Women of Rubies
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Here Is The 10-year-old Without Hands Who Won Two National Handwriting Awards

10 year old Anaya Ellick was born without hands. But she wouldn’t allow her disability to determine her personality.

In 2018, she participated at the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest, under a special needs category and won the penmanship prize for her flawless cursive writing.

This company publishes research-based handwriting, reading, writing, spelling and vocabulary programs. Each year, they hosts a “National Handwriting Contest” for youths across the U.S.

Before winning this Contest, Ellick who doesn’t use prosthetics had stunned the nation when at the age of seven as a first grader, won the Nicholas Maxim Special Award for Excellence in Manuscript Penmanship.

She has been inspiring to all as two national honors winner for her astonishingly extraordinary writing skills. “Anaya is a role model to everyone,” Sara Cannaday, a third grade teacher said.

Ellick taught herself how to write by holding the pencil between her two lower arms and remaining at her desk area to get the ideal angle for her to write easily according to Steemit.

Her parents likewise uncovered that Ellick showed herself how to write, learned to tie her shoes, prepared herself for school and endeavored to do things herself even before requesting help.

“It wasn’t really hard,” she told WTKR. “I was happy and I thought my mom was joking when she said I won again.”

For winning the contest, the young princess gets $1,000 and a trophy, according to Zaner-Bloser’s website. Her school also won, as the company awarded it a gift certificate to be spent on print and digital resources for students and teachers.

“Anaya is a role model to everyone,” Sara Cannaday, a third grade teacher said.

Her parents are feel really good, mother Bianca said, “I’m proud because it encourages her… For her to see that hard work does pay off,” Middleton said.

“She’s really independent—from tying shoes, putting clothes, getting baths,” Gary Ellick, Anaya’s father said. “It was always like ‘I can do it’. So, that just carried on over the years.” Anaya might be considering venturing into sports she told WTKR.

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Rubygirls| “If I Become A Day President Of Nigeria, I’ll Legalise Abortion”- Edun Mueenat Eniola

Edun Mueenat Eniola, an indigene of Ogun state is a graduate of Sociology from the prestigious Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. She is a photographer. A counselor. A young adult educator on sexual and gender based violence and related topics. An advocate of gender equality and feminism.

Eniola is currently working on unveiling her skin care products soonest. She also has a project titled “Adolescent Hub” ongoing where she educates young persons in schools on how to prevent and report issues of sexual and gender based violence as well as equipping them with life skills.

Eniola Edun Mueenat

 

*1.Let’s meet you. Who is Eniola?*

My name is Edun Mueenat Eniola.
I’m from Ogun state, Imo precisely.
I grew up in Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.
Am a graduate of Sociology, from the prestigious Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

*2. Who and what is your inspiration?*

My inspiration is to create a better world for girls and women through gender advocacy and empowerment, especially in this part of the world (Africa) where the level of inequality is on the high side.

*3. Your biggest fear*

I don’t think I have one. I’m often prepared for worse.

*4. What is that one accessory you can’t leave home without?*

My make up brush😁

 

*5. You are a versatile young woman and entrepreneur. You are a graduate of Sociology. An educator. A photographer. How do you juggle and balance all of these?*

It hasn’t been easy but as a lady that’s highly motivated and passionate to be successful, its imperative for me to strike a balance in everything I do. I do more of my photography job at my office (Gender mobile) where I work as a Human Right activist, Gender Advocate, Counselor and young adult educator on Sexual and Gender based violence and related topics.

I am currently working on unveiling my skin care products. Watch out for E. M. E cosmetics.

*6. Your best quote?*

Don’t let your background put your back on the ground.

*7. What is that one thing you’ll like to change about yourself?*

Maintaining bonds.

*8. Which city or country will you love to visit?*

Amsterdam or Paris

*9. You are a gender advocate and a feminist. What does feminism mean to you as a person? And what is your view on modern Nigeria feminism?*

Feminism simply means a movement for equality for both sex. Women folks deserve equal rights and opportunities as men. Nigeria religious practise, culture, archaic individual mindset and false doctrines has been a great challenge but regardless we are making progress in the movement to make the public learn and unlearn.

