Ibukun Ogunwomoju '17: Expanding Her World Through Teach for America

By Rich Beebe  P'10

Recalling her experience working for two years in Teach for America, Ibukun Ogunwomoju ’17 said, “Becoming a teacher both broke me and restored me.”
 
After Westover, Ibukun attended Franklin and Marshall College, with a double major in Public Health and Africana Studies. She later attended Relay Graduate School of Education, receiving a Master of Arts in Teaching.
 
“Prior to joining Teach for America, I had engaged with children in various capacities and contexts. When my junior year of college arrived, applying for their early decision program felt like the natural next step.”
 
After completing her training, Ibukun said, “I was placed at a Title I middle school in the South Bronx, where glaring inequities confronted me directly. Reflecting on the immense privilege of my own education at Westover and the stark differences with the school where I taught, the gap appeared insurmountable, even from the perspective of a teacher.
 
“However,” Ibukun added, “it was through teaching that I discovered the ability to persevere in the face of adversity, to confront my own limitations, and to be vulnerable with my students. Though the challenges ran deep, the rewards were profound.”
 
“In my role as a teacher,” Ibukun said, “I assumed various roles beyond traditional instruction. I became a confidant, consoling students through panic attacks; a stylist, braiding hair an hour before picture day; and a companion, joining my students in the latest TikTok dance crazes with spontaneity.”
 
Although she has transitioned from teaching, Ibukun noted that she continues “to stay engaged as a member of the Teach for America Alumni Association Board. Our mission is to raise awareness about Teach for America NYC and the educational landscape while striving for collective impact in the quest for excellent neighborhood schools and educational equity.”
 
At present, Ibukun said, “I am actively pursuing further education and transitioning into a new career path. I aim to leverage the invaluable experience gained in education to continue making a significant and meaningful impact.”
 
“Service has been a fundamental part of my life since childhood,” Ibukun said, “a practice that evolved in unique ways during my time at Westover. I recall spending lunch breaks writing letters for Amnesty International, participating in the Gospel Choir, marching for peace on MLK Day, engaging in park clean-ups in Waterbury, and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity on a Day of Service.”
 
“These experiences,” she added, “anchored me and reshaped the breadth of my commitment to volunteerism long after my days at Westover. Ultimately, they serve as a constant reminder of my aspiration — a factor that influenced my decision to join Teach for America — to pursue work that uplifts and empowers.”
 
“My advice to current Westover students is this: Don’t hesitate to embrace things that make you feel uncomfortable, but be mindful not to overwhelm yourself,” Ibukun said. “Thinking back on my own experiences, there were times when I felt drawn to explore beyond the familiar boundaries of Westover. Service can serve as a powerful means of personal growth, so I encourage you to embrace it. You may find it to be a path towards liberation and self-discovery.”