Social work student goes global by embracing all the moments that matter
'She will undoubtedly inspire change wherever she goes.'
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Published
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Debra Olabode with her host family while studying abroad in Seville, Spain.
Social work student goes global by embracing all the moments that matter
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Published
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It’s often in the quiet spaces of life -- during those subtle moments that exist in between the profound events -- when we grow and change the most.
But it’s only after all these little choices and daily routines have been woven together with those life-changing experiences, can we reflect back upon the bigger picture to see who we’ve truly become.
Debra Olabode’s college journey has been a seamless blend of both. Because as a senior Social Work and International Studies double major, she has embraced every opportunity to foster a profound sense of personal growth, in both herself and others.
“I feel like there's an adult-like aura about me where I've grown into being more self-efficient and more responsible,” Olabode said on an episode of the Major Insight podcast. “I'm more comfortable because of the lessons I've learned over these four years. I feel like I can do things on my own. There's an independence where I could fly across the world right now, or just decide to get takeout or eat in, and the world won't collapse because of one choice I made. There's a part of me that's like, ‘I kind of got life.’”
And she has absolutely already flown around the world.
But even before her time studying abroad in Luxembourg through the Career Center’s Career Academy Program, or before she lived and worked in Seville, Spain, for an entire semester, Olabode has immersed herself in college life.
“I am someone who likes to take advantage of everything that Miami has to offer,” she said, and her efforts to build community and create connections have reverberated across campus.
From the very beginning, Olabode was eager to support and mentor her peers. As a first-year student, she helped develop programs that empowered undergraduates to define and pursue their personal goals through a collaboration with the office of student affairs. By her sophomore year, she was an orientation leader and co-teacher for UNV 101, Miami’s student transition program that helps new students acclimate to the university.
Since then, she’s become a part of the Urban Cohort, a resident assistant with the office of residence life, and an advisor for the Arts & Design cluster of the Scholar Leaders Program. She’s also a recipient of the 2025 President's Distinguished Service Award and a member of Miami’s Honors College.
“Debra’s leadership continued to grow throughout her time at the university,” said Dr. Ross, faculty and staff in the College of Education, Health and Society. “She became a trusted figure on campus, known for her warmth, motivation, intellect, and unwavering support for others. She has embodied the best qualities of higher education, civic leadership, and being an extraordinary human being.”
After graduation, Olabode plans to pursue a career in social work. And she’s currently gaining practicum experience at Heartfelt Tidbits in Cincinnati, where she helps support refugees and recent immigrants living in Southwestern Ohio.
So even locally, she’s embracing every opportunity to create connections across countries and cultures, which also mirrors her long-term dream of becoming a global social worker, and her ongoing mission to encourage growth and change in people everywhere.
“As she graduates, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire others to continue her work in maintaining academic rigor, expanding interdisciplinary possibilities, advocating for those in need, and creating communities,” Ross said.
“She will undoubtedly inspire change wherever she goes.”
But it’s only after all these little choices and daily routines have been woven together with those life-changing experiences, can we reflect back upon the bigger picture to see who we’ve truly become.
Debra Olabode’s college journey has been a seamless blend of both. Because as a senior Social Work and International Studies double major, she has embraced every opportunity to foster a profound sense of personal growth, in both herself and others.
“I feel like there's an adult-like aura about me where I've grown into being more self-efficient and more responsible,” Olabode said on an episode of the Major Insight podcast. “I'm more comfortable because of the lessons I've learned over these four years. I feel like I can do things on my own. There's an independence where I could fly across the world right now, or just decide to get takeout or eat in, and the world won't collapse because of one choice I made. There's a part of me that's like, ‘I kind of got life.’”
And she has absolutely already flown around the world.
But even before her time studying abroad in Luxembourg through the Career Center’s Career Academy Program, or before she lived and worked in Seville, Spain, for an entire semester, Olabode has immersed herself in college life.
“I am someone who likes to take advantage of everything that Miami has to offer,” she said, and her efforts to build community and create connections have reverberated across campus.
From the very beginning, Olabode was eager to support and mentor her peers. As a first-year student, she helped develop programs that empowered undergraduates to define and pursue their personal goals through a collaboration with the office of student affairs. By her sophomore year, she was an orientation leader and co-teacher for UNV 101, Miami’s student transition program that helps new students acclimate to the university.
Since then, she’s become a part of the Urban Cohort, a resident assistant with the office of residence life, and an advisor for the Arts & Design cluster of the Scholar Leaders Program. She’s also a recipient of the 2025 President's Distinguished Service Award and a member of Miami’s Honors College.
“Debra’s leadership continued to grow throughout her time at the university,” said Dr. Ross, faculty and staff in the College of Education, Health and Society. “She became a trusted figure on campus, known for her warmth, motivation, intellect, and unwavering support for others. She has embodied the best qualities of higher education, civic leadership, and being an extraordinary human being.”
After graduation, Olabode plans to pursue a career in social work. And she’s currently gaining practicum experience at Heartfelt Tidbits in Cincinnati, where she helps support refugees and recent immigrants living in Southwestern Ohio.
So even locally, she’s embracing every opportunity to create connections across countries and cultures, which also mirrors her long-term dream of becoming a global social worker, and her ongoing mission to encourage growth and change in people everywhere.
“As she graduates, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire others to continue her work in maintaining academic rigor, expanding interdisciplinary possibilities, advocating for those in need, and creating communities,” Ross said.
“She will undoubtedly inspire change wherever she goes.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the Department of Global and Intercultural Studies, the Department of Social Work, the Urban Cohort, the Honors College, or the Major Insight podcast? Visit their websites for more information.