*10. If given the chance to be the President of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?*

(Smiles) This may sound weird. If I become a day president of Nigeria, I’ll legalise abortion. So many people had died of illegal abortion conducted by quack doctors. Legalising it will reduce the rate of illegal abortions conducted by quacks.

*11. As an advocate and educator. Any organization you belong to in furtherance of this and any related activity or campaign you have been involved in?*

Yes, I worked with Balm in Gilead Foundation for sustainable development (BIGIF) and as I said earlier I am currently working with Gender Mobile Initiative in Ekiti State where am priviledged to render my service to more audience. More also, I once facilitated a forum “Share and Learn” with Youth Rescue and Care Initiative (YORCI) where young adults are privileged to share their pain on rape, sexual molestation, gender inequality and more social issues.

Currently, I’m working on a project tagged “Adolescent Hub”, we educate in-school youths on how to prevent and report issues of sexual and gender based violence and as well equip them with life skills.

*12. Where do you see yourself/your brand in the next 5 years?*

With God by my side, I see myself to have done over 20 states project with a proposed outcome of a society where women will be given equal opportunities with men and working with relevant stakeholders in coming up with policies that will ensure abortion of rape and sexual molestation in our country.

*13. If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?*

I’ll tell them to strive to build their capacities and equip themselves with necessary skills that will help them in nation building.

 

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THIS INSPIRING YOUNG GIRL WHO HAD HER HAND AMPUTATED REFUSE TO GIVE UP

Tyler Brown, a girl a who had her arm amputated due to a tumor, has returned back to swimming. Just one month after the amputation, she continued. The 14 year old did not let her circumstances stop her. She is from Atlanta Georgia.

One day, doctors found a cancerous tumor in her right arm. The tumor was initially removed but became malignant, they had no other choice but to amputate her arm to keep cancer from spreading.

Tyler a high school swimmer, was medically cleared to get back in the pool, and then she immediately competed in the swim meet in her high school, the Elite Scholars Academy in Clayton County.

“It didn’t affect me in any way,” she told Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Her family supported her, and helped her back to school by organizing “one arm parties” with her friends and classmates.

She performed well in the competition, but admitted it wasn’t as it used to be.

“I do feel like I have to work harder than my two-arm counterparts, but it’s work I’m willing to do,” she said. “I am really competitive. I want people to count me out. Then I want to prove them wrong.”

Tyler is truly a resilient young woman who wouldn’t give up.

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In Health By

#RUBYGIRLS| “THE DESIRE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE DRIVES ME” – CHIOMA FAVOUR UZOMA

Chioma Favour Uzoma is a fifth year Pharmacy student of the University of Benin. She is the first of three girls.

She is passionate about the future of Nigeria and improving its health sector which made her start a Health and Wellness website (MedBlogNigeria) where she is a content creator. She advocates for healthy living through her organization named The Medvocacy Initiative Africa (TMI Africa).

She is an entrepreneur at Dainty Cakes and Event. She is also a fashion and beauty enthusiast.

Let’s meet you. Who is Chioma?

Chioma is a fifth year pharmacy student of the University of Benin, the first of three girls. I am a Christian, content creator at MedblogNigeria, an entrepreneur at Dainty Cakes and Event, Founder TMI Africa @t.m.i_africa and Member of JCI.

Made by chioma

 

I am very passionate about the future of Nigeria, everything that goes on wrongly in this country affects me in a very strange way and I intend to contribute to scalable and sustainable impact in this nation, and in Africa at large.

Who and what inspires you?

The persons who inspire me the most are young Nigerian women who are doing exploits in their various fields. The likes of Toby Lordwilliams,founder of girlhub Africa, Dr Chioma,Cassie Akide, Pharm Onyekachi etc., and older women who have conquered their spheres such as Mrs Ibukun Awosika, Bukky George and of course my Mum, She inspires me a lot.
I love these women so much, and whenever I feel discouraged, I simply look at their pages on Instagram, see what they are up to and sincerely, I’m pumped back up.

The desire to be successful in life also drives me.

One accessory you can’t leave home without?

My small bag of course.
Because I get to put all my tiny stuffs in it.

What is your biggest fear?

This Girl is fearless.
I believe God has not given me the Spirit of fear and this has kept me going.

