“Hard work is the difference between those who obtain success and those who maintain it.” Meet Beedie Luminary, Chinenye Oluka, who is attending UBC. Learn more about Chinenye.
What program will you be taking in post-secondary and why does it interest you?
Computer Science – I wish to explore how to program technology to enhance our day-to-day lives.
Tell us a little bit about your background (growing up, going to school, extra-curricular activities, etc.).
I am an immigrant from Nigeria and a daughter of a family which relies on a single-parent income. I grew up being surrounded by many kind-hearted people, such as Ryan Beedie, that went the extra mile to support both myself and my family. Their acts of kindness instilled in my soul the desire to reach out to others and help them. So throughout elementary school and high school, I involved myself in a variety of activities which gave me the opportunity to be part of amazing teams of volunteers that rallied together for worthwhile causes. I am who I am today because of my past; it has made me the strong, empathetic and resilient woman that I am, and I would not want to have lived any other way. I hope that in the future as a computer scientist, I will be able to contribute to technology that will brighten the days of individuals, whether by bringing a smile to their face, or by ridding them of an unnecessary obstacle in life. I hope to be as helpful to the future generation, as others have been to me.
Who inspires you, and why?
I am constantly inspired by the every-day people that I rub shoulders with, which after – and oftentimes, while – enduring trials, can still be found with smiles on their faces, and laughter in their hearts. They encourage me to live life with a joyful demeanor.
What motivates you, and why?
I am motivated by my desire to overcome my undesirable circumstances and to pass down to others in need, the hope and help that I was given.
What are your goals for the upcoming school year?
To get adjusted to post-secondary life: to discern techniques that help me learn efficiently, learn about various clubs, societies, and opportunities available for me on campus, establish a good friend group, and to continue being involved in my volunteering activities with my Church.
What is one thing you learned in high school that you will take with you to post-secondary?
That hard work is the difference between those who obtain success and those who maintain it.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to future Luminaries?
When deciding on what to study, make sure to think about the end goal –i.e. your future work and workplace – and really consider if the activities associated with the future job, are things that you will actually enjoy doing every day for a long time.
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