Oluwaseun Sule started at NHCC as a PSEO student in her junior year of high school at Park Center. She is graduating from NHCC next month with an associate of arts degree in political science before she even graduates from high school!
After NHCC, Oluwaseun will continue her education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she received a full-ride scholarship, majoring in political science. From there, she plans to attend law school and eventually become a lawyer, or work in a related field within law and policy.
Adding to the excitement this spring, Oluwaseun was chosen to represent her class as the 2025 Commencement Speaker!
Before graduation, we made sure to catch up with Oluwaseun and ask her some questions!
- What does it mean to you to be chosen as 2025 Student Commencement Speaker?
It’s an honor for sure! I was not going to audition or anything, but my family kind of pushed me. Being the first-born daughter and being a child of immigrant parents, they pushed me, and this is very big for them too. My family is from Nigeria, and I have three siblings.
- Can you share a favorite NHCC memory, or a moment that shaped who you are today?
I think being able to connect with my professors really shaped me. (My speech sort of touches on this), but there was a point in time, when I really thought a lot about the process of time and how time flows. I just felt like time was moving too fast, because I’m doing so many things, and I never get a moment to sit and process and live life. I brought it up to one of my professors, and she told me, ‘You know, if you look outside and you see the way nature flows, it moves at a steady pace.’ So basically, she was telling me to slow down and observe the world. That was just a really nice memory and moment when I got to connect with my professor on that type of level. Sometimes professors are just so professional, they don’t feel the need to connect, but I'm grateful that experience happened to me with my professor, Lisa LaMere.
One of my favorite memories at NHCC was sitting in my first political science course and realizing how passionate I was about policy and advocacy. It made me feel like I was right where I needed to be. That class gave me confidence and helped me to truly find my voice. I also really love the community at NHCC. From the professors, to the students, and faculty they are all AMAZING!
- What inspired you to study political science and how has your passion changed?
Oh, I don’t know! I don’t think there was a specific person, there are a bunch of people who have inspired me. I was inspired by the way that society is, the environment that I’ve grown up in, being from Minnesota and living in Brooklyn Park, there’s so many things going on, so that kind of moved me. I always wanted to be a voice for the voiceless. I saw injustice all around, so that really moved me and I wanted to make a change. Ever since my eighth-grade year I think I knew political science was the subject I wanted to study. I think that year coincided with the Daunte Wright situation. I remember students at all the schools around me were doing the walk outs, and stuff, but I went to a charter school, so we didn’t do anything like that, and they didn’t tell us anything about what was really going on.
I remember being so upset about it that I brought it up to the school board, and it was something that we discussed. In that moment I felt like, ‘Whoa, I really like this. I really like using my voice to help' and it went on from there, doing all kinds of other projects. We made a mural to show that we’re all connected. That was a pivotal point for me and there were other moments too. Two students that I went to high school with died from gun violence and that also moved me. I’m currently working on something right now to make sure all of the students that have died are being recognized. I’ve done internships on this subject, as well. Those were two big points for me, that confirmed I was on the right path.
- Without giving away too much what’s the core message, or theme of your speech?
It focuses on the flow of time and being able to dance with time and embrace time rather than fighting with it. Because time isn’t our enemy, it is something we need to learn to embrace and walk with.
- Who, or what influenced the message you’ll be sharing with your fellow graduates?
My grandma inspired the theme of my speech. I grew up with my grandma, (obviously my mom and dad were there too) but my grandma was there, she was the one who raised me (along with my mom and dad). My grandma would always recite this, she’d always say this bible verse (I think it is Ecclesiastes 3.1), ‘There’s a time for everything.’ It didn’t matter if she was giving me advice on life, or if I needed to get ready for school, or if I needed a reminder to do something. She’d always say that, and it stuck with me! For the longest time, I just thought I was battling with time. But through hearing her say that I started to understand that there’s a time for everything and this season of my life is different and it’s a different time. She would always say that bible verse, and one day it hit me, and I thought, ‘Whoa, I like that phrase!’ As a young kid, I didn’t understand it, but when I reflected more about my childhood, I realized, ‘Oh, I get it now, she was speaking knowledge!’
- What are your plans for the future now that you're graduating?
Great question! I will be transferring to the University of Wisconsin – Madison and after that I’m thinking of going to law school. I’m interested in law, or policy, something in that realm. It feels really great to be graduating from high school and then going into my junior year of college right away! Sometimes, I feel a little bit like I rushed the whole process, but then I remember I can be a young lawyer, and it will be worth it for sure.
- How do you hope your speech will resonate with your class and their own paths ahead?
I know this message is something that everyone can relate to, feeling like we’re rushing, or time is flying by, especially with graduation, I know a lot of people will probably feel like time is moving so fast. So, being able to set aside some time to reflect on life and enjoy the moment is important. I know I’m type of person who just wants to get their to-do list done, I have a to-do list for every day, so I always want to get that done and I never really stop to process things and live life. I hope this is something that my classmates can do. Enjoy life, rather than just racing by and trying to get things done.
- If you could describe your NHCC experience in one word, what would it be and what would you like future students to know about NHCC?
My experience at NHCC was honestly so unique. It’s not something I ever thought I’d be doing, getting a whole degree while still in high school. It definitely came with challenges, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, taught me how to manage my time, and helped me figure out what I actually care about. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come here!
"As a PSEO student, my biggest piece of advice is to always believe in yourself even when others don’t. I was told not to take certain classes, or pursue certain paths, but I had faith in myself and in God. Now, I’m graduating at 18 with my associate degree, as an honors student, class speaker, on the Dean’s List, and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. So, don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do, because you can do it all. At the same time, give yourself grace. NHCC has faculty who truly care, so don’t push yourself to the point of burnout. Challenge yourself, dream big, and remember the sky is your limit!"
- What do you like to do for fun?
I recently got back into journaling! I liked writing a lot as a kid, so I’m getting back into journaling. I used to play the clarinet, and I want to learn how to play another instrument this year. I also really love quality time with family, friends and everyone. I love being around people and enjoying my time with my loved ones.
- Would you ever have guessed five years ago that you'd be graduating with a political science degree, headed to Madison with a full-ride scholarship and focused on being a lawyer in the future?
Not at all! Five years ago, I was still figuring myself out, and unsure of what the future held. If someone had told me I’d be here now, I probably wouldn't believe them. And honestly, there are still days where I feel like an imposter like I’m just trying to keep up. But even in those moments, I remember that God placed me here on purpose. He sees me, He knows me, and He made room for me. I’m not here by accident. I’m here because I belong. I am grateful so, so grateful. My name literally means “God, I thank you” (in Yoruba, which is a Nigerian language), and I carry that with me every step of the way. Everything I’ve achieved, I give glory to God. And now, I’m just excited for what’s next!
We wish you the best of luck as you continue your education at UW-Madison this fall, Oluwaseun! Congratulations again on your achievements! We look forward to seeing what you'll do next!