You own a Health and wellness website (MedBlogNigeria) with pages on Instagram and Facebook (Medblog_ng) where you help inform people’s health decisions. What prompted you to start this? And what do you plan to do differently in the health sector through your website and other platforms?

Well, I actually started them because I love writing and I love searching for information (My friends literally ask me for details to any gist circulating online and I always have the details). I have been writing since my secondary school days and it has become part of me. Also, being a Pharmacy student, people naturally assume you know the answers to all their health problems, so they bombard you with questions.
It was only natural for me to incorporate my writing skills which is also a passion for me into my profession, hence the birth of MedBlogNigeria.

I also found it as a way to bridge the communication gap between health personnels and the general public. Now you don’t have to go to a Pharmacy or a Hospital to get certain health information, just turn on your data, ask a question, drop a comment and your questions are answered. We simply inform the health decisions of the general public which I think is a great idea.

Your best quote?

Do it afraid, do it unsure, do it uncertain but do it anyway!

You are a versatile young lady with so many things on your hands. You are also an entrepreneur who bakes and sells cakes also. How do you balance the demands of all of these with your academics?*

The truth is, it is not an easy task but I am someone who is very passionate about anything I do. Passion drives any human.

I’ve also learnt to manage my time, to do the right things at the right time, maximize my holidays, have the right support system and these have helped me thus far.

Which city/ country will you love to visit soonest?

That would be Paris. I studied French all through my six years in secondary school, I would love to practice my French speaking skills.

If given the chance to be the President of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?

Inasmuch as I think a day is quite too short to make any meaningful changes in a country like Nigeria, I guess I will quickly rewrite the national budget and present a more inclusive one where the basic needs of every Nigerian is prioritized, I would allocate more funds to the health sector which I think is at a pathetic state currently.

As a pharmacy student, you advocate for healthy living for individuals through an organization you run “The Medvocacy Initiative for Africa (TMI Africa).” Can you shed more light on TMI Africa? Its activities, aims and achievements so far?

TMI Africa is an organization of young medical advocates and volunteers. We encourage youths especially those who are medically inclined to actively promote health within their immediate environment and to the general public.
We engage in online health campaigns, dissemination of health information, health outreaches in schools through collaborations and partnerships.
Although we are just starting out, we engaged fully and effectively in the cervical cancer campaign online and it was very helpful to many as a lot of people became aware of the disease and tips for prevention.
We hope to achieve more in coming months.

What was growing up in a Nigerian home like and how did it contribute to the path you have chosen?

(Laughs) I think we all know what growing in a Nigerian home is like.
My home was a special case because my parents were really strict on my sisters and i due to fact that we were girls, they didn’t want us to “spoil.”
But we thank God because it is part of what has made me the woman I am today and I’m grateful.

Where do you see yourself/your brand in the next 5 years?

I am passionate about entrepreneurship because I believe that every economy that we admire has a viable private sector to boast of. If we are going to see sustainable changes in the Nigerian economy, the private sector has a huge role to play and I want to be at the forefront of that in the health and beauty space.

If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

I would advice them to maximise their social media. I say this everyday that this social media thing we see is way under utilised.
My social media is one of my biggest influences. I follow smart, intelligent, purpose driven individuals who inform my everyday life. My Instagram account is really boring to an average youth because i follow more content than glam.

I would advice them to Cherish their relationship with God because ,he is the ultimate giver of Life, wisdom and prosperity.

Lastly, I will advise them to be focused. Most of the things we care so much about currently are so irrelevant. Focus on things that matter to your future.

Thanks alot, Rubygirls for this interview, I’m truly honored!

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MEET THE 8-YEAR-OLD NEUROSCIENTIST WHO TEACHES ONLINE FROM A LAB IN HER BEDROOM

Amoy Antunet got hooked on science at the age of three after coming across a microscope owned by her father, who was a college student.

The young whiz kid from Atlanta, Georgia, soon became her father’s “study buddy.” Davin Shepherd, who was then 43, began explaining everything he was learning during his biology classes to his daughter.

Subsequently, the second-grader began experiments from a lab in her bedroom with a collection of test tubes, replica organs, microscopes, and chemicals she built for herself.

By the age of five, she had started appearing on the internet with her dad, conducting experiments and giving lessons from the lab.

