October 2, 2003

Staff profile: Fisayo Awoniyi

Title: Program assistant, secondary teaching program, School of Education and Social Policy

photo by Stephen Anzaldi

What do you do? In conjunction with the program advisor, I help review transcripts, maintain student files, and prepare recognition letters and awards to area teachers who mentor our student-teachers. The secondary teaching program is one of four concentrations at the school. The others include human development and psychological services, learning and organizational change, and social policy. Students are in and out of our office daily to work on class projects, to seek advice, and to attend class meetings.

You are currently working on your own degree? Yes, I am working on a degree in sociology, specializing in child and family welfare, from DePaul University. I am both a full-time student and employee. I plan to pursue a masters degree in the areas of social work and law. I’d like to work in a facility such as Mercy’s Home for Boys and Girls as a program director. Mercy’s Home for Boys and Girls provides neglected and abused children a safe and comfortable environment to live. My goal is to sustain and extend the practices of the home to other communities.

What do the three flags on your Web site represent? One is of my nationality, Nigerian. The other two flags are of Namibia and Haiti. I was fascinated by the cultural history of these countries, hence their inclusion. I like to post my opinions, as well as articles on social and political issues.

What do you like about this type of work? I value the relationships that I have formed with students, staff, and faculty and the connections to various educational activities on and off campus.

— Stephen Anzaldi