VMCVM Student Spotlight: Olalere Ajala
Olalere Ajala
Degree: MPH Class of 2024, Infectious Disease Concentration
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Students from the Masters of Public Health program were invited to nominate candidates to speak at graduation. Following the nominations, a poll was conducted, and after all votes were tallied, Olalere Ajala emerged as the selected speaker for the ceremony on May 8, 2024.
My undergraduate was in…
Lagos, Nigeria, where I finished with an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree.
Best part of being a VMCVM student…
My best part of being a VMCVM student would be getting to listen to the unique perspectives my classmates and faculty bring to Public Health based on their undergraduate backgrounds and personal experiences. It's astonishing how diversified a Public Health approach can be when a variety of thoughts are brought to the table.
The moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian/public health professional was…
During the COVID-19 pandemic. As a medical doctor, I saw how overwhelmed the clinical side of medicine could be when public health initiatives were not implemented or followed through. I recognized that public health provided a balance in healthcare by stressing prevention and suggesting solutions to lessen disease occurrence and disease burden.
My hidden talent...
Cooking. I absolutely love it! I'm always eager to try out new recipes!
A person who has inspired me...
My mother. She taught me patience and kindness, among many other things. She will constantly say, "You can be whatever you want to be. Everyone has a chance to shine, therefore appreciate others and strive to be the greatest at what you do." Her admonition was: "Always be a blessing wherever you are, be a channel (which gives) and not a container (which only takes without giving)."
Biggest misconception about being a veterinarian/public health student…
We only deal with data! That's actually incorrect. While data analysis is important, public health involves storytelling, community participation, and advocacy. Effective communication and understanding people's needs are equally important. As a Public Health student, I get to do all these and more, which is amazing!
If I had a superpower, it would be...
Looking into the future. As a planner, that would be something to treasure!
My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...
"You Raise Me Up" (Several artists including Westlife, Josh Groban).
It reminds me that no one is an "Island." Everyone requires assistance in order to achieve success. I am extremely mindful of the assistance I have gotten thus far, and it serves as a reminder to act as a conduit for assisting others.
The course project/study you're most excited about…
There are so many. But for me, the most recent is the Ethical Foundations of Public Health. This helped me understand the ethical aspects of public health and how they influence policy decisions. Having a brilliant public health proposal isn't enough; understanding the ethical dimensions is critical to its success.
What excites me the most about the future of my industry...
It would be how the "One Health" approach will shape people's perception of Public Health. There is the growing emphasis on the connection between human health, animal health and the shared environment. Public Health serves as that link which brings them together. I am excited to see how growing research in One Health will position Public Health in the decades to come.
Favorite way to end the day...
Making a cup of hot chocolate!
Top of my bucket list...
Travel to Paris. I would love to see the Eiffel Tower!
Anything else to add?
Virginia Tech and the Blacksburg community have provided me with a positive and enriching experience. It was exciting to be a part of the Public Health program. It's been a terrific two years in this program, and I'll treasure it always!