“Donning a white lab coat, Amoy dissects mind-boggling topics including cell division, the heart, pH testing and her favorite – the brain,” the Daily Mail wrote recently.

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, sitting
https://youtu.be/A8tGtubPxeU

At the moment, her explainer videos on her Facebook page, Science For Children with Amoy Antunet, have over a million

The young whiz kid from Atlanta, Georgia, soon became her father’s “study buddy.” Davin Shepherd, who was then 43, began explaining everything he was learning during his biology classes to his daughter.

Subsequently, the second-grader began experiments from a lab in her bedroom with a collection of test tubes, replica organs, microscopes, and chemicals she built for herself.

Antunet, who also loves math and gymnastics, said she makes her videos because she wants to “help people understand different types of science.”

“When I was a little girl I said I wanted to be a pharmacist but now I want to be a neurosurgeon who helps people with neurological disorders.

“So far I’ve mostly learnt about the heart and the brain and I want to learn about Multiple Sclerosis in the future so I can help sick people like my aunt, who has it.

“My daddy will teach me.”

 

Image result for amoy antunet

Shepherd, who is proud of her daughter, said he will continue to help his talented daughter to achieve her goals.

“At first I thought it was cute but then I started seeing how she really grasped some of it,’ he said.

“After a while it became something we did together. We would go through lessons and she would pretend to teach me, and that’s how we learned.

“It’s one of the things she does for playtime now. She will put on a lab coat and run to the lab and do all the stuff she wants.”

Image result for amoy antunet
Amoy Antunet

Antunet, who was invited to the University of Alabama’s Neuroscience Lab, has also appeared on CNN, the BBC and other major media outlets as well as conferences where she has spoken on Alzheimer’s.

 

Source: Face2face Africa

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#RUBYGIRLS| “TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR LIFE AND CHOICES”- OMOOBAJESU ADETUNJI

OmoobaJesu Adetunji is a fourth year medical student at Ladoke Akintola University. She is an outstanding writer who owns her own lifestyle blog where shares bits and pieces of diverse shades of her life in order to inspire her readers. She is passionate about reading, education, health and good living.

Let’s meet you

I’m OmoobaJesu Adetunji. Yes, OmoobaJesu is my real name, birth certificate and all. I’m a 4th year medical student at LAUTECH. I enjoy reading and writing which is one of the major reasons why I run a blog (www.omoobaadetunji.com) where I share bits and pieces of my life with the hopes of encouraging someone else. I care deeply about education, health and good living.

What are your hobbies

I love to laugh! So naturally, I enjoy the company of family and friends as well as good music, movies, and books.

Who and what inspires you

Inspiration for me comes in different forms and from everywhere. I could be walking on the street and be inspired. I could be gisting with my friend and be inspired. I could be in church and be inspired. I think for me, it’s more about letting myself be inspired through every circumstance rather than searching for inspiration.

One accessory you can’t leave home without.

Earrings! I love my earrings.

 You are a medical student yet you own a blog where you write on diverse life principles, lessons and genres. How do you keep up with your several interests and fortes?

Good question. The truth is I don’t know. I just take one day at a time. And I don’t really compartmentalise my life as such. I see it all as a continuum which I must enjoy and stretch to its fullest potential. I also think every aspect of my life helps each other out. Writing helps me be a better student because it makes me happy. Medicine helps me be a better writer because it gives me something to write about. So I don’t particularly feel a need to balance because they all help me to be better. I just go with the flow, one step and a time. And if I notice a tilt I adjust. I know this process seems a little bizarre and wild, but it works for me and it gives me peace of mind.

Your best quote?

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

What is that one thing you’ll like to change about yourself?

I really like myself. Is that weird? Maybe, but I can’t think of anything I’d like to change. Except maybe in the area of things to improve on, because there’s always room for improvement. On that note, I would be interested in improving on whatever needs to be improved on per time. For now, to be honest I can’t think of anything.

What was growing up for you like? And did your childhood in any way prepare you for everything you do now?

Growing up was pretty great for me. I used to be very introverted when I was younger so I suffered many depressive episode but I’m happier and lighter now. I love being all grown up. I’m not one of those people that wish they were children again. No, thanks. I like being an adult.

