“You’re not just learning it and putting it into your brain. You’re actually getting to experience it.”
For Aziza Ayodele, community is more than a word. At Francis Tuttle Technology Center, she’s found the kind of community she values and meaningful ways to be involved.
Through HOSA, she encourages classmates to explore the opportunities the organization offers. As part of the Oklahoma City Youth Council, she hopes to inspire other young people to become civically engaged.
A junior at Edmond Memorial High School, Ayodele is exploring her longstanding interest in healthcare as a second-year student in the Biosciences and Medicine Academy (BSMA) on the Danforth Campus. This interest began at a young age, influenced in part by her mother, who was a pediatrician.
Although her specific career goal has changed over time — from wanting to become a pediatrician, then a radiologist, and now an OB-GYN because of the lack of research in women’s health — her desire to help others and give back to her community has remained constant.
“I want to do anything that presents me with a successful career and allows me to keep growing and help my patients,” Ayodele explained. “I bet it will change in the next five years, so I am just kind of going with the flow, but I definitely want to do something in healthcare.”
BSMA has helped Ayodele explore the many paths available in healthcare through guest speakers, field trips, and regular laboratory activities. Students also learn skills such as how to build a resume, which has been helpful to Ayodele when applying for various opportunities.
“You’re not just learning it and putting it into your brain. You’re actually getting to experience it,” Ayodele said. “BSMA really allows you to have a better understanding of healthcare as a whole and how broad it is, how many different things you can do within healthcare. It gives you a whole different perspective and is always constantly reminding you to keep an open mind because there are so many different opportunities.”
Outside of the classroom, Ayodele has found another way to build connections through HOSA, an organization focused on preparing students for careers in healthcare. After watching her older sister, who also attended Francis Tuttle, participate in HOSA and seeing the opportunities it provided, Ayodele wanted to become involved too.
She served as community service chair before being elected vice president of the Francis Tuttle chapter. Last year, Ayodele and her partner competed at HOSA’s International Leadership Conference, where they connected with peers from around the world.
Ayodele also stays involved outside of Francis Tuttle. At Edmond Memorial, she is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, participates in speech and debate, and previously competed in track. This spring, she plans to run for a class officer position.
Through the Oklahoma City Youth Council, Ayodele is learning about local government and the role young people can play in shaping their communities. Ayodele applied for the council because she wanted to help others recognize that their voices matter.
Through monthly meetings and visits around OKC, Ayodele has learned about the work involved in running a city and how community feedback can influence decisions. Ayodele said she was “ecstatic” when she found out she was selected for the program and added that she can’t wait to share what she learns with classmates, family, and her community.
“I want to be someone who’s able to show the youth of Oklahoma City that we actually do have a part in the decisions that are being made, and we need to make sure our voice is heard,” she said.
For Ayodele, that same sense of belonging is a big part of what makes Francis Tuttle special. She has formed close friendships with classmates through shared classes and experiences, and built personal connections with instructors who always want to help students. She said all of this “stimulates a really great learning environment” and “makes you want to go to school” each day.
“The people are so important to me here at Francis Tuttle,” Ayodele said. “It’s truly a community and a village. I love it.”