Everyone Becomes Connected One Way or Another
Name: Myron Sotunde-Adesina
Degree: Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA)
Current Campus: SAIS Europe
Before joining the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), what were you doing?
I was participating in a one-year national service program called NYSC (National Youth Service Corps), which is required for recent Nigerian college graduates.Coming to SAIS opened my eyes to the economic realities of the world.
What led you to Johns Hopkins SAIS?
I completed my undergraduate degree with a thesis on Nigeria’s foreign image and sought a master’s program that could deepen my knowledge in that area. I discovered SAIS Europe after a short prayer for my future.What has been your favorite experience at SAIS?
My favorite experience at SAIS was celebrating my 21st birthday. My amazing friends from all over the globe teased me about finally becoming legal. The celebration included friends from Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Spain, the United States, the Netherlands, Republic of Guinea, Germany, China, India, and France. I was truly an international celebrant at that moment.
What do you plan on pursuing after graduation?
I could detail how I intend to intern with global organizations such as UNESCO to learn how to establish the Nigerian Cultural and Information Agency (NCIA), the foundation of my thesis. I could also explain my plan to grow my NGO, Voice of Hope, into an organization that supports all 36 states plus one federal capital in Nigeria and even reaches out to other African foundations. Finally, I hope to become my nation’s first female president to implement the economic policies I learned at SAIS. But ultimately, aside from being a mother to beautiful twins, my answer is: man may make their plans, but God determines the outcome.What is one piece of advice you would give to students in the process of choosing graduate schools?
Study the economy of your country! Coming to SAIS opened my eyes to the economic realities of the world. When I came to SAIS, Nigeria was facing an economic shock, and I saw my bills quadruple before my eyes. Even if just for personal knowledge, become economically wise enough to know how and when to invest in further education.Whose support has made your journey at SAIS possible and why?
After God, my mom has been my rock during my journey at SAIS Europe. It was a huge transition for me at 20, moving to a new country and a language I didn’t know. Any mother would think it was a reckless idea (in my mother’s words: “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”). However, she believed in me silently and always said, “As long as you are sure, I will provide.” Her support meant everything, especially since my dad is deceased, and I am one of four children—though, in an African home, I am really one of 10, if not more. If a single African mother believes in me, then I must truly be great!Who have you learned the most from during your time at SAIS and what have you learned?
While I would love to mention specific individuals who have impacted me, having a limited list would break my heart. Hence, I learned the most from the entire SAIS community of 2024, including the staff, faculty, alumni, business office, and security. SAIS Europe is a small community, so everyone becomes connected one way or another. I learned that you can have a family with all the characteristics of an actual family: the wise granddad, the constantly feeding grandma, the witty aunt, the rich uncle (obviously the business office), the annoying siblings you can’t help but love, and the parents who want what’s best for you but seem to be after your life (I'll let us SAIS babies decide who fits this role). A family that does not need to be related by blood.If you are looking to learn more about what it's like to be a current student at Johns Hopkins SAIS, we encourage you to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our Admissions Fellows.
Enjoyed reading Myron's experience? Learn more about our Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA).
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