As a child I was always surrounded by books. My dad was a librarian and he loved reading. We had a library in our home and I’ve been reading since I can remember. It was normal to read. It was default mode. I can’t remember when exactly I started writing, but I remember that my essays were always the best in school. There was a time when my English teacher read my eassy out loud in class as an example of how essays should be written. That’s one moment that cannot be easily forgotten.

Now that I think about it, my mom used to give me writing assignments throughout one particular summer break in primary school. That’s when I got really good at writing. Wow. Thank God for my mom! And dad! Awesome people.

Your biggest fear.

I don’t have fears. God has come through for me way too many times for me to be afraid about anything. I’m just relaxed, I have everything that I need to succeed. And I am grateful to God.

The journal of the Ladoke Akintola University Medical Student’s Association (LAUMED): The Girl Child was recently launched in which you played a very active role. What does this journal mean to you as a girl child? And what does it intend to drive home to all young females and the society at large?

The Girl Child Journal to me personally, addresses issues that are exclusive to the female gender while also not completely shunning the Male child. The balance or interplay between the sexes is particularly interesting and important to me because often times the men are ignored, yet we will still as women have to interact with males on an intimate level. I believe there’s a need for education and empowerment of both sexes and the Journal did justice to that, that made me glad.

The Journal is for every girl child, to remind her of her value and importance in her environment. To show her that all that she wants to be, she can be, regardless of the limitations that society might place on her.

 If given the chance to be the president of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?

Oh interesting. Two things. Definitely pump all the money I can get my hands on, into the education and health sector. Yup. That’s all and I’m good.

 Where do you see yourself/your brand in the next five years?

In five years, I see myself reaching millions through my writing or/and through other frontiers and as always helping people live their best lives.

 If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

You are beautiful just the way you are. Get to know yourself. Get to love yourself. Begin a real and intimate relationship with God. Be rooted in who you are. Don’t let anyone make you feel any less. Take responsibility for your life and own your choices. And always, keep moving, don’t give up!

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#RUBYGIRLS| “I AM INSPIRED BY ACHIEVERS”- OLUWATOMILOLA ANJOORIN

Oluwatomilola Anjoorin is the first child in a family of six. She hails from Ekiti. She is a graduate of Biochemistry from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). She is the CEO of Miel Creations where she creates amazing delicacies.

Let’s meet you. Who is Oluwatomilola ?

I am Oluwatomilola Anjoorin, the first child and only daughter in a family of six. I am an indigene of Ekiti, but based in Lagos. I am a graduate of Biochemistry from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). I own Miel Creations where I make mouth watering cakes.

What are your hobbies?

Reading, traveling, surfing the net and singing.

Who and what inspires you?

I am inspired by achievers, no name in particular, people that despite all odds pull themselves out of difficult situations and stands high such as Oprah Winfrey.

What is your biggest fear?

Being financially and spiritually poor, wrong marriage, not touching lives before I leave the Earth.

With different people joining the baking world, how have you been able to step up your games? Do you think the profession is growing well in Nigeria and worth making sacrifices for?

It is important to note that no matter how much you climb, someone will always be ahead of you, it’s fine.
And, yes, I ensure I attend seminars, keep myself updated by reading and surfing the web, follow the trend WISELY. Well, yes, it is evident in the fact that the almighty cake boss, Buddy, visited Nigeria some months back. My business,my brand,my profession is worth making sacrifices for.

Your best quote?

You won’t always be right, your opinion is not the truth.

What is that one thing you’ll like to change about yourself?

My butts, I’d like to have a bigger butt. On a more seriously note, I’d like to change the way I over think issues.

What keeps you up at night?

Thoughts on how to be a better woman, my dreams and how to achieve them.

If given the chance to be the President of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?

NYSC being scrapped. Ensuring all varsity students learn a skill, give total allowance to fresh graduate to start their businesses.

Where do you see yourself and your brand in the next 5 years?

Myself happily married with kids. My business/brand very well established, having strong holds in different states and it must be able to run independently. Own a big restaurant, be a counsellor/guardian to young girls.

How have you been able to combine being a biochemist and a baker together?

One thing has bowed for the other, I am a full time baker/Event planner for now.

 What is your major challenge so far and how have you been able to deal with it?

