Vanessa Oneyka-Ben Class of 2023

Interview by Aneara Burns. Photo by Satila Ali.

Friendship takes pride in its alumni because they know they have given them great opportunities to grow into upstanding leaders who can handle what college throws at them. I had the opportunity to talk to Vanessa Oyeka-Ben about her college experience, aspirations and experience at Friendship. 

Aneara: What college do you attend and what is your major? 

Vanessa: I go to American University and I'm currently majoring in computer science.

Aneara: Has college brought you any adversities? 

Vanessa: Well, the only thing I'm struggling with is my schedule, but that's technically it. There might be some classes that clash with particular events, but this time I'm going to likely manage it for the next semester, so I won't have to deal with that again. 

Aneara: What are your career goals for the next five years? 

Vanessa: Personally, I hope I might make some entertainment.Throughout my life, I loved to entertain people. I love to make people smile and laugh. Since technology is technically really wide and popular, I hope I might use it to make video games or even like particular TV shows. 

Aneara: Do you feel as though Friendship Collegiate prepared you enough for college? 

