Black, young, and ambitious
Tofunmi Oloke discusses her time so far at Imperial.
Photo: Tofunmi Oloke
Coming off of a gap year filled with travels, relaxation, and growth, I was unsure about what to expect when I started Imperial. After a rather miraculous application process for medical school, Imperial was the place that offered me the chance to spend the next 6 years of my life studying the course I had dreamed of as a child. I also got to study in London, which was a big bonus for me as it meant one thing; I would meet black people.
During my school years, I could count on one hand the number of people in my year at school who came from a similar background to me, or looked like me. And whilst that did not necessarily hinder my social experiences growing up, I could not help but feel that moving to the city where most of the young black population is concentrated would be the best choice for me. Throughout my teenage years I had envisioned what I wanted my twenties to look like. I desired a new environment — and Imperial was just that.
I was exposed to a completely new world, a place where I could relate to people — not just socially or emotionally, but also culturally. I felt empowered, being surrounded by such intelligent and creative black individuals. They also knew how to have a good time. The events put on by the University of London Afro-Caribbean society were amazing, I got to dance with my friends and enjoy the distinctive sounds of afrobeats and amapiano- which was a nice break from the ‘oontz oontz’ of a regular nightclub. Imperial’s ACS provided me with a sense of community and a space to connect with other black students studying other courses. Through them I would meet my ACS parent, and now President, Tani. She gave me encouragement and support throughout my first year, which I am eternally grateful for. It also gave me a space to connect with my faith, as Imperial Gospel Choir held amazing concerts, with vocals reminiscent of the CDs my father used to play in the car as he drove me to school.
Photo: Tofunmi Oloke
Football is a sport I enjoy playing and watching, and so naturally I joined Imperial Medics Women’s Football. It gave me insight into the realm of university sports and whilst I am still yet to attend ‘Slug’, the nightclub medic athletes attend on a Wednesday night, I am incredibly grateful that I have a space for myself to enjoy my hobbies and step back from medicine.
Moving to London also allowed me to try out new things, leading to me developing interests in fashion and music. Being the creative director and host of ICSM (Imperial College School of Medicine) Fashion Show was one of my proudest moments last year. It encouraged me to leave my comfort zone and experiment with my style. Whilst I may not become the next Martine Rose or Virgil Abloh, I’m very proud of my growth in confidence and ability to give things a go. As a black girl, growing up, I felt the need to minimise myself and not take up space. The idea of being visible was uncomfortable to me. Being at Imperial has given me that confidence to stand out — to defy my subconscious constraints and what I perceived as society’s expectations of me.
As I embark on my second year, I hope to continue down this path of growth and self-discovery. I believe my identity as a black person is something to be proud of. I want to continue sharing my culture with others and also learn more about it. I want to be the type of person younger Tomi would look up to. I want to enter spaces I had never dreamed of entering before- and I am sure I am at the right University to do so.
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