Adetutu Wande-Kayode has lived in the U.S. for seven years. She relocated after getting married and has since had two children. She tells her story of adapting to the U.S. system while navigating pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum anxieties. She speaks of her career progression and the educational milestones she has achieved, having completed her PhD coursework with a 4.0 CGPA. Do read her full story here:
My migration to the U.S. has been a beautiful journey, albeit with its fair share of challenges. I relocated to the U.S. after getting married, and though it has been challenging, it is also filled with personal milestones. In Nigeria, I had begun a career in marketing communications and looked forward to growing there. However, with my move to the U.S., a plethora of opportunities became open to me, and I was determined to leverage these opportunities to thrive. I began my career in the U.S. as a social media specialist, where I was introduced to new tools and acquired new skills. I developed the art of profiling target audiences and became well-grounded in using data-led insights to drive consumer action. It was quite an interesting shift because I had to learn fast and adapt quickly, often feeling overwhelmed by the newness of it all.
My journey towards a PhD in 2021 was challenging, especially as I welcomed my second child during the programme. However, the unwavering support I received from my husband, family, and friends was invaluable. They became my pillars of strength, helping me balance my academic pursuits with the demands of motherhood. Their support reassured me that I was not alone in this journey, even when navigating pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum anxiety took its toll on me.
In time, I completed my Ph.D. coursework, which was funded with a full scholarship, and spanned a duration of two years and five months. The entire learning experience was great, especially with the support I received, and I finished my coursework with a 4.0/4.0 GPA. Considering the challenges I had to overcome, this was a significant achievement for me; it was not just about the academic success but the resilience and tenacity I had built along the way. This is a testament to the fact that we, as migrant women of color, can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams.
Looking back, I won’t change anything about my journey. It has not been without its challenges, but it’s all a part of the learning curve, and it will serve as a source of inspiration for women of colour who have migrated to the U.S. and other countries in the West. I did not settle for less and believe no one should. I believe that migrant women of colour should not have to take a back seat simply because they are new to the system. We should learn to speak up and speak out and let our voices be heard.
Though migrant women of colour have to go through the double complexities of structural inequalities associated with gender and race, approaching every situation with confidence and boldness will help overcome these challenges. We should focus on getting skills and sharpening them, seeking mentors and allies in our varied fields, and being authentic and original. Most of all, please have a solid and uncompromising relationship with God because only in Him are all things possible. Remember, faith can be a source of strength and hope in your journey.
Adetutu Wande-Kayode tells her story from New Jersey, United States.
