Oluwatomisin Okuwobi’s Post

Diary of TheSmallWoman at the University of Roehampton (First entry) It feels weird to have a different subject here, but it’s a whole other experience and I have so much to share Contrary to my expectation for myself as someone who struggles with imposter syndrome and social anxiety, studying in a new country has been a dream. Maybe it is because I feel like no one here knows me or my story, or because, for some weird reason, being the only black girl in class makes me feel like I have to represent us Blacks and Nigerians right, but I have been able to self express really well I am typically very shy, an over-thinker, and I sometimes wonder if I deserve all the good things that happen to me. But it’s like I’m a whole new person. I mean, those feelings still creep in sometimes, but it has been easier to remind myself that I am no imposter because: 1. I am a Jesus baby and I am entitled to everything that comes with being one 2. I did put in the work. Aced my exams and interviews, wrote a mean personal statement (you should see it. It’s a beautiful piece if I do say so myself), and committed and still committing a lot to everything I do Now, here are a few things I’ve learnt since becoming an international student in the UK 📌 Regardless of how actively you run away from leadership roles, if you want to be extraordinary, those responsibilities will find you. (Learnt this from Akindele Afolabi during one of my calls to complain about schoolwork episodes with him 📌 Answering questions wrong is not a bad thing. In fact, it is better because the correction stays with you 📌 There’s nothing as rewarding as being your authentic self. I struggled with authenticity when I first came here. I found myself trying to sound like the UK people, and it was exhausting. I eventually asked myself why I change my accent for them to understand me when they don’t do same. My confidence in speaking to people has been 100x better since then 📌 Moving with the right people is just as important anywhere. I met JOSEPH AGYEI and Maryam Moradi and having them around has made school so much easier. Great study buddies, assignment helpers/reminders and the most amazing friends 📌All the little things matter. Since being here, I have decided that I want to live a full life. One where when I’m old, I can be happy about the life I’ve lived. In this light, I am being very intentional about doing the things I want like taking dance classes, (I used to be a really good dancer and I want that back), walks in the sun to appreciate the beauty that is nature, and learning a new musical instrument. Oh yes…I’m learning German with Duolingo. It sounds like such an ‘aggressive language’, but I think it’s sehr interessant 😂 The past 3 months have been the most challenging, yet rewarding months of my life and I am so grateful for the growth and experiences Ps: This is my 'I am glad to start a new position as a student at University of Roehampton' post #learning #experience