Ayotunde came to the United States from Nigeria in 2015, driven by the hope of building a better life for herselfand her family. Despite her initial optimism, Ayotunde’s journey has not been without its hurdles. With only her husband and two young nieces by her side, she often felt isolated and disconnected from the community.
Ayotunde says she has “always had a love for learning and education” and dreamed of becoming a socialworker. Navigating a new culture and educational system proved challenging, however. When Ayotunde became pregnant with her son shortly after arriving in Columbus, the high cost of daycare compelled her to stay home with him for several years.
In Spring 2020, Ayotunde felt ready to pursue her education and enrolled at Columbus State Community College (CSCC). Balancing her studies with family responsibilities and financial pressures was tough. In 2023, she discovered the Stay the Course® (STC) program during a particularly challenging phase of her life. This program became a cornerstone of her success, offering essential financial support and resources. Working closely with her STC Navigator, Ayotunde identified her needs and developed a personalized plan focusing on education, finances, employment, and mental health. Step by step, her Navigator provided resources, connected her to the community, and helped her plan for the future.
When Ayotunde had to change jobs to accommodate her school schedule, she was anxious about providing for her family. With three children at home, she struggled to make ends meet. Her STC Navigator assisted her with applying for SNAP benefits, ensuring the family had the necessary support. Another major hurdle was when Ayotunde fell three months behind on her car payments. Facing the possibility of repossession, STC stepped in and provided emergency financial assistance to cover the balance.
When her laptop crashed just two weeks before the end of the summer term, Ayotunde feared she would not be able to complete her classes. However, her STC Navigator secured a donated laptop, enabling her to finish the term with a 4.0 GPA. Program volunteers were also there to lend emotional support when her father passed away in Nigeria, helping her navigate her grief while maintaining her grades through the end of the semester.
Ayotunde is immensely grateful for her STC Navigator’s consistent support, which included weekly check-ins and unwavering encouragement. “Having someone to hold me accountable really helped me to complete my goals,” she says. Reflecting on her STC experience, Ayotunde remarks, “I don’t know where I would be without this program. I only wish I hadn’t waited so long to apply.”
In December 2023, Ayotunde successfully earned an associate degree in social work from CCSC. She transferred to The Ohio State University as a third-year student, aiming to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in social work by Spring 2025.
Simply achieving her own goals, however, is not enough for Ayotunde. “My hope,” she says, “is to be a Navigator for someone who is an African immigrant and to help them build community the way Stay the Course® helped me.”
Ayotunde came to the United States from Nigeria in 2015, driven by the hope of building a better life for herselfand her family. Despite her initial optimism, Ayotunde’s journey has not been without its hurdles. With only her husband and two young nieces by her side, she often felt isolated and disconnected from the community.
Ayotunde says she has “always had a love for learning and education” and dreamed of becoming a socialworker. Navigating a new culture and educational system proved challenging, however. When Ayotunde became pregnant with her son shortly after arriving in Columbus, the high cost of daycare compelled her to stay home with him for several years.
In Spring 2020, Ayotunde felt ready to pursue her education and enrolled at Columbus State Community College (CSCC). Balancing her studies with family responsibilities and financial pressures was tough. In 2023, she discovered the Stay the Course® (STC) program during a particularly challenging phase of her life. This program became a cornerstone of her success, offering essential financial support and resources. Working closely with her STC Navigator, Ayotunde identified her needs and developed a personalized plan focusing on education, finances, employment, and mental health. Step by step, her Navigator provided resources, connected her to the community, and helped her plan for the future.
When Ayotunde had to change jobs to accommodate her school schedule, she was anxious about providing for her family. With three children at home, she struggled to make ends meet. Her STC Navigator assisted her with applying for SNAP benefits, ensuring the family had the necessary support. Another major hurdle was when Ayotunde fell three months behind on her car payments. Facing the possibility of repossession, STC stepped in and provided emergency financial assistance to cover the balance.
When her laptop crashed just two weeks before the end of the summer term, Ayotunde feared she would not be able to complete her classes. However, her STC Navigator secured a donated laptop, enabling her to finish the term with a 4.0 GPA. Program volunteers were also there to lend emotional support when her father passed away in Nigeria, helping her navigate her grief while maintaining her grades through the end of the semester.
Ayotunde is immensely grateful for her STC Navigator’s consistent support, which included weekly check-ins and unwavering encouragement. “Having someone to hold me accountable really helped me to complete my goals,” she says. Reflecting on her STC experience, Ayotunde remarks, “I don’t know where I would be without this program. I only wish I hadn’t waited so long to apply.”
In December 2023, Ayotunde successfully earned an associate degree in social work from CCSC. She transferred to The Ohio State University as a third-year student, aiming to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in social work by Spring 2025.
Simply achieving her own goals, however, is not enough for Ayotunde. “My hope,” she says, “is to be a Navigator for someone who is an African immigrant and to help them build community the way Stay the Course® helped me.”
