Prairie State College recently issued the following announcement.
Benedict Shogunle, an international student at Prairie State College (PSC), recently was sworn in as the 2018 – 2019 student trustee on the college Board of Trustees.
In early April, Shogunle, who is originally from Nigeria, Africa, campaigned for the position and was elected by the student body. According to the Community College Act, as student trustee, Shogunle has all of the privileges of membership, including the right to make and second motions and to attend executive sessions. His votes, however, are advisory only.
Shogunle says he hopes to become an influencer and learn and grow as a leader in his new role.
“Improving my leadership skills means I get to be a better person for myself, which will help me to become a better person for my community,” he said.
Shogunle lives in Steger, Ill., and says that his time in the United States has been exciting so far.
“America has been an amazing journey for me. I’ve gotten a chance to meet new people from all around the world,” he said. “It has just been an exciting journey, all around.”
At PSC, Shogunle is studying Information Technology with hopes to one day become a software developer for Google. He admits to being ambitious, having already sought out the admission requirements to the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign and Ivy League schools such as Princeton.
“I am looking to get the most out of my experience here [in the US],” he said.
His passion for leadership started at a young age. He says his mentor Amu Ogbeide, a CEO of a consulting company in Nigeria, took Shogunle under his wing and taught him lessons he would need, including time management and organization skills.
Shogunle says he hopes to use his knowledge to inspire students to do more than just go to class.
“Getting involved and keeping your grades up are the most important things,” he said. “PSC has opportunities to help you find yourself. Take advantage of those opportunities and push yourself to do greater.”
When asked what he likes about PSC, his face lit up.
“Everything,” he said with a smile. “Especially the people. Prairie State College has some of the most amazing people who put their hearts into everything they do, and it’s inspiring,” he said.
Shogunle says his ultimate goal is to become a strong political leader in Nigeria. He believes he and his peers can make a difference in changing the system in his country, and he wants to be a part of that process.
For now, as student trustee, Shogunle says he wants to be more of a leader and have a positive impact on the college community.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up