Johnson & Johnson Scholar Turayo Tijani Follows Unexpected Path

Turayo Tijani will use the 2015 Johnson & Johnson Scholarship for BDPA Students to complete her studies of actuarial science at Morgan State University. We asked Turayo to share some insights on her story with us:

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Turayo Tijani

My life thus far has taken many unexpected paths. I came to the United States in 2003 by pure chance. My grandmother was coming to visit her daughter, and she was illiterate in English so I was chosen to accompany her. My visitor’s visa expired in 2005, and I did not find out until the junior year of high school, around 2010. While in high school, I found a mentor in my soccer coach. She helped guide me in my future plans after graduating from high school.

I attended the closest post-secondary institution which was Prince George’s Community College, and the experience was a dream. I had the best professors a student could ask for; ones who did not teach from the text but used it only as a supplementary material. I was again lucky to meet another faculty member, the adviser to the multicultural Kaleidoscope club. She helped me find available scholarships for which I was eligible, and she provided a platform for me to speak to high school students about my experiences as an undocumented student in college. I graduated from Prince George’s Community College in 2014 and transferred to Morgan State University to study actuarial science, a major recommended by my high school soccer coach.

My full name is Motunrayo which in Yoruba means “I see joy again”. Despite the adversity of being an undocumented student, I have been able to find supportive people throughout my life. My high school mentor helped me pay for school by suggesting tutoring and hair braiding. I was already helping out my classmates with their advanced placement classes, so becoming a tutor was relatively easy. I also knew how to do hair, so the opportunity to earn money from it was welcomed. And when I received my work authorization, I was able to legally work at my community college as an experienced tutor.

Now at Morgan State University, my goal is to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science complemented with some IT technical skills. I plan to take my first actuarial exam in October, and to prepare for a SQL certification course by the end of the year.

My involvement with BDPA is through the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. Being selected to receive this scholarship means a great deal to me. It is one less item on my list of concerns, and it means that I will be able to focus solely on classes and on learning the material than on the payment date of my tuition. Getting this scholarship provides that cushion of one less worry, and it also serves as encouragement to further my studies.

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Johnson & Johnson was recently named the BDPA Epsilon Award winner as the 'Best Company for Blacks in Technology' at our recent national conference. The consistent effort in which they provide funding for this scholarship is a powerful reason why the company was recognized. Our hope is that others will see what we are doing ... and take steps on an individual or corporate level to help us do more!

Three-Time BDPA Scholarship Winner: Hung Vo (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Hung Vo is a young man who understands the value of his BDPA student membership. He joined BDPA Atlanta chapter in 2008. Since that time he earned three (3) scholarships from BDPA to support his college education at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The scholarships earned by Hung are:

1. BDPA-Oracle Scholarship, 2011
2. BDPA-Oracle Scholarship, 2010
3. Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students, 2009

Hung shared his BDPA testimonial with us back in 2009. He updates the story today:

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I was first introduced to BDPA and its High School Computer Competition (HSCC) program while a senior in high school in 2008. The program initially attracted me because it gave me a chance to learn computer skills like HTML, ASP, SQL, MYSQL, and other technologies. By the time I graduated from the program 10 months later, I was able create HTML website that pulls data from a MYSQL database using SQL and ASP.

Hung Vo (2nd from right)

Hard skills weren’t the only things I learned. Through the interactions with other students and instructors, I developed my communication, interpersonal, and dare I say leadership skill as well. Even though they were volunteers, the instructors I had like Coach Wes, Mr. Maurice, and Ms. Williams were talented and passionate. They care about us and wanted us to really grow. Even though I worked part time every Friday night and Saturday evening, I was never too tired for BDPA every Saturday morning. BDPA was like a second family to me.

I now have graduated from high school and am currently attending the Georgia Institute of Technology. I got more out of BDPA than just the technical skills. I got an idea – that I was capable of succeeding. The confidence that I gained from BDPA has really propelled me while in college. I am involved with student organizations, community service groups, and currently am co-opting in a global company. BDPA provided me the push that I needed to begin the journey of success that I will continue walking toward no matter the challenges – never looking back except to help those that come behind me.

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Hung is a young man that makes all of BDPA proud with his accomplishments. We look forward to seeing how his career progresses as he completes his studies.

In the meantime, we can use help from you as we try to raise college scholarship funding for other BDPA Atlanta chapter students. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation.

If not you, who? If not now, when?

Message from Youth Technology Camp Participant

Kelly Cooke is a student member of the BDPA Los Angeles chapter. She participated in the chapter's youth technology training classes earlier this year. Although she wasn't a member of the chapter's 2010 national High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team ... she did take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the 2010 BDPA Youth Technology Camp (YTC) that was held in Philadelphia PA.

