The Non-Immigrant Student: Recent Episodes
The Non-Immigrant Student
The Non-Immigrant Student podcast is an audio journal of my grad-school journey in the United States of America.It is an inspirational podcast that seeks to encourage and provide guidance to other non-immigrant students across the globe on how to live their best lives while fulfilling their Study Abroad dreams. My stories reveal the hacks, tips, and tricks I have learned while on this journey and I honestly believe that ''If I can do it, you can do it too!''So excited to have you with me on this journey, Welcome!
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Hi guys,
I'm back with yet another episode featuring one of my best guys, Excel Chukwurah! "A friend, a colleague and a brother", we've spent the last two years making the best of our work & personal lives in New York City since we we both moved here from Chicago and Ithaca, NY. Sadly, Excel & I will be temporarily saying goodbye to the US as we will be moving abroad to keep our jobs and maintain legal status of our US immigration. In this episode, we reminisce about our individual journey(s) to the US, dealing with shitty work situations, and all the fun memories we made while living in New York City. We also "schpiel" the tea of our new work locations/countries and options to consider when at a risk of losing your work authorization as a US non-immigrant. Fun-fact: One of us will be moving to another country in the Americas while the other will be moving to a country in Europe. Can you guess who?! It's definitely an episode of mixed feelings, bitter-sweet emotions and happy nostalgia of our time in the US so far. We had so much fun recording this and we hope you have as much fun listening. Lastly, if you have any well-wishes, advice or tips to share for moving to a new country, please send them via the 'Fan note' link and be rest assured that it is received with gratitude.
Tasty Bagels & Crusty Pizzas,
Tolu & Excel
p.s - This is a special episode on The Non-Immigrant Student Podcast which is why it has been paywalled to make it exclusive to the NIS community. To join this community and/or listen to other special episodes, subscribe to the NIS podcast starting at $3/month (or $36 annually) with the opportunity to cancel at anytime. Your support means a lot to me ā¤ļø ~ Tolu O.
Please rate the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen; it helps me reach other people like you. Also, follow here for more :) Thank you!
Leave me a fan note ā¤ļø
HELLLLOOOO GOOD PEOPLE! Yes, yes, I have missed you too.
How have you been? I hope you have been keeping well. If I told you all that has happened to me within the last three months since you heard from me here, you would not believe! So many changes! I didn't know Season 4 of my life in the US would hit so hard! I'm now in a state of perpetual embrace brothers & sisters, haha! (I really do hope you get the joke).
In this episode, I'm back with another guest, a return guest, my friend, your friend - Dr. Pearl Achuoboro Abue! Fun-fact, she was our very first guest on this podcast and in our very first episode together (Season 1, Episode 6), she shared how she almost dropped out of the Chemical Engineering PhD program in 2021 but now stands ready to don the title of "Doctor" in 2024.
Her academic path, shaped profoundly by her father's encouragement and eventual loss, provides a poignant counterpoint to Pearl's story. She opens up about the rollercoaster ride of switching academic tracks, the impact of her fatherās passing in December 2021, and the emotional toll it took. Pearl and I discuss the intersections of grief and motivation, touching on the emotional trials that come with losing a loved one while striving to meet academic milestones. She shares her experiences with finding a therapist who helped manage her grief and academic stress, and we both reflect on the importance of mental health and support systems. Newcomers will get to know Pearl through our shared history, and everyone will be reminded of the incredible power of perseverance and the unwavering support of loved ones.
We end this heartfelt episode with a discussion about healing and growth through therapy, prayer, and find out what's next for Dr. Abue. What does it take to bounce back from the brink of academic despair to the cusp of graduation? Well, find out in this latest episode, and watch this video to recap our best moments from that weekend. (Fun-fact: I was the resident photographer/videographer at all the events!)
As always, we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!
Ph.Done āš¾āš¾; mic drop...
Lots of love & BBQ steaks from Austin TX,
Tolu & Dr. P
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Please rate the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen; it helps me reach other people like you. Also, follow here for more :) Thank you!
Hi guys!!!
How are you doing? How have you been? I hope you're thriving & in good health!
I'm back with yet another new episode and this time, I came back with a three-time guest; one of my best girls, Busayo!
In this episode, we dive into the details of our first big fight and how it almost cost us our 11-year long friendship! It all started with a Galentine brunch, a shopping spree and a night over that went south very quickly! We reflected on how we handled the conflict and why we chose to repair our friendship before it was too late.
I'm reminded that friendships are like gardens, requiring patient tending, honest conversations, and the willingness to grow together. As always, we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!
With love from NY/NJ,
Toolz x Bussy B
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
Hey guys,
Season 4 is finally here!!! And I'm back with a surprise for you....I'm on a new mic!šš¾
Definitely feeling excited, elated, exhilarated about the new year but at the same time - anxious, worried and tippy-toed!
My hope is to capture all of these feelings in this new season, and share how I will be embracing and navigating the perceived changes in this new year.
