Meet Toluwalope Bakare ’28 Bakare and her friends started a club on campus to celebrate African culture through dance.

Toluwalope Bakare ’28
Major: Cognitive and behavioral science
Minors: Data science, poverty and human capability studies
Hometown: La Mirada, California

Why did you choose to come to W&L?

The people at W&L are amazing. The conversations I had with people from W&L that always left me with a smile was certainly a huge factor in my decision. I knew I wanted to be surrounded by amazing people like that.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn’t expect to study when you first came to W&L?

Coming to W&L, I never expected to study the Russian language. After reading a book set in Russia the summer before my first year, I ranked Russian as my third-choice language while filling out the classes registration form, not expecting to get it. Now I’m halfway through my second year of Russian, and I love it! Even though the class is every day, I love spending time with professor and fellow classmates as we learn about Russian language and culture.

Where is your “home” on campus?

There are so many places I can call home on campus. I’ve found my people in the CBSC department, with faculty and students I’ve talked and laughed with. I’ve found a home in the Shepherd Program, surrounded by people who love getting involved and giving back to the community. Last but not the least, I’ve found my people in the African community, which reminds me of home.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off campus?

Attending and presenting at the Eastern Psychological Conference second semester of my first year. It helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself and changed my perspective on my future path.

Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student?

This list is far from exhaustive, but I have to nod my hat to the wonderful seniors in my research lab, the Technology, Health and Cognition lab, who have been a source of inspiration and guidance for me through all our conversations. Also, to the faculty coordinators for my research lab, Dr. Karla Murdock and Dr. Wythe Whiting, who took me in as a first year and have imparted so much knowledge and encouragement to me.

What was your favorite class and why?

I’ve genuinely loved the classes I’ve taken at W&L — it’s hard to choose. But if I were to highlight a class that stuck with me, it has to be my WRIT 100 class with Dr. Emily King on family horrors. That class challenged me as a writer and student, and I loved every second of it.

What are your hobbies/interests, and how has W&L helped you develop and pursue them?

I love to dance, read, play tennis and edit videos. I’m currently in the phase of listening to psychological thriller books when I can. W&L has particularly helped me pursue my love for dancing, as this year, my friends and I started an African dance club on campus to celebrate African culture through dance. I’m very excited to share my love for dancing with the W&L and Lexington community.

What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L?

Making some of the greatest friends in the world.

How have your experiences at W&L prepared you for post-graduate success?

My W&L experiences have helped shape me into a better communicator. Being able to speak confidently and comfortably with faculty and staff, ask thought-provoking questions and seek answers have been valuable skills that will promote post-graduate success.

Who or what inspires you?

Definitely my awesome family and my closest friends. They’re always so understanding and supportive of me.