‘Don’t just fit in; stand out’

Another Nigerian, a married woman and a mother, Adebimpe Daniels, has graduated with First Class honours in Information System and emerged as the best student of the 2017 graduating set of the Rutgers University, Newark, United States of America.

Do not just fit in – stand out! That was the last line in her valedictory speech as the 2017 best graduating student of the Rutgers University, Newark, United States of America.

It would appear as if Adebimpe Daniels, from her first day at the university, had set her eyes on the diadem. But she did live it up, despite all odds, and mounted the podium to tell her story – and what a story!

As a married woman, with children (a potential force of distraction for many others), she refused to allow the pressure of being a wife and a mother take her eyes off her goal. But, like many other grass-to-grace stories of success, Adebimpe drew strength from her lowly background, and determined to bake a good pie with the providential flour fate handed to her.

In her speech entitled ‘Half of the story is yet to be told’, she spoke about how she was a beneficiary of community’s largesse.

“As a little girl who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria in Africa, I was born into the adventure of uncertainty and the grandeur of unrealistic aspirations of a low-income home in a gender-biased society,” she told her audience.

According to her, though her father knew the importance of education, he could not afford to give all his children equal educational opportunity. Her education was at a time put on hold for her brothers’.

But this did not deter her; she searched for alternative means of survival.

“I persisted! I am fortunate to be here amongst you through scholarships, which would have been impossible if the community didn’t give back.

“I am saying this not because it feels good or because it is the right thing to say. I am saying this with all passion because I am a product of community aid.”

She appreciated the “incredible support and help” she got from her family, mentors and teachers, and especially her parents, husband and children.

“This is your moment, too. I wouldn’t be on this stage without your help, love and support.”

Then, to the Rutgers community she said:

“It’s not possible for me to know all of you. Neither is it possible for you to know all of me. However, I know one thing for sure – what you stand for, because you chose this university.

“Indeed, RU-N has enabled not just me, but all of us to actualize a part of our dream, to create a story of intellectualism through diligence and hard work in order to be in these chairs today. However, that is only half of our story.”

As it turned out, Adebimpe was not entirely without her anxieties – trepidation even – when she first joined Rutgers-Newark, being “a person of color, a female  and a Muslim.”

She said: “What does it mean to the LGBTQ community? What does it mean to you?

“I must confess that I did not have a full understanding of Rutgers University-Newark’s diversity & community, until I became the diversity I wanted to see. Rutgers-Newark is known nationally as the most diverse university.

“The year 2017 has seen a political controversy for sure, but Rutgers-Newark rose above all polarization. The day Rutgers and NJIT gathered to protest against the Muslim ban, I marvelled on how we gathered to strengthen the bond of our existence. We acknowledged the need to look out for one another in such unifying camaraderie because we recognized the importance and benefits of diversity.

“In the face of this political acrimony, Rutgers-Newark reminds us about the fabric of this great nation – DIVERSITY. This is possible because this community welcomes everybody; and transforms every story and dreams into reality.

“Let us all keep in mind as we move forward into the next phase of our lives not to settle for mediocrity because ‘to whom much is given much is expected.’

She also thanked her professors, mentors, managers, and friends.

“You all should take pride in this moment because you were my pillars and inspirations. You first believed in me, before I even started to believe in myself.

“I personally believe that quality education is a navigation tool that enables dreams to become reality. Yet, at the same time, it is a baton passed unto each and every one of us to make a difference in the world; to develop a cause, to be able to fight for a passion –because this is how change can be revolutionary. Do not just stand to be counted, but stand to be heard!

“Finally, I say to you, mates – remember not to forget your dreams and aspirations. Most importantly, remember not to forget to leave your mark in the sand of time by blazing your own trail.

“Do not just fit in – stand out!”