I'm all set, are you? Let's go! š
See you in the airwaves,
Tolu
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
Happy New Year my fellow NISs!
Wow itās been 3 years doing podcasting. Started in 2021 just after I moved to the US and now weāre here. Season 3 was a good run - I learnt to navigate adulthood, living in New York City, and survived corporate America. I definitely feel like I learnt a lot about myself!
This season will be all about 'Embracing Change'. The plan is to welcome any curve ball life throws at me; to fully embrace it, navigate it and adapt gracefully. This will also be my fourth year in the US as a non-immigrant (foreign national living/working in the US on a non-immigrant visa), and I canāt wait to see what this new season holds.
Some changes Iām kinda looking forward to this year - change in job levels/a promotion, change in relationship status, change in spiritual levels (higher calling), change in work location, residential address changes, changes in friendships, changes in lifestyle choices (health & fitness-wise), changes in my emotional health, overcoming fears (driving, skydiving)....and THE LIST GOES ON!
If youāre also anticipating some changes in your life this year then this season/podcast is for you. I hope you stick with me for the time being, and enjoy the ride.
Tell a friend to tell a friend, your girl's beeeeckkkkkkk!!!
See you in the next episode(s),
Tolu O.
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
This podcast was originally recorded for Youtube and can be viewed here.
Our conversation ventures beyond the professional, diving into the essence of what it means to be healthy in every aspect of life. We navigate the murky waters of emotional and financial stability, touching on the lessons learned from our Nigerian roots to the challenges faced abroad. Discover the role of spirituality in our lives, both as a source of strength and as a guiding compass through adversity.
Tune in to hear how we grapple with the delicate balance of body image, the intricacies of social interaction as introverts and extroverts, and the discipline it takes to pursue holistic well-being.
Happy Listening!
Tolu x Lade
P.S - Some additional links from the YT video:
- āOn My Trip to New York, from Boston" by World of Escape on Medium.
- Omolade's podcast where she shares "...a layman guide to hacking your diet, health, beauty and fitness routine". Follow her on Instagram @grow.with.lade.
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
Helllllllooo people,
Itās almost time to bid farewell to 2023, and usher in a new year! Grateful for the many of you that are still here and hoping for a bigger and better next year for all of us!
I hope this episode also inspires you to look back on the beautiful year youāve had, what could have gone better and lessons you might have learned about life and yourself.
Sending you warm hugs from NYC, and wishing you a very wonderful new year ahead! Happy Listening :)
Much much love x Respect,
Tolu
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
Recently, I had a very crazy idea to voice log a day in my weekend life in NYC! It took a lot to put it together but Iām so happy to see it worked out!
I had such a cool & cozy Saturday ft. laundry, a visit to the nail saloon, plant mum duties, cooking a typical Nigerian breakfast and hosting a friend! My friend came over to spend the whole day and we had a lot to catch up on and chat about - from societal expectations of women to age-old gender roles, to the sometimes unequal division of household chores in marriage. Also, about possible low levels of Vitamin D in Black people, cultural ignorance and offensive assumptions/stereotypes about Nigerians...yeah, it was a whole LOT.
I hope you enjoy listening, and getting to know me a little better as this is nothing like Iāve ever done before.
Today is also Nov. 23, 2023! Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving if youāre in the US and reading this today! I also hope you enjoy(ed) the holiday/weekend.
Till next time...with love from NYC,
Tolu (& Funto)
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
Heyyyy y'all!
I'm baaaack, and this time I'm back with a familiar guest - Bussy B!
As Detty December approaches, Busayo and I sit down to reminisce our experience(s) of going back to Nigeria during Christmas (for me) and Summer (for her). I went back home in December 2022 to see my family and attend my sister's wedding while she went back in July 2023 to obtain her H-1B/American work visa, and also spend time with her family.
We share some tips to prepare for the sweet (and somewhat sour) experience of going back home, and air some dirty laundry about what it's like living with your parents again, haha!
It's all love, laughter and banter and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!
'IJGB' hugs from NYC,
Tolu & Bussy
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
Hi guys!
Coming to you all the way from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, please say hello to my friends and fellow Corp baddies - Pearl Abue, Daniella Mafe & Blessing 'Bibichukwu' Akonure.
I've never had more than two guests per time on a recorded episode so I was a bit nervous about the outcome BUT we had so much fun doing it! (and the episode chapters say it all!)
I hope you learn a thing or two from our work/visa struggles, and enjoy hearing from adults in their late twenties/early thirties, about their love, dating & "marriage" experience(s), haha!
Also, for visual updates of my trip to Mexico - please see my Mexico š²š½ highlights on Instagram (Part I & II), and join the rest of The Non-Immigrant Student Community on my Instagram channel for more life updates!
Okay then, let me leave you to it. Happy Listening and please do let me know what you think! Thank you!