Well, I’d say social media awareness/marketing, I try to be better, while surfing the web, I try to focus on things that are more important.

 If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you? What will be your advice to them?

Know God from your early years, if you’ve missed it before, find your path.
That you’ve failed once, twice, three times, doesn’t mean you can’t start all over again.
Pressures will come, it’ll always be there, focus.
Don’t be so marriage conscious, you tend forget to enjoy your single state that way.
God will bless the works of thy hand, the Bible says,sister,what is in thy hand?

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#RUBYGIRLS| “IN FIVE YEARS TIME, I SEE MYSELF BECOMING THE WOMAN I HAVE ALWAYS DREAMT OF” -ADEBANJO ADERINSOLA ABIBAT

Adebanjo Aderinsola Abibat, a versatile young woman and entrepreneur is a graduate of Performing Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University, (OOU). She is an indigene of Ogun State.

She is a hair stylist, a fashion designer, make up artist (including special effect) and an actor. She is also the CEO of Black doll and Rinsola Aesthetics and the Co-Founder of Costume Sisters.

Aderinsola shares her ‘Ruby Girl’ story in this interview.

 

MEET ME

My name is Adebanjo Aderinsola Abibat, popularly known as Rinsola. I am a graduate of Performing Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University OOU. I am from Ogun State.

I’m an hair stylist, a fashion designer, make up artist (including special effect) and an actor. I am the CEO of Black doll and Rinsola Aesthetics and the Co-Founder of Costume Sisters.

HOBBIES

I am a freak when it comes to applying makeup and taking pictures. I also love dancing, drawing and standing in front of camera, either acting or making my short videos.

INSPIRATION

I am mostly inspired by my Milieu, especially when I have to express myself through drawing. I draw what I see, and I also do this sometimes when it comes to making a creative outfit. Social media is another source of my inspiration. When I see people’s work, I get motivated to do more than ever someone else has done, plus it’s a constant reminder not to relent and also improve to be the best. Hakeem Effects (Onilogbo Hakeem) inspires me more on the area of special effects or makeup fantasy.

 

ONE ACCESSORY I CAN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT

Earrings

BALANCING IT ALL…

Everything in life has its own season or time. Especially when it comes to hair and sewing. There are times when I get jobs for make up only or sewing e.t.c. So far, I haven’t been in a situation where I have to do all at the same time. It’s either two or three at most.

I remembered a situation where I had to dance, act, and was also the costumier and makeup artist for that production. It was actually stressful, but I was able to pull through because it was something I really enjoyed doing. I have passion for these things and also derive happiness from doing them.

BEST QUOTE

Make hay while the sun shine.

 

ONE THING I WILL LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT ME

Low self esteem especially when it comes to competition or public speaking.

WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT

Social media. I love feeding my eyes with things that are trending, especially things that have to do with fashion.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE ON STAGE AS A THEATRE ARTS STUDENT…

My induction ( initiation to Theater Arts). Walking around the school bare footed with palm front in my mouth alongside my course mates and dancing on stage with public figures including the likes of Abbey Lanre, Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Shola Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Toyosi Adesanya, and Victor Olaotan who was the chief priest of the occasion.

 

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT FOR A DAY…

I would change the economy. It is one of the biggest problem that Nigeria is currently facing. The rate of buying and selling has drastically increased and is negatively affecting the citizens. Inflation in prices of goods and services is rising and our currency is depreciating. Income earned by workers can no longer sustain them, which is a threat in the lives of many people.

UPBRINGING

My upbringing didn’t prepare me for all that I am today. Maybe I would have been better than this if that was the case but I thank God for where I am today.

 

MY BRAND IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS

I see myself becoming the woman I have always dreamt of. A successful entrepreneur and a public figure.

 

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR GIRLS YOUNGER THAN ME

No matter how bad your background is, how broke you are, where you are today or what anyone else says about you, your life and your future matters. Hard work is the younger brother to miracle, put in effort and hard work in whatever you do, just be yourself and never follow anyone else path and the sky will be your starting point.

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#RUBYGIRLS| “I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT CHANGING THE VIEW OF MENTAL HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA AS A WHOLE” – TOLUWANI ADEBAYO

Toluwani Eyitayo Adebayo is a Medical Doctor in training at Bowen University, Iwo. She is the second child of a family of seven. She has about two years experience of being a mental health advocate.

