Honor Society® member
Leila Olukoga
Cashier at Burlington Coat Factory
- Global Liberal Studies
- Class of 2021
- New Rochelle, New York
Member since May 2021
About
I am currently a Global Liberal Studies student at New York University in New York, NY. I am studying to become an international lawyer after attending a reputable graduate school. I was raised by African immigrants so I feel that I have a diverse understanding on how to approach adversity and solve social issues within a given area. I have grown up showing and teaching how to fight against social injustices in my community. I was the founder of both the Black Student Union and Muslim Student Association in my past high school. My family's loves for cultural appreciation and its teaching has instilled in me a sense of pride and love for my cultures that I want to share with the world. I was also a member of the Key Club, Student Council, Liberty in North Korea, and UNICEF club. I chose to attend NYU because of its myriad of opportunities for people of color as well as its flexibility within the curriculum. I am excited to further my education in the fall with all of the experiences that happen alongside the learning!
Education
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New York University
Global Liberal Studies
2021 – 2025
Honors and awards
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Member of the National Society of High School Scholars
I was accepted into NSHSS to allow for me to connect with professors and workers in my field of interest.
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Accepted into the National Student Leadership Conference at American University
Here, I met with professors at American University to work in courses that they taught that simultaneously allowed me to receive college credits.
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Invited to the National Youth Leadership Forum in 11th grade
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Invited to the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists in 11th grade
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Four-time award winner for Best of Texas journalism contest in 11th grade
As a member of my previous high school's newspaper staff, I wrote pieces on social justice and events occurring in my school that allowed for me to win statewide awards.
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First Place Achievement in Editorial Writing at Columbia University
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Accepted into Columbia University Programs for High School students and enrolled in three courses: Creative Journalism, Human Rights in the 21st Century, and The Supreme Court and Major Topics in U.S. Law.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I am currently planning on becoming an International Lawyer or Journalist. As a Global Liberal Studies major, I have chosen for my concentration to be on Law in the Real World.
- Graduate school interests
After obtaining my bachelors degree, I hope to attend a highly accredited university for my degree in Law.
- Outside the classroom
I enjoy reading novels, engaging with nature, and traveling with my family.
Experience
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Cashier
Burlington Coat Factory
May 2021 – Sep 2021
Volunteering
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Church of Living Hope (mission trip to rural Nigeria) - Helped distribute food and clothing to underprivileged mothers and children - Assisted in helping triage children for surgical care
Church of Living Hope
Jun 2019 – Jul 2019
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Ramallah Federation (mission trip to the West Bank/ Palestinian refugee camps) - Helped triage women at the Refugee’s Women’s Health Center - Passed out prepackaged medicine to patients and refugees
Ramallah Federation
Jul 2018
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Physicians for Peace (mission trip to Northern Jordan) - Handed out prepackaged medicine to patients - Engaged in play therapy with refugee children
Physicians for Peace
Jun 2017
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
- Arabic Beginner
- Spanish Intermediate