Con Amor desde Mexico,
TPDB
P.S. - If you're interested in a branded NIS T-shirt, kindly sign-up here for one :)
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
Sneaking this in again - Podcast feedback form :)
Have a lovely rest of your week!
Tolu
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
My AI co-host's description for this episode: Ever wondered how it feels to step out of your comfort zone, face your fears, and conquer new territories? Well, this episode is a testament to that! As your host, Tolulope 'Esther' Olukanmi , I take you through a captivating journey. I discuss my life's voyage, from growing up in Nigeria to making my mark in the American corporate world. Be prepared to share in my joys, hardships, and amusing anecdotes - like becoming a proud plant mom and an entrepreneur selling T-shirts. I delve into my enriching experiences at the Woman Evolve conference, highlighting the diversity, strength, and beauty of black women and also share an unusual Amazon order gaffe. In the concluding segment, I reflect on some of the most impactful aspects of my life. I talk about health, a necessary doctor's visit and time-off work to recover from burnout, travel, and my adventurous exploration of alternative ways to commute around the bustling city of New York. I also share my exhilarating experience of selling my first batch of NIS T-shirts and how it has influenced my finances. As we wrap up, I delve into the healing power of love, art, exploring how understanding the context behind an artist's work can transform our perception of it. It's an episode filled with raw emotions, candid discussions, and uplifting narratives. You wouldn't want to miss it!
vs.
My description for this episode: What my AI Cohost said! Looool, she be doing tewww much tho' but for the most part, she told no lies! Also, I came across the trailer I used to introduce Season 1 of this podcast back in 2021 and decided to use it as the intro for this episode. And maybe going forward as well? We'd see! Anyway, as always, I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording! (Sneaking this in too, haha - Podcast feedback form).
Restful hugs,
Esther O.
P.S. - I also have a visual recap of the Woman Evolve 2023 conference here - 1 , 2 , 3, Bonus. Enjoy!
P.P.S. - Welcome to Fall 2023, officially! I'm also still wondering if to go for Adekunle Gold's concert next week or not, lol (insert hot tears!)... arrghh. Yeah. Okay, bye!
Support the show
Please rate the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a review where you can. It helps me reach more people. Thank you! Also, follow here for more :)
Hi guys!
I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording!
As promised:
- T-Shirt interest form
- Feedback form (I'd love to hear from you!)
- Love, Dating, Marriage Youtube channel
- The Morning Show on Apple TV+
- Painkiller on Netflix
- My article on Addiction - Dancing with The Devil
- Going back to Cornell
Till next time āš¾,
Tolu O.
Support the showThere's always more to the story! Follow here for more :)
Hey guys!
I'm back one more time before July wraps-up, and this time I'm back with a guest! Yay!
So I caught up with an old friend over brunch up about two weeks ago and decided that we needed to continue the conversation over a podcast episode. We had so much fun recounting how we met (during NYSC) and sharing how we've been full-blown thrust into Adulthood since then!
This guest is none other than Ibukun Joyce Aiyemo - Former Marketing Lead at Burger King, Nigeria & current MBA student at the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia. She is also popularly dubbed as The Ibk Global on Instagram.
She reminisces on building a successful marketing career with juggernauts like Domino's Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, Pinkberry and Burger King back in Lagos, Nigeria. Also, her decision to uproot her life and chase an MBA dream in the United States, and how she navigates her way through the challenges of business school. From tough academic requirements to adapting to a foreign culture, then financial planning for an MBA, the harsh realities of job interviews, and the importance of creating relationships that matter.
We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!
With love from Lagos, New York City & Toronto,
Tolu & Ibk
P.S: I mighty forgot to introduce myself to our new listeners at the beginning of the episode. Frankly speaking, I'm the coolest person you'd ever meet and you can watch me prove that right (or wrong, haha) here. I hope you come back for another episode too. Enjoy! :)
Support the showThere's always more to the story :) Follow on Instagram @thenonimmigrantstudent so you don't miss any deets!
Can you believe it's already been a year since I joined Google? Time flies when you're learning, growing, and embracing new experiences! In this special episode, I take a moment to express my gratitude to God, the friends who have supported me throughout my incredible journey, and share some of the invaluable lessons I've picked up along the way. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on these insights that could make a massive difference in your own career.
Ever felt held back by assumptions about age or experience? Well, it's time to shatter those limitations! We delve into the often-overlooked issue of ageism in the workplace, discussing how to break free from preconceived notions and truly respect one another, regardless of age. Plus, discover the importance of speaking up for yourself, gathering information, and building relationships to propel your career forward.
But it's not all about work, right? We also explore the significance of having hobbies, maintaining a sense of gratitude, and nurturing the connections we make in our professional lives. So, tune in and get ready to find that perfect balance between life, work, and everything in between! You'll walk away feeling inspired and empowered to take control of your career and personal well-being.
Happy 1-year Googleversary to me!
AI-powered titles, descriptions & hugs,
Tolu O.
