International Student Voices: Hassan Oyindamola Taiwo from Nigeria

Hassan Oyindamola Taiwo, a passionate linguist from Nigeria, shares his transformative journey as a Master's student at Idaho State University, embracing academic growth, cultural integration, and future aspirations.

My name is Hassan Oyindamola Taiwo. I am from Nigeria. I am a Masters student in the Department of English and Philosophy at Idaho State University.

Background and Decision to Choose ISU: Coming from Nigeria, where having a good command of English is synonymous with intelligence, I have always been ineffably passionate about English. In light of my linguistic experience in Nigeria, I have realized that if one wants to get ahead, getting an English head is very important! Oh no, this is no linguistic bias as English is the de facto numero uno language in the world, serving different purposes for different peoples globally, across the Kachruan Concentric Circles of users of English as a Native Language (ENL or the Inner Circle), English as a Second Language (ESL or the Outer Circle) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL or the Expanding Circle). For this reason, I thought it necessary to pursue a Master's degree in English to rule the world in the world of words.

However, it is one thing to have an ambition; it is another thing to have a 'platform' upon which one will achieve it. Therefore, Idaho State University is the proverbial platform upon which I can realize my full potential, making my postgraduate studies easy and fulfilling. Before my application process, I did not know about ISU. My online research made me know there was a school called Idaho State University. ISU is interested in giving people the platform to showcase their talents regardless of color, race, or background. The university's culture enchanted me from the first day I sent correspondence to the Graduate Director. Not only was the response soothing but it was laden with hope.

Experience at ISU: My experience at ISU has been fantastic. My coming into the Department of English has been a good decision. I have always enjoyed the professional contributions of my professors. They have been supportive, accommodating, and responsive. The department's coursework is student-friendly, giving alternative methods to my Afro-British classroom experience. Access to digital resources has changed my old analog experience to the contemporary version of the classroom. Using the university's library has been helpful. It is an excellent place to get books I cannot afford to get at the bookstore. Also, I enjoyed the accommodating demeanor of the clinic officials. They are professionally accommodating. I have had some memorable moments here at ISU. 

Academic and Professional Impact: The Accelerated Master's track has been a good experience. It is preparing for my PhD. program. With my experience here, pursuing my doctoral program will not be difficult in the United States. This is because I am already used to the system, and if there are differences, I will be different from a 'newbie' who just gained admission into a US school. 

Coming from a linguistic background, taking literature classes has widened my horizons, making me a versatile student who can contribute to literary issues moderately and reasonably. Furthermore, my experience in the "ENGL 6681-Theory of Second Language Acquisition" has greatly improved my teaching skills. I learned a lot about how effective teaching can occur according to the environment, culture, identity, and student linguistic strength.

Personal and Cultural Integration: Shadowing my mentor during my first year on campus exposed me to the educational and cultural differences in the United States. As a mentee, I gained the necessary classroom experience for my teaching assistantship. The classroom experience exposed me to what makes classrooms in the United States different from my Afro-Nigerian classrooms and has immensely impacted me. I am still learning!

As an international student in the United States, it is not uncommon for me to experience some cultural adjustments. However, it's been easy to integrate my cultural identity into my immediate environment. Studying at ISU has given me a lens through which I see beyond my Afro-Nigerian culture. Culturally, I have learned about life differently from my home country.

Future Aspirations and Career Goals: As for my career goals, I want to become a professor of international repute, making intercontinental waves in linguistics. My enrollment at ISU has already paved the way for me. I have had the opportunity to sit down and think about how I will realize my full potential. Yes, my home country will have to bear with me as I have come here to see beyond the British curriculum they are used to. So, my linguistic experience will have a blend of Ame-Brit features. 

Advice and Recommendations: I recommend that students apply to ISU to experience international education, accommodation, and other activities that will shape their academic and professional growth.

 

MY ISU, by Hassan Oyindamola Taiwo

From a far distance

I have come 

To imbibe the scholarly ocean of the owners of English

To stand out linguistically and literarily 

Like a dream at the outset

But a reality at the moment 

Making it here a dream come true 

 

Navigating the labyrinth of sociocultural differences

With my identity in the labyrinth 

Though not a bed of roses

Everything is worth it

 

Oh My ISU

My "dream facilitator"

You gave me a lift from Africa

I am here exploring the new land

My ISU

As the day breaks

I will continue to praise you

I will pronounce your name

When the night falls

I will always fancy you

For you are my "discoverer"

Wherever I go

Whatever I become

I will always uphold your name 

I will continue to hold you dearly

For you are my dear Alma mater

My ISU