Kelly shared her thoughts on the experience with members of the BDPA Los Angeles chapter leadership team. We are publishing her message for the world to see:

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Dear Beverly, Temitope, John, and Rodd,

After all the Saturdays the students came in to learn about designing websites, I was happy for the people who were picked for the L.A. team. Although representing the BDPA Los Angeles Chapter would have been an honor, I still consider myself privileged to have attended the conference. This provided a great experience to meet students interested in the IT field.

Although, in the beginning I was not excited to go to the YTC Workshops, I am happy that I decided to participate. I participated in activities that I had not done prior to the workshop, talked to new people, and created memories. The activities that were planned for the kids that weren’t in the competition made us feel important and still a significant part of the conference. I loved the fact that none of the activities were boring or dull but instead, they were upbeat and exciting.

I want to thank you for a great class and for allowing me to experience part of the fierce BDPA national HSCC championship event. Honestly, I had a really great time in Philadelphia.

Thank you Beverly for being a really cool/chill chaperone :).

John, Temitope, and Rodd thank you for the Saturday classes, lunch every week, and the awesome trip to Philadelphia.

Sincerely,
Kelly Cooke

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BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) hopes that we will see at least 100 students at the 2011 Youth Technology Camp that will be held in Chicago IL. Will you help 'make it so'?

Why Do I Continue To Be An Active Member in BDPA?

Cecil Jones is the past president of BDPA Columbus chapter. He recently shared his thoughts on joining or renewing your relationship with BDPA.

Why do I continue to be an active member in BDPA?

I just finished a consulting/training gig, using some of my corporate vacation days, that pays MUCH, MUCH more per day than I will EVER earn in corporate america. This gig came from a local BDPA member.

Last month, a BDPA member called me. They have gotten a promotion and needed guidance/support and motivation on a MAJOR corporate wide initiative. I had experience, documentation and templates that they were able to use.

I have always wanted to teach at a university. Immediately after a local chapter BDPA presentation where I was one of the panelists, I received an offer to not only teach but to be on their board. Working through BDPA afforded me this opportunity.

During one of those past recessions, my company where I had received STAR awards and walk on water reviews, started acting 'funny'. I heard from a BDPA sponsor HR rep there that it was being debated to include me in the next management layoff list. I found out that it was true; I was going to be placed on the list. I called yet another BDPA sponsor company HR rep, told them the situation. That HR rep got me into my new spot in their company within two weeks, after a dinner meeting with their leadership.

I have been presenting at national BDPA conferences for a few years. Immediately after one of those presentations, I received a training gig.

I have received a lot of mentoring. I have been able to assist others (BDPA members and HSCC students) helping to fulfill my commission and obligation to help our community.

When I took my technology certifications and PMP test, where did I get information on the exams and how to pass? BDPA!

When I hear members whine about not knowing what BDPA is about or that they receive no value, I think back to the 2000 and before, when we had $0 in the treasury and passed the hat to buy pizza and soda for meetings. Now we have sponsors. I think back to the Dayton and Cincinnati chapters that have been 'rebuilt' by individuals with vision. Ask Wayne Hicks about going from a 3 person chapter to a 300 person chapter in Cincinnati, sometimes. That was lonely but inspirational. When one sees that, you know the power of being on the right mission. You know that you have the ability to manage in anybody's corporation or organization.

I think about the telephoning, the typed and handwritten postcards that we sent to build membership. Now we have a website.

I think about the loneliness of being one of the few Blacks in technology in the department/divison (still occurring). We have BDPA for support and sharing.

BDPA is NOT perfect. It is as perfect as you have made it. Get into the middle of it. If you want to develop a recession proof network, join the Membership Management team. Find out what fellow BDPA members are doing, where they are working and what they are working on.

Why participate in BDPA? I think you know. What have you done for BDPA (or 'What have you given to yourself') lately?

Please feel free to call me at (614) 736-1100.

Thanks!
Cecil Jones, past president
BDPA Columbus Chapter

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Cecil shared his reasons for being an active member of BDPA. Why do you support BDPA?

BDPA Twin Cities HSCC Coordinator Michael Wulf Shares His Testimonial

Michael Wulf is a man with a tremendous BDPA legacy. He is the HSCC coordinator for BDPA Twin Cities chapter. He has trained upwards of 100 young people as part of the chapter's SITES program. The photo shows some of the BDPA Twin Cities students and instructors from this year's high school training program.

Bro. Wulf shared the following testimonial:

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"Wayne, I am extremely proud of BDPA organzation, the 50+ chapters, the 25+ competition teams preparing themselves for the national competition August 2009. It's pictures like this that make me even more proud. This is one class from the Twin Cities chapter. Our previous year HSCC students are 'junior instructors' responsible for preparing and delivering curriculum as instructors to new/less experienced students. This itself is a self fulfilling prophecy and dream to elevate our community! This single shift in delivery of our training has increased the morale and energy in every class 10 fold! BDPA kids are 'the' very best kids there are and am proud to be a part of this fine organization."

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Do you have this type of enthusiasm for BDPA in your chapter as well?