Hellllloooo!!!!
I know, I missed you too! This time I came back with a guest, yay! She's none other than Ivy F. Ochieng and she's without a doubt, one of my favorite people!
Some of you might remember her as Ivy from this reel OR as my Kenyan sister/roommate from that reel but she's one of the very first friends I made when I moved to the US and was also my very first roommate in the US...so yes we go way beck! We forgot to mention but she also invited me to join her executive board as VP, Programming while she was President of @jabsatcornell, the African Students MBA club! And sure, I accepted! We served together 2021 - 2022 whilst being roommates (and held all the parties at our apartment, lol)
On a random day after work, I just thought to stop by at Ivy's apartment, order-in dinner and chat/rant about life lately with her. Then I also thought, what if we recorded our conversation, that would be fun, and here we are! It was definitely a much-needed girl time and it reminded me of the good old days in Ithaca as roommates.
As I approach my 1-year anniversary of graduating from Cornell/getting into Google, I'm reminded of the journey that led me here and the people I've come along with on this journey. Thanks for being a solid friend, Ivy and I'm so happy to be doing life in NYC with you!
This was very much a hair let-down, feet-up , wine-in hand kinda episode...and I think you'd actually enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording, haha!
With love from New York City,
Tolu & Ivy
P.S: We talk about how/where we first met and it was right here! November 12, 2020 - where the Black Girl Magic all began!
I know, I didnāt see this change of plan coming too but I think itās an episode we all need.
Just incase you need to sit in/sit with your feelings this week, Iām here for and with you.Ā Happy Listening!
Anyway, I hope your week is off to a great start and hope that youāre keeping HOPE alive regarding the 2023 Nigerian Electionsā¦ #fingerscrossed #NewNigeria #OBIdient.Ā
Sending you lots of peace, respite and love,
Tolu
The Non-Immigrant Student podcast is 2-years old today!
As I said in the Season 3 Trailer,''Your girl is beck''...and for good this time!
In this episode, I bring you up to speed on everything that has been happening with me since I graduated from Cornell in May 2022. From the updates I also share, I hope you'd understand why the hiatus took that long, and realize how adjusting to a new life can be very tough! (I'd say wicked in-fact but we international students don't talk about it enough - see Lesson 3 from August 2022).
Anyway, Welcome again! It's still a long year ahead of us but the plan is to be in your podcast playlists, live,Ā at least twice a month for the rest of the year; so help me God. I'm pretty pumped to be back and so happy to be doing this again!
On becoming two years old, Happy Anniversary to us all...and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording,
Tolu
Happy New Year my fellow NISs!
Welcome back, as you join me on this journey of self-rediscovery, self-altruism and more! Ā
In Season 3, Iām going to be sharing my everyday life experiences as I navigate Adulthood (Faith, Money, Lifestyle & Relationships) and Corporate America as a Non-Immigrant!Ā
Season 3 will be all about the TEA!Ā
Iāve really missed doing this and Iāve missed talking to you!
So see you in the next episode(s)?
Tolu
Grace Imanariyo was born and raised in Rwanda and is the youngest of 4 girls in her family. She grew up in a loving Christian home and was always passionate about Technology and getting to meet people. She received her Bachelor's degree (with honors) in Computer Science from Muhlenberg College and her Master's degree in Engineering Management from Cornell University.
Grace loves to sing and play the keyboard and guitar. She loves everything about Worship and Praise music and is a recording artist and worship leader with 6 released songs. You can check out her songs/Youtube channel here. Her song Dusukeho Umwuka has over 10K views on Youtube and is my personal favorite! In her free time, you will find her meeting new people, playing an instrument or songwriting. Her goals are to be a Manager in a Tech-related field, and to continue leading worship and sharing the good news of Jesus.
Tolulope Olukanmi is none other than your favorite Podcast Host! She is the first of 5 girls and a proud big sister! Also, as you read this, she's finding it very hard to write her own bio! She thinks all you need to know about her is already all over her social media (which she believes you've been following š) and in her podcast episodes (which she knows you've been listening to š). In her free time, you'd catch her fantasizing of being on TV someday but till then, she asks me to tell you to enjoy her written, audio and visual content!
We hope you enjoy listening as much we enjoyed recording!...and please let us know in the comments section your thoughts, feedback and favorite takeaways!
Cross-continent Love š·š¼š³š¬,
Grace & Tolu
Disclaimer: All views expressed in this episode are ours and do not represent those of our employers, their affiliates, or employees.
Hello my fellow NISs!
The much awaited episode is here!Ā š
Listening to both episodes again brought me so much joy & laughter that I thought to share Part 1 with you - to at least give you a head-start, and also bring you some joy & laughter this weekend!
The planned official release for both Part 1 & 2 is on November 1st, 2022... but in the mean time, enjoy this unprecedented, unofficial episode release of how we landed our jobs at McKinsey & Co.Ā and at Google!
