Appetite for Discovery

Ibilola Fasogbon ’28 has always been driven by curiosity and adventure. As a child, she found nearly everything exciting — from photography to computers — and she wanted to try her hand at all of it. The options at times were overwhelming, but she took full advantage of the motto given to her by her mother: “If it doesn’t cost money, you can do it.”

That same appetite for discovery has stayed with her and informed the way she chooses to invest her energy as a student at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. “I like finding different things,” says Fasogbon. “That’s the best way to keep myself intact. When you understand what works for you and what doesn’t, no matter what new environment you’re thrown into, you’re able to navigate it.”

On the one hand, Fasogbon is passionate about science. She’s particularly interested in neuroscience — “I love the brain!” she says — and she’s leaning strongly toward a future career in medicine. She’s also discovered an affinity for computer science, and she’s scheming how she can squeeze as many of those courses into her schedule as possible.

On the other hand, Fasogbon has an artistic side that is just as important as her analytic side. “I need to do something that is not just science, something that helps the creative part of myself have an outlet.” For her, one of the key ways she’s expressed that part of her personality is through 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Debate Society, which hosts speakers, participates in competitions and organizes public debates.

“I love arguing,” she explains. “I’m the youngest in my family, so arguing with my siblings is at the core of my childhood. But being able to do it in a way where it’s wanted and accepted and even required is really nice.”

Fasogbon might be a rookie in the world of debate, but she’s a veteran when it comes to exploring new opportunities and picking up new skills. “That’s the thing about trying something new. It feels scary, but you pick up from people better than you, and you incorporate that into your own stuff.”

As she reflects upon her journey of curiosity and self-awareness, Fasogbon is quick to point out the positive influence she’s received from those around her — in her family, among her peers and across 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s campus.

“I’ve been blessed to have people in my life who support me and make me feel confident to try new things,” she says. “That’s what’s so great about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Everybody is unique, and they’re doing their own thing. One of my friends is doing all this musical stuff; another one of my friends crochets beautiful clothing. Everybody’s a total weirdo — in a good way. It gives you a chance to be independent.”