A Dream Fulfilled

A look at the life journey of Aminatu Toyin Koleoso '18

Seven years ago, at the young age of 15, Toyin boarded a plane to the United States leaving her mother, father, brother, and sister in Lagos, Nigeria. Her focus was on obtaining an education in the United States and basketball. Seven years ago, Head of School John Elmore saw the results of his efforts in arranging for Toyin’s emigration to the US. Mr. Elmore had a connection with Toyin’s school, and from working with other students, knew what a life-changing opportunity O'Neal could give. With many members of the O’Neal community supporting him, it was his goal to set the stage for a successful future for Toyin who had the maturity and courage to take on the challenge.

With one suitcase holding only a few articles of clothing, Toyin arrived at her new home with Janet Trent and Dargan Moore and daughters Emma ‘15 and Elizabeth ‘18 as her host family. “I wasn’t sure what I was doing exactly,” Toyin remembers. “I didn’t think much of the future past high school. I just saw that other girls were doing well going this route.”

O’Neal’s

Aminatu Toyin Koleoso ’18 graduated from Skidmore College last spring with degrees in business administration and economics. During her time at Skidmore, she was a part of the women’s basketball program as a college recruit. She is presently a financial services consultant at Ernst and Young in New York City.

In 2015, host parent Dargan Moore shared his perspective on hosting Toyin.

“Toyin is a source of learning for all of us with her entirely different viewpoint and background. Just as foreign travel lets you see your own home in a new way, her questions and comments, and the things we explain to her about life in America, give us a fresh and sometimes surprising view of our lives.

Another aspect of having an exchange student for an entire school year is the impact that her education will have on her perspective of the choices she has in life. All teenagers mature and learn about life throughout high school, but with the added impact of living in a different culture, her journey is perhaps farther and faster. Being a part of that on a daily basis is a privilege, and we can already see Toyin enlarging her view of the possibilities that lie ahead.”

The following two years, Toyin was hosted by the McHarney family.

Caelan McHarney ’22 introduced Toyin as last year’s sports recognition ceremony guest speaker.

“I will never forget meeting Toyin for the first time. It was my first open gym the summer after my sixth-grade year and I was brand new to O’Neal. When I walked through the door at the Hannah Center Gym, I saw Toyin warming up. She was so friendly and when I went home to my mom, I asked if Toyin could come live with us. Fast forward, Toyin moved in with us a year later and became the older sister I never would have had. She has been a huge role model for me for the past six years.”

During Toyin’s time at O’Neal, she was a stand-out 3-sport student-athlete holding all-conference honors in volleyball and basketball and setting multiple school records in track and field. In the classroom, Toyin was determined to excel. She reflects, “I don’t know if it would have happened, but at that time, in my head, I thought I must do well. I don’t want to be sent back.” many things. It has brought me so much from where I was to where I am right now.” College basketball was a humbling experience but worth the work. She was able to meet people from backgrounds different from her own.

That determination helped Toyin to be accepted into the Opportunity Program at Skidmore, a program providing financial, academic, and psychosocial support for talented and motivated students. The Opportunity Program funded Toyin’s college education, and furthered her basketball career.

After receiving a summer internship with Ernst & Young, she was offered a full-time job as a financial services consultant a full year before graduating.

"I am so proud of Toyin and honored to have been part of her journey," says Head of School John Elmore. "O'Neal's community did much to help and support her, but truly, she brought more to our school than we could have imagined. She is an inspiration."

During her three years at O’Neal, in addition to her host families, many in the O'Neal community, including coaches and close friends, joined in having Toyin with them over the summer, on weekends and holidays, and at other special times. She attributes her relationships and friendships made at O’Neal and Skidmore for assisting with her achievements.

On her senior night at Skidmore, her three best friends were there to support her. As her accomplishments were being read, she reflected on her journey as an international student, her last moments at the airport with her family in Nigeria, and how much she had achieved in less than seven years with the support of friends, host families, and teammates.

Toyin closed her presentation as guest speaker at last year’s sports recognition ceremony with the following: “All I can say is the greatest gift of life is friendships and relationships... and I have received it.”

Since age 13, Toyin has played basketball. “I love being competitive,” she reflects. “Basketball has exposed me to so