November 1st, 2022Ā also happens to be my 2-year anniversary in the US and 5-month anniversary at Google!Ā I know, corny much but I'M SO EXCITED and HAPPY to finally be sharing this with you!
To friends & fans of this podcast, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!!! You have all my love and respect!
As always, I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!
See you again on Nov. 1st,
Tolu
Nyamekye Afua Nkansah, LL.M. and Abena Opong-Fosu, LL.M. are recent graduates from the Cornell Law School.
Afua graduated with an LL.B. from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2017 winning the award for āBest Projectā in that academic year. She ventured on to āMakolaā -Ghana School of Law, Accra- where she practiced her law degree and was later called to the Ghana bar in 2020. Her interests are in public policy, international law and human rights. In her spare time, Afua loves to read novels, watch movies, and go shopping!
Abena, also an attorney from Ghana, has a typical legal background. She graduated with an LL.B. from Kwame Nkrumah University in 2017, and was called to the Ghana bar in 2019.
Abena worked in a leading private practice law firm in Ghana as well as interned for the Chief Justice of Ghana. In her one year at Cornell, she has worked as a research assistant for the legal information institute, a teaching assistant in a depositions course and won the award for ''Highest grade'' in the Financial Institutions course. Her interests are in Business Law and Regulation. In her spare time, she likes to travel, try exotic meals and create desserts! She even turned her passion for creating desserts into a start-up business, you can check it out here.
Of the dynamic duo, Afua has decided that returning to Ghana is an option and the next step for her right now while Abena would like to explore her options in the US before making a decision whether or not to return home.
It has been a pleasure getting to know them while attending grad school together as well as learning Ghanaian slangs like ''hot'' and ''cref''.
We hope that this episode encourages you to be comfortable with whatever decision you make post-completion of your graduate/undergraduate studies in another country and it encourages you to thrive wherever you find yourself.
Remember, if we can do it, you can do it too!
West African Love,
Tolu x Afua x Abena
This episode is an addendum to an article I wrote on Medium titled ''Remember, and Do Not Forget : A very long poem about putting our Trust in God''.You can read it here :)
Tolu
...Itās one thing to admit it and admit it openly but a whole ānother thing to put a label on it. I have now put a label on it. My time at Cornell has been tough. I have struggled and Iām almost coming out on top, still alive and gasping for breath but I made it. Graduation is around the corner; I still have a lot of questions but now I know that I would rather be at Hollywood than at..... I would rather be on TV than in front of it. Also, it took me so long but now I know that Jesus still loves me. He never left my side. I was lonely but never alone. I was always cared for even when I didnāt ask for it.
'Oh youād be fineā, āThis too shall passā, āItād soon be overā, words that felt like non-existent hugs and fake smiles. You donāt tell that to a girl who wants to sleep all day so she doesnāt have to get out of bed to once again to sit in front of a laptop all day wishing that giving up was an option. You donāt tell that to the girl who spends her daily bath time wondering what sheās going to make of her life after grad school. You donāt tell that to anyone, anyone at all, for whom their whole semester feels like a blur because they are on the verge of failing a graduation requirement class or dropping out of school.
One thing this season proved to me anyways, is that God is the only thing that fills my void, what a friend I have in Him. Needless to say, I got lucky with my addiction. Some people never have the chance to break away nor come to admit that they need help or a way out. I look back and the only thing I see is the constant of who God was in all of it. I learned to truly kiss the (silent) waves that threw me against the Rock of Ages .On Christ, my solid rock, I stand because all other ground is sinking sand. Iām grateful for my faith and the opportunity to have built my foundation in Him. In Him, I live and move and have my being. Let all strivings cease because I have the mind of Christ.
Anyway, the music stops now because I am no longer dancing with the one who seeks my downfall or destruction. I am no longer dancing with the devil....
An excerpt from Dancing with the Devil , written by Tolulope Esther OlukanmiThere is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
-Maya Angelou
Happy Labor Weekend guys!
This one's for my prospective undergraduate friends/audience planning to study at a College or University in USA!
Fath' Ma Marcelah is a sophomore from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo majoring in Landscape Architecture at Cornell University. In her spare time, she loves to design and enjoys dancing.
Daniel Idakwoji is a sophomore from Abuja,Nigeria majoring in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University.
Kato David Adam is a freshman from Rwanda, intending to major in Political Science at the College of Arts and Sciences at UPenn. Also, he is interested in other forms of academia - Medicine, International Relations, Philosophy, Ethics- and loves engaging in or listening to conversations centered around these knowledge domains. In his spare time, David enjoys volunteering, staying engaged in the community, spending time with friends and listening to music.
Join FathāMa, Daniel, David and I as we discuss the requisites to applying and obtaining admission in an Ivy League University!
I hope you enjoy listening and learning, as much as we enjoyed recording and sharing!
