Femi Osibin

Femi Osibin

2009 Salutatorian

 

As a high school student, Femi Osibin didn’t take school seriously.  Although he graduated from Oakland High in 1997, he wasn’t motivated to continue his education.  He first enrolled at Laney College in 1998, because he was “supposed” to, but soon dropped out.

For the next decade, Femi drifted — working sales jobs, scratching out a living by doing “whatever” to make ends meet.  But as maturity and wisdom began to take hold, he came to see the world differently.  Encouraged by a former girlfriend, he resumed his studies at Laney – this time in earnest – in the Spring of 2007.

“I didn’t have a full grasp of education,” he says now.  “The purpose of education is not just to get a job, but to expand your horizons and develop a different outlook on life. Laney allowed me to take education on my terms.”

“I know it sounds corny,” he says, “but there really is a feeling of family at Laney. My teachers made me feel comfortable, and helped me succeed.”  Indeed, he has been very successful . . . maintaining a gpa of 3.9, while earning an Associate Degree in Media Communications.

He credits counselor Immy Brewer and the EOPS staff for their support, and particularly  cites media instructors Marla Leech, Cedric Pounds and Vina Cera for their guidance.  Femi is also grateful to Peralta TV for an internship that allowed practical application of what he learned in class.

Femi Osibin currently volunteers as a mentor at the Oakland Aviation Charter High School.  He plans to pursue a degree in Theology and continue to be a role model for students with similar backgrounds to his own.