David Okelola, a senior majoring in administration justice, with a pre-law minor is a non-traditional student from Dallas TX. He officially began his undergraduate career at Texas Southern University in August 2015. I met Okelola in Lanier East that year, what makes him non-traditional is that he took two years off after high-school to just work and create funds to support him through college. He was a very out-going person who always seemed to be the center of attention. Freshmen year, he won Mr. Freshmen and he even created the school shuffle. He never had to worry about a thing that year. Until one day, he eventually got the shocking news in 2016 that he was about to be a Father.
"When I found out I was shocked." Said Okelola. "I didn't know if I was ready for the responsibilities of a child. A whole human, bro." Okelola, who was only twenty-three at the time came to an agreement with his girlfriend that it was best to keep the baby. While she was pregnant, they decided to move in together and face the responsibilities of their actions. They found a one-bedroom home din downtown Houston that was only about ten minutes from Texas Southern.
"I never experienced living with a girlfriend before, especially not one who was pregnant with my child," said Okelola. "it was all so new again, I had to adjust to my new life. The roads were bumpy, I didn't know how to handle it all at first. but me and Mo 'knew we had to buckle up to make sure we had everything right for our daughter"
Okelola, who was attending Texas Southern University at the time had a hard time finding a balance between school, working at Olive Garden, and preparing for a child. His grades were dropping, and he didn't have the time to study. Okelola eventually had to withdraw from Texas Southern in 2017 to focus on things like gaining funds to be able to take care of his daughter, and bills.
That year, Okelola shifted gears. He picked up another part-time job at Fiesta and started saving up. On November 7th, 2018 Okelola had a beautiful 6 lb. Zendaya Olayinka Bemisola Okelola.
"When I finally saw her face it felt like I saw an angel. I didn't believe I could make something that beautiful" Okelola said jokingly. " Everything was about her from now, she even motivated me to get back and school and finish what I started."
Okelola did return. He started attending classes again in fall 2018. He also was able to make the dean list each semester he had after that. Now, Okelola is graduating on December 14th, 2019. Just two years after having his daughter. "I know a lot of people say once you stop, it's hard to go back." Okelola said. "but my daughter makes me want to be better, she makes me want to give her the world. I guess getting a degree was the first step to showing not only her but myself that I can't let anything hold me back"
Comments