Ivy League Love,
Fath'Ma, Daniel, David & Tolu
N/B: This episode was originally recorded during an Instagram Live Event on Monday 6th September, 2021 and the video recording can be found here!
Based on popular demand, I decided to host a Q & A session with my friends Pearl, Ladi, and Daniel whoāve been abroad now for about 1-6 semesters, to ask them how life has been for them since they moved from their home country Nigeria to study in the US and Canada respectively.
Pearl Abue is a 3rd year Ph.D. student of the Chemical Engineering department at UT Austin working on research on Chlorine initiated chemistry in indoor and outdoor environments. She received her Masters in Chemical Engineering from UT Austin in May 2021 and her B. Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Covenant University in 2018. Also, she previously volunteered with the MastersPrep group helping students through their admissions process, and in her spare time, enjoys reading young adult fantasy novels, viewing unconventional art spaces, and exploring the state of Texas (with hopes to explore the rest of the world soon).
Ladi Adeoluwa is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alabama, USA. His research interests include Radar/Lidar Signal processing, Deep learning, and Embedded Systems.
Daniel (DI) Ojinaka is currently pursuing a Masterās degree in Technology Innovation Management Program at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada and works as the Program Ambassador at the University's Business Accelerator, helping technology startups from the university to develop and grow their businesses. Also, Daniel is a member of the Sprott Student Consulting Group where he is leading a project with the Impact Management Academy and his interests revolve around technology, research, sustainability, and impact projects that address climate change. In his spare time, he is either ideating on a side project he's managing, watching a TV series on Netflix, or staring at an exotic plant.
Join Pearl, Ladi, DI, and I as we discuss ways you can adjust to your new life as an international student!
I hope you enjoy listening and learning, as much as we enjoyed recording and sharing!
North American Love,
Pearl, Ladi, DI & Tolu
N/B: This episode was originally recorded during an Instagram Live Event on Saturday 21st August 2021 and the video recording can be found here!
Hey friends!
I just thought it well to welcome you all to the new 2021/2022 school year and the Fall Semester of 2021!!!
For me, itās been surreal seeing students in their thousands back on campus. It feels so good and I hope that wherever you are, you are happy to be resuming school in person too!
Thank you for being friends and followers of my journey so far and I hope that we all finish the semester/year ahead, victorious and accomplished!
Have a wonderful and testimony-filled semester ahead!
Much Wavy Love x Respect,
Tolu
Imelda Godswill is a recent Master's graduate (Hons.) from Teesside University, Middlesborough, UK, and majored in Visual Effects and Animation.
She is originally from Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria, and has been to 8 countries-Ghana, Rwanda, UAE, Amsterdam, UK, Morocco, Italy, and Germany- since she moved to the UK to pursue her graduate studies.
She is passionate about Fashion and Photography and in her spare time, loves to travel, skate, read and create content for her YouTube page.
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Chiagoro Ahaotu is a graduate student at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology studying Offshore Renewable Energy under the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship and is also the co-founder of Masters Prep - a not-for-profit educational group.
He has traveled to the UK, Spain, France, and Norway since he started his graduate studies and is passionate about energy transition and cleantech.
Join us as we uncover the tips and tricks of traveling to your bucket-list destinations even on a student's budget.
I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!
Ajala Love,
Imelda, Chiggy & Tolu
N/B: This episode was originally recorded during an Instagram Live Event on Friday 30th July 2021 and the video recording can be found here!
Olufisayo Babalola holds a BSc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Ibadan and recently completed a Master's degree in Engineering Management from Dartmouth College.
Before her masters, she worked at Softcom Limited as a Product Analyst and Product Manager and has now joined Google as a full-time Associate Product Manager.
In her spare time, she loves to sew and create Digital Art.
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I have invited Fisayo, in particular, because I consider her a very successful non-immigrant student, living and fulfilling the āāAmerican Dreamāā I set out to achieve when I left my home country over six months ago.
I am deeply inspired by how she lives purposefully and pursues her dreams so courageously which is why I have invited her to share her imminent story with me and other non-immigrant students across the globe.
Olufisayo remains a motivation to many and I am so proud to know her :)
As always, I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!
Sister Love,
Fisayo & Tolu
Kutlwano is a recent Cornell MBA graduate from Gaborone, Botswana interested in Digital Technology, Fintech, and Data Analytics.
Prior to Business school, he was a Technology Consultant where he helped clients across Africa and the Middle East launch digital products targeted towards alleviating financial exclusionary practices.
He graduated from Rhodes University with a Bachelor of Business Science in Information Systems and Economics and from the University of Pretoria, South Africa with a Masterās in Information Technology.
During his time at Cornell Johnson Business School, he was a member of the Clearstone Venture Fellowship Fund, a Board Member of the Johnson Christian Fellowship (JCF) club, and a course assistant for select Fall and Spring electives.
Upon graduation, he was awarded the A. Donald Kelso award for making numerous, significant contributions to the advancement of the Johnson Business School.
