Taiwo Akorede - From Army Headquarters To Columbia University

Tell us about yourself, Taiwo!

Hometown: Dallas, TX.

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Religion and a Sustainable Development Concentration at Columbia University - Spring 2025

Fun Fact About Yourself: People get overwhelmed by how I smartly play the role of an ambivert with my contagious smile

What did you do in the military? I am currently the petroleum supply NCOIC for the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division.

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? Ranking sergeant position in less than three years and having my twin brother decorate me was my proudest accomplishment ever in the military. It was for him!

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? ~Deep breath in~ 😊 For me, Service to School was super helpful and welcoming. One of the biggest benefit was being able to work and communicate directly with an assigned mentor and advisor to get you on the right path of education you need or want to be.

Why did you decide to pursue this education path? I wanted to be exceptionally distinguished from my peers and I have learnt to be that, I need an educational upgrade in my baggage as I embark on my journey to the peak.

How has the transition from military to civilian life been? Not too smooth; but endurable. One just has to be open minded and understand that there is definitely more outside of military fox holes!

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I am enthralled by the prestige of the school I have just been admitted to (Columbia University). I really look forward to working with other young proactive students from across the world.

What are your goals post-graduation? Get back to service in the Army as a commissioned officer and plan my professional career outside of the Army afterwards. Look forward to other wonderful opportunities the win of life will blow up to me.

Taiwo's advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

My advice to future veteran applicants would be to stay open minded and be teachable. Those traits helped me in my journey because I quickly realized that I did not know it all. Understand that there is always more to learn and unlearn. Engage in peer to peer mentorship and ask as much questions as you need to suffice your educational needs. These guys at S2S are always ready to help whenever you need them. They did help me!

I am extremely happy to have worked with welcoming mentors at the Service to School. I tried getting into Columbia the first time on my own but as destiny would have it, I did not get it but when they put their professional heads into my case and I tried again, I got in!

Congrats again Taiwo on your acceptance to Columbia University!