Bolu Jegede ‘23

Bolu Jegede ’23 loved her Foundations philosophy course so much, she not only got up early every day to attend class—she ended up switching her major to philosophy.  

“I don’t like 8 a.m.s, but this was one that I was extremely excited for. I believe Dr. [Aron] Reppmann had noted my enthusiasm in class and talked me into either adding a Philosophy minor or if I wanted to go bigger, maybe a major. I double majored for a while before switching entirely to philosophy,” she said. “I know now that this is where I am supposed to be. A place full of intellectuals who are seeking to transform the world, one author at a time.” 

And she encourages others to consider philosophy too. “It enables you to be a critical thinker and gives you the ability to look at situations from multiple perspectives. It teaches you to practice what you preach, to live a life guided by wisdom and guided by God,” she said. “Philosophy teaches you about the real world, how to live in it, how to understand it, and how to do your part in making the world a better place.” 

Trinity is also a place where she feels supported and seen. “I chose Trinity because I was in awe of the relationships that professors and other members of staff had with students,” said Jegede, who is a member of Trinity’s Multicultural Leadership Team and an African Student Union representative. “When I walked into Trinity for the first time, someone recognized me and my name, and my story. That was all it took. My name is the most important part of my identity, and just that personal relationship and moment of recognition was the ultimate driving force for me to choose Trinity.” 

Jegede also gets support and encouragement from her parents. “They immigrated to the United States from Nigeria with me and my sisters in hopes of giving us a better life,” said Jegede, who graduated from Colonia High School in Colonia, N.J. “My dad checks on me at least 3 times a week, just to encourage me. It’s sometimes hard being in a major that does not have a lot of women, or specifically women of color. They remind me that I have so much to say and offer to Trinity’s community, and that is what keeps me going.” 

Once she graduates, Jegede plans to attend law school. “It has been a dream of mine since I was 13, to be an advocate for those who have no voice, or those who have been silenced. Be it immigrants, those who are wrongly accused, victims of unfortunate circumstances, human rights, or defenseless boys and girls, it is my dream is to get that law degree, get in that court, and give my all to making sure people are safe, protected, free, and vindicated.”