In his spare time, he loves to watch soccer, play tennis, and recently learned to play golf.
In June 2021, he joined Google Cloud as a Technical Account Manager on the Financial Services team.
Please make welcome, Mr. (and Mrs.) Kutlwano Mzwinila!!!!! (insert standing ovation)
We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!
With Botswanan, South-African & Nigerian Love,
Kutlwano, Kimberly & Tolu :)
*P.S: Kutlwano and I became friends through his wife, Kimberly Mzwinila, who I love so very much! They were one of my first friends here at Cornell and getting to know them has been such a blessing. I absolutely cannot tell my Cornell story without them which is why I am so honored to have met them and now do life with them from here onward!
P.P.S: Kindly share this episode with students moving to a new country with their spouses and with those interested in landing a job at Google (so much to learn!), Thank you!*
Nnamdi is a recent Cornell MBA graduate from Lagos, Nigeria, focusing on Corporate Finance and Strategy. He has worked with PwC as an auditor in its financial services unit and subsequently as head of Financial Planning and Analysis at Babban Gona, an agricultural social enterprise in Africa.
He graduated from the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria where he majored in Industrial Chemistry. He is a UK-certified chartered accountant and a member of the prestigious Cornell University Venture Capital fund manager group - Big Red Ventures.
In his spare time, he loves to watch and play soccer, listen to podcasts, and watch documentaries. His favorite podcast to date is āBusiness Warsā by David Brown and his favorite documentaries center around finance and money management.
In June 2021, Nnamdi ''secured the bag'' as he joined Microsoft as a Finance Manager in its Central Financial Planning and Analysis Unit.
[To secure the bag is to get what you want, achieve a goal, and/or make money! (StayyHipp)]
Join Nnamdi Iwuji & I as we uncover his non-immigrant story and his journey to fulfilling the American Dream!
We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it!
Naija Love,
Nnamdi & Tolu
P.S: I cannot tell my Cornell story without Nnamdi which is why I am really happy to have him share his story with us. Kindly share this episode with your network/friends looking to Study Abroad and/or pursue an MBA degree. Also, please let me know on social media, which part of his story has motivated you to now live your best NIS life. Thank you!
Yasssssssssssssss!
We back!
In Season 1, we had almost 2000 downloads from 180 cities in 25 countries across the world, with over 500 followers on Instagram and still counting!
I couldnāt have done it without you so Thank you!
In this new season, other non-immigrant students from the US, Europe, and Canada will be sharing their stories with us and how they set out to fulfill their respective study-abroad dreams.
I am so excited for Season 2 as our podcast guests will be here each week, dishing inspiration and motivation to lead better non-immigrant lives, back to back to back!!!!!
Also, enjoy the uncut recording mishap at the end of this trailer (insert sad laughter), I was just trying to tell you to please re-share or retweet the episode posters when you see them on social media (Thank you!)Ā
Anyway, in the spirit of ''we move'', I AM SO READY FOR SEASON 2 but are you????
Are you sure youāre ready?!!!!!
Okay then, letās go!
Happy Hugs,
ToluĀ
Yayyyy!!!... the Bonus Episode is finally here!
How have you been?
As for me, school is rounding up around here and summer vibes are already kicking in!
Well, I'm back now so welcome back from your 2-week listening hiatus!
As promised, this is the bonus episode to finally wrap up Season 1.
In this episode, I talk about my experience with filing taxes for the first time in America and give a special shout-out to a childhood friend!
Also, IĀ dropped the whole gist about the Jollof Wars event organized by the Cornell Johnson African Business Graduate Students' community and you can check out pictures and videos from the event on my Instagram ''Spring'21Ā Part 4 '' story highlights!
Lastly, IĀ made mention of a referral link for those of you who might be interested in starting your own podcast. A friend of mine, Alexandra Zion, who hosts the Poem O'Clock podcast, shared her referral link on her blog which I then used to start mine. I'm paying it forward and sharing my link with you as well so here you go: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1474882
You're welcome!
Most importantly, IĀ hope I have earned the privilege of your time this season.
With Nigerian Jollof Love & Respect,
Bye for now and see you in Season 2!!!!
Tolu
Heyyyy guys!
Welcome back to another week of me answering all of your questions- with a little TMI here and there - for the last time this season!
However, if you need any more details, you know where to find me; kindly shoot me an email at thenonimmigrantstudent@gmail.com and Iād be happy to assist you!
Have a great week ahead NISs!
Many thanks,
Tolu
Heyyyy guys!
Itās been a minute!
Todayās episode is a āshort drive n chillā, āwash plates n chillā kinda episode!
I answered some of the questions you asked me via social media and I hope the answers prove helpful to you.
If you need any more details, kindly shoot me an email at thenonimmigrantstudent@gmail.com, Iād be happy to assist you!
Enjoy!
Many thanks,
Tolu
Heyyyyyy guys!!!!!!!!
