Ifeoluwa Oladimeji

I used to think advocacy meant speaking up for people. Then, while interviewing a young Ukrainian activist about the impact of war on her life, I learned that sometimes the most important thing an advocate can do is step back. When her story became difficult to tell, I instinctively tried to fill the silence. I soon realized that by speaking for her, I was taking away the very voice I hoped to amplify. I left that interview with the understanding that real change begins with listening.

At The University of Texas at Austin, I am majoring in International Relations and Global Studies to better understand the policies and institutions that shape our increasingly interconnected world. I am especially interested in human rights and American foreign policy in East Asia, and I hope to explore how the law, diplomacy, education policy, and human rights advocacy can be used to support the rights of people around the world.

At UT, I hope to continue growing as a student and an advocate, challenging my understanding of the world through the perspectives of the people I meet and the ideas I encounter. I want to leave the university with a deeper understanding of international relations and human rights, and with the curiosity to approach complex problems from perspectives different from my own. Most importantly, I hope my time at UT will teach me how to turn what I learn into meaningful human rights advocacy.

Major
International Relations and Global Studies

Other Academic Interests
I am also interested in obtaining a Bridging Disciplines Program (BDP) certificate in Human Rights and Social Justice.

Extracurricular Activities 
Research Assistant, Human Rights Education Associates
Intern, Whalen Law Office
Founder & Co-President, Model United Nations; Organized FISDMUN Conference
Youth Changemaker and Imagine Project Intern, Generation Human Rights
Student Advisor, FISD Legislative Leadership Committee

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
From the moment I arrived on campus during finalist weekend, I knew that the Forty Acres Scholars Program was unlike any other scholarship program I had heard of. The warm, friendly atmosphere created by the scholars quickly trickled down to us finalists, helping us become more comfortable during a stressful time. It became clear to me during that weekend that the scholarship went beyond monetary value, as it encourages scholars to pursue their passions and supports them as they explore new ones. I was drawn to the opportunity to be part of a community that would challenge me to grow, both academically and personally, while surrounding me with people who are equally passionate about making a positive impact in the world. I knew that as a Forty Acres Scholar, I would become part of a community that would continue to shape who I am and who I hope to become.