After the loss of her husband, Bunmi Oloke, along with her two young sons, made the decision to leave their homeland of Nigeria and seek asylum in the United States in December 2018. Overwhelmed by grief and grappling with the weight of her new reality, Bunmi found herself confronting not only the challenges of adapting to a foreign land but also the formidable task of preserving her mental well-being.
“I was grieving, trying to get back on my feet. I needed something to get me back on track,” Bunmi said.
During the transition, Bunmi had the desire to pursue further education. Yet, her goals were met with the reality of financial barriers. Undeterred, and in search of guidance and support, she enrolled at The Excel Center® on Indy’s West side in 2019. As a mother devoted to raising her sons, Bunmi often found herself engaged in shared learning experiences with her children, fostering an environment of growth and exploration within their home.
Reflecting on her time at The Excel Center, Bunmi fondly recalls the sense of warmth and inclusion that enveloped her within its halls. She speaks of a community that extended far beyond the walls of a classroom. In addition to her diploma, Bunmi also pursued a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential during her time at The Excel Center. With resilience and hard work, she emerged triumphant, crossing the stage of graduation in 2021.
“It was like a family; everyone had a smile on their face and was more than willing to assist everyone with anything they needed,” Bunmi said.
Having a passion for health care, Bunmi moved on to enroll at Western Governors University, where she is currently working to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During her academic pursuits, Bunmi remains grounded by her role as a CCMA at Eskenazi Health, where her compassion and education help those in need.
As she reflects on the milestones she has crossed and the challenges she has faced, Bunmi is quick to acknowledge the pivotal role played by Goodwill, whose support served as the bedrock upon which her successes were built. In the future, Bunmi wishes to become a traveling nurse, so that she can continue helping others and change lives for the better.
“None of this would have been possible without Goodwill and The Excel Center. They gave me an opportunity, and now I am a proud graduate,” Bunmi said.
Are you or someone you know an adult who needs a high school diploma? Check out The Excel Center for more information.