Ayomipo Kayode-Popoola dreamt of leaving the United States when she went to college.
That was before she learned about the University of Idaho’s International Studies program.
“International Studies is a degree program that combines so many things that I’m interested in and would utilize a lot of my strengths and teach me new skills I didn’t have,” Kayode-Popoola said.
Associate Director of the Martin Institute Romauld Afatchao has been friends with the Kayode-Popoola family since they moved to the U.S. from Nigeria. Kayode-Popoola said Afatchao and a close friend in the IS program were influential in convincing her to come to UI.
“She was looking at Ivy League schools and other schools, but I told her we will offer you these opportunities and if you seize those, you will be able to make the most out of it and by the time you’re done with us, most ivy league schools would be happy to have you,” Afatchao said.
Ayomipo Kayode-Popoola | Courtesy
This semester, Kayode-Popoola is graduating with a double major in international studies and sociology. She has received the Lindley Award, the highest honor granted by the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. It is granted to their top graduating senior deemed “most outstanding in scholarship and character.” As part of the award, Kayode-Popoola will hold the CLASS banner at graduation this semester.
Her roommate, Nekane Colburn Arrubarrena, was not surprised that she received the award.
“I think if you were to (ask) anyone who knows her, they would say all of those things that I’ve said if not more,” Colburn Arrubarrena said after discussing Kayode-Popoola’s traits and accomplishments. “I think it just really shows that she never puts on a mask. She’s so genuine to everybody.”
In addition to excelling in her studies, Kayode-Popoola has pursued a path of social action. Kayode-Popoola has led the African Student Association, served on ASUI, helped with the UI version of TEDx, worked with the Center for Volunteerism and Social Action and served as a CLASS ambassador, to name a few of her accomplishments.
“My college experience has been a roller coaster,” Kayode-Popoola said. “I have grown so much as a person. I’ve grown so much as a leader. I’ve learned so much about the world. My points of view have been challenged — sometimes affirmed, sometimes changed.”
Colburn Arrubarrena said after Kayode-Popoola graduates, she will be taking a two-year break before continuing to Harvard Law School, where she has been guaranteed deferred enrollment. Afatchao and Colburn Arrubarrena both noted Kayode-Popoola is humble and often underscores how noteworthy her achievements are.
“I think her drive and her motivation (are) something a lot of people can see regardless of how they meet her or what they’re doing,” Colburn Arrubarrena said. “She always has the motivation and perseverance to accomplish a task. That could even be translated in friendship as well.”
While Kayode-Popoola may not know what the immediate future holds, Colburn Arrubarrena and Afatchao agree that she will accomplish great things.
“I’m really excited to see what she’ll accomplish in the world,” Colburn Arrubarrena said. “Out of everyone I know, I could definitely see turning on the TV one day and (see) her being the President of Nigeria, who knows? Definitely achieving above and beyond, for sure.”
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]