Is it just me or this week was presumably better than the last???!!!
How was your week and how are you doing?
In todayās episode,I leave everything on the table guys!!!.... everything because why not?! The gist is just KPK,OPP, OPG! (insert Google definition)
I share how Iāve been able to build solid friendships and meaningful relationships since I moved to the US in November 2020 and I hope it inspires you to do same and build your own community!
If you decide to take notes while listening (IāmĀ actually serious, I left everything on the table for you guys!),please take a picture of your note and post on Twitter or Instagram telling me your best 5 tips and how you would definitely be implementing them!
Kindly tag me @toluolukanmi or @thenonimmigrantstudent respectively and I look forward to seeing your thoughts and comments about this episode! Thank You!Ā
As always, I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it!
Have a great weekend!
Your Fav Podcast Host,
Like duh,
Tolu :)
Heyyyyyyyy fellow NISs!
Welcome back to another special episode!
In this episode, I voice blog [vlog] about my two birthday parties and why I was really pumped to celebrate my birthday this year!
I was so grateful that I got to share the moments with you and all of my friends back at home because it was such a happy weekend!
All the pictures and videos can be found on the Instagram page (and in the Story Highlights) for this podcast so please check them out if youāre really interested!
So, I might not sound as excited as I do right now in this episode because I also share my testimony of getting an F-1 visa and how I made it to the US just in time to avoid deferring till Spring 2021 but I want you to know that Iām happy and just really grateful to God for how far He has brought me.
Feel free to shed a few tears on my behalf too and shoot me an email to tell me how many tissues you used to dry them up so we can see who ācried passā (naughty smile).
As always, I hope you enjoy listening and hope that your FAITH is strengthened more than ever before to believe the impossible and trust in God for your miracle because HE WILL COME THROUGH! He does answer prayers and All Glory be ascribed unto Him forever and ever,Amen!
Thank you all again for celebrating with me!
All My Love,
Tolu
Hey guys!
New week, New episode!
Yassss, Iām finally sharing my experience with COVID-19!
I try to recount the moment I found out I tested positive to the day I eventually tested negative;
sadly,I also share some of my current struggles with grad school and my current coping mechanisms.
In this episode, I am joined by another COVID survivor - Rotachi, an MSc. Student at Creighton University-Ā who shares her experience as anĀ asymptomatic COVID patient.
We hope youāre able to learn a thing or two from our experiences that inspire you to stay the path of physical and social distancing ,improving your health and immunity and staying ādoubleā masked (if you can), till we reach the finish line of this global pandemic!
Enjoy and see you in the next episode :)
6ft. distanced hugs,
Tolu
P.S: Kindly rate and subscribe to my podcast andĀ leave me a review as well! Thank you so much!
Hi people!!!!
Itās been a hot minute!
I hope you did miss me ;)
The long awaited episode is here!
We have our first guest- Pearl Abue - with us today and she decided to share her PhD experience at University of Texas, Austin and how sheās been navigating it so far!
She also plays the āThis or Thatā game at the end :)
I hope you enjoy listening to the episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!
If youāre a struggling PhD student, we hope that this encourages you to keep the faith and keep pushing till you get to the end of the finish line!
Pearl,I and all other non-immigrant students across the globe are completely rooting for you!
If we can do it, you can do it too!
Enjoy!
Love,
Your favorite Podcast Host,
Tolu
My journey to the hills of Ithaca in a nutshell!
(Not me starting out to record for only 30minutes but ending after 60minutes!)
In this episode, I share how I overcame the struggles of US Graduate Admissions and reminisce on the period when I found out I got admitted into Cornell!
Itās been exactly 1 year since I got mail that I was accepted into the Engineering Management program and Iām so happy to relive the moment while being a current student at Cornell campus!
Cheers to the awesomeness that is Cornell and the greatness that are Cornellians all over the world!
Please listen, share,subscribe and leave the podcast a rating and review :)
Thank you very much!
All my Love,
ToluĀ
Helllo everyone!Ā
Thank you so much for stopping by.
In this episode, I share my reasons for why I started this podcast and also introduce myself to you and how Iām still becoming!
I hope you enjoy it!
Please listen, share and subscribe and also feel free to leave your honest ratings and reviews of the podcast so far!
I look forward to all your responses.
Much Love x Respect,
Tolu
In this episode, I share my fears, hopes, and dreams for this podcast but most importantly, describe who the non-immigrant student is.
Please listen, share, subscribe, and also leave a rating and review for the podcast.
Thank you very much!
Much Love x Respect,
Tolu
The Non-Immigrant Student podcast is finally here!!
I am happy to be finally bringing this to the world today, February 10th, 2021, exactly 1 year after I got admitted into Cornell University!
Itās so nice to have you here and I canāt wait to go on this journey with you!
Please listen, share and subscribe!
Also, kindly rate and leave your honest review of each episode.
Thank you very much!
Much Love x Respect,
Tolu