In 2017, my mom told me she dreamed I earned my PhD. After I graduated from Loyola University Maryland, God told me to apply to PhD programs in California during the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt nervous, unworthy, and unprepared to move from Maryland, but I trusted and obeyed Him. In March 2021, I shouted when I gained admission to Fuller Theological Seminary's PhD in Clinical Psychology program in Pasadena, CA. I shouted louder when I won the Scholarship for Faith and Public Life, which will cover my full tuition and housing for 5 out of 6 years. My research will explore aspects of spiritual and religious coping in Black children and youth exposed to trauma using neuropsychological assessment tools. This research interest may inform how churches and health professionals address complex circumstances of marginalized populations facing crises (ex: California's homeless crisis).

I originally planned to save costs by taking public transit when I got to California, but several faculty, family members, and friends told me I’d need a car because of the magnitude of southern California’s metropolitan area. Then God told me to do a mock budget, which I did. This helped me realize how much I needed for the cost of living, including meals and a car. I prayed and God gave me a strategy through Proverbs 18:16, which says, “A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people.”‬ (‭New English Translation‬‬)

So I kept using my gifts to serve others and save funds as a full-time psychotherapist weekdays and Christian music artist on weekends with friends. Beyond my first two music projects, God helped my team record 40 new songs before and during the pandemic, which feature different music genres including Christian Hip Hop, Christian Soul, and African drumming. I also helped my friends produce over 20 songs on their projects. When I finished recording in June 2021, He told me to model after the faithful generosity of Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr. by giving away 500 copies of my new album to friends and neighbors, asking for financial support. I begin my program fall 2021 by God's grace. Thanks for your support ❤️

     Photo by Abnet S Photography
     Styled by LV Consulting

     Journal of a Nigerian American vol. 1 available August 13th