Currently, she is an ambassador of YOUTHLEAD TEAM, 2019 kectil colleague, 2019 AFRICAVE fellow, 2019 Yali Rlc West Africa fellow, an open source leader of the common purpose global leadership UK and a member of MHIN (Mental Health Innovative Network.)

Toluwani loves volunteering, reading, travelling and networking with great minds.

She shares her ‘Ruby Girl’ story in this interview.

 

MEET ME

TOLUWANI EYITAYO ADEBAYO is a Medical Doctor in training at Bowen University, Iwo. I am the second child of a family of seven. I have about two years experience of being a mental health advocate.

Currently, I am an ambassador of YOUTHLEAD TEAM, 2019 kectil colleague,2019 AFRICAVE fellow, 2019 Yali Rlc West Africa fellow, an open source leader of the common purpose global leadership UK and a member of MHIN(Mental Health Innovative Network.)

Toluwani is a student volunteer who believes in changing the world’s perspective about mental health.

 

HOBBIES

I enjoy volunteering, reading, travelling and networking with great minds.

INSPIRATION

God has been my greatest source of inspiration, my parents and great mentors like Ms Florence Olumodimu, Ms Tejiri Emuveyan, Dr. P.O peters, Dr Adewale Adeluyi have been inspiring me greatly and encouraging me to become a better version of myself

WHY I CHOSE TO SPECIALIZE IN MENTAL HEALTH

There has been an increase in the incidence of mental health condition, in Nigeria and the world at large and people with mental health conditions are commonly stigmatized.

As a result of this, I have developed a passion to change the view of mental healthcare in Nigeria in particular and in Africa as a whole. I am trying to change the perspective of people by using measurable actions in the aspects of sensitizing and caring for mental health patients.

 

ON GIVING UP

Well…. There have been times I felt like giving up on school,career and building myself but during those darkest moments, I pray to God and I remember the reason why I chose this path. This has helped me to come out stronger and better. Also, I continuously remind myself to never despise days of humble beginnings.

 

BEST QUOTE

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”
— Dolly Parton

 

WHAT I WILL LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT MYSELF

Currently, I have been working on procrastination. Having discussed I procrastinate a lot, I have been actively doing things as they pop up as a corrective measure.

 

WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT

The fear of failure has been one of the things that keeps up.
Fear of disappointing my parents and my self as well.

 

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BECOME THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY

I will focus more on health sector of the nation reason being I actively relate with Sustainable Development Goal 3 which is to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.

1.This will reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100 000 live births.

2. This will help in ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.

 

ON DEPRESSION AND HOW TO OVERCOME IT…

Depression comes in different colours as it looks different on everyone. So Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

¶Feeling sad

¶Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

¶Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting

¶Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

¶Loss of energy or increased fatigue

¶Increase in purposeless physical activity

¶Feeling worthless or guilty

¶Difficulty in thinking, concentrating or making decisions

And the common one
¶ Thoughts of death or suicide

Coping with depression:

∆Reach out and stay connected
Reaching out might seem impossible but to snap out of depression, one must do it

Tips

¶ Look for *support* from people who make you feel safe and cared for
Talk to others that matter to you

¶ Try to to keep up with social activities even if you don’t feel like it.

¶ Join a support group for depression

Improve Satisfaction

Satisfaction is a state of being, not a transient mood. Whereas cheerful emotions come and go, satisfaction is an appraisal that reflects the sum total of an experience more than a specific point in the experience.

∆ Plan to Get What You Want
Respond differently. Stop planning to be hurt and hopeless. First of all, delay thoughts of failed expectations. It is a simple refusal to think ahead about inevitable failure. Tell yourself instead that you will “face it when it happens.” If you are going to be disappointed, there will be time later to deal with it.

∆ End Isolation
Although self-care is an important part of recovery, in the short-term, getting back to social contact is highly useful. Relying on others may seem impractical or impossible in your particular situation, but taking small steps toward reliance on others, even if it is simply

∆ Most importantly,
*GET A PROFESSIONAL HELP*
SEE A DOCTOR, IF YOU DON’T FEEL BETTER AFTER TRYING ALL THESE..
You might need a pharmacological approaches.

