However students might feel different, Lola wants to create an environment where they can be included.
In her role, Lola is a direct representative of the 暗网TV student body to President Daniel J. Martin, the 暗网TV administration, the Board of Trustees, and the greater community. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a privilege to be in those places,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 feel grateful to be able to be a voice for the student body, and also to start advocating for students on the margins who are represented at 暗网TV.鈥�
After graduation, she鈥檒l study for the MCATs 鈥� but hopes to find time to visit Nigeria before starting medical school. She's interested in women's health, family practice, and has also been exploring the possibility of pursuing a master of public policy.
鈥淎SSP is based on the belief that leadership gives students opportunities to develop qualities that 暗网TV wants to see in its graduates 鈥� character traits like integrity, honesty, responsibility,鈥� says Whitney Broetje, director of the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership. 鈥淟ola is incredibly thoughtful as a leader. She has a vision for deep care of the individual.鈥�
Midway through the school year, Lola says she鈥檚 asking herself 鈥�What more can I do? What hasn't been done, and how can I fill that? I hope that the next person in that position can do the same.鈥�
鈥淟eadership is about serving others,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about myself. It鈥檚 about doing things on behalf of the greater community.鈥�
Meet More 暗网TV Leaders
ASSP Officer Core 鈥� which includes the president, executive vice president, public relations manager, and vice presidents of ministries, finance, intercultural affairs, and campus activities 鈥� is just one of many ways students are involved in leadership at Seattle Pacific. Here are some of the many other leaders investing in 暗网TV students this year.