 

GROWING UP…

Growing up in a Nigeria home was fun as well being stressful. My parents are academicians, so I have seen reading as a necessity to shapen myself. There are days where I would be sad or feel unhappy.

My parents have been my number one cheerleader, they have been supportive from the very start. Days of coming to watch me march during school’s inter house sports to reposting my e-fliers for online webinars. They have been amazing and this helped building my self esteem.I have 4 siblings and I am the second child/daughter, so I have had to take care of my younger siblings. This has helped in shaping me to be more compassionate.

 

MY BRAND IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS

In the next 5 years, the name TOLU ADEBAYO would have made significant impacts in positive social advocacy and in changing people’s perspective about mental health.

 

WORDS OF ADVICE TO GIRLS FIVE YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME

They should find what they are passionate about and start early.

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In Rubygirls By

#RUBYGIRLS| “I AM DRIVEN BY THE DESIRE TO CAUSE GREAT IMPACT AND POSITIVE CHANGE IN MY GENERATION” – OLAMIDE MARIAM SOBOWALE

Olamide Mariam Sobowale is a third year student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). She is the president of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, OOU. She is the CEO of “Lamie Enterprises,” where she has her own travel agency, “Lamie Travel and Tours.” She also owns “Lamie Kitchen.”

She shares her ‘Ruby Girl’ story in this interview.

 

MEET ME

I am Olamide Mariam Sobowale. I am the second child in a family of four. I am a third year student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am an entrepreneur with a travel and tour agency and own a kitchen. I am also the Chapter president for Junior Chamber International Nigeria, OOU. I love God, my family and friends.

 

HOBBIES

I love traveling, cooking, watching movies, being hospitable.

INSPIRATION

I am inspired and driven by the desire to cause great impact and positive change in my generation by contributing my all, no matter how minute it might be to wherever I find myself or whatever I lay my hands upon.

Great women who started achieving feats at a young age also inspire me. I look at them and tell myself that if they can be that successful at such a young age. Then, I can also and even do more.

 

BIGGEST FEAR

My biggest fear is leaving the world or wherever I am without leaving my prints in the sand of time or not being known to have contributed positively to the growth of such a place.

JUGGLING ACADEMICS AND BUSINESS

To be honest, it has not been easy but I started everything as an hobby and beyond work, they are things I am passionate about and love doing. So, that passion drives me even when I’m weary or stressed out. Then, my determination to excel at everything keeps me going.

 

ON BEING THE PRESIDENT OF JUNIOR CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL

Junior Chamber International is the leading network of young active citizens across the globe. It is a non governmental organization that empowers young people to make positive change.

It is indeed a great honour and priviledge for me to be the 2019/2020 chapter president of JCIN, OOU. I understand how demanding this position is and I do not take it for granted. I and my Board of Directors for the year summarized everything we intend to do in our theme for the year, “FILTER’20” which stands for Fun, Innovative and Impactful projects in OOU and its environs, Teamwork which is of great importance to push the collegiate to greater exploits, Efficiency in every of our activities and being Responsive to the needs of members, the school and community as a whole.

 

CHANGE

I’ll like to work on the attribute of procrastination.

 

WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT

Finishing up work or making use of it as my leisure time to watch movies.

BEST QUOTE

“Service to humanity is the best work of life.”

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY

I will change the police system and address the issue of security as a whole.

 

UPBRINGING

Yes, my upbringing prepared me for everything I am today. My mom is a caterer and entrepreneur which exposed me to the art of business, cooking and trade. Watching her laying her hands on different trades and pulling them off effectively braced me for everything I am.
My dad also raised me to be independent and he is always supportive of my projects and dreams.

 

MY BRAND IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

I see myself and my brand, “Lamie Enterprises” soaring high and achieving great exploits. I also look forward to touching other areas and visions under Lamie Enterprises.

 

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR GIRLS FIVE YOUNGERS THAN ME

If I was given the opportunity to address younger girls, I’ll admonish them to take advantage of the positive sides and opportunities this generation offers and make the best use of it. They should not allow anything derail them from going for anything good they set their minds to. And also to know they are beautiful and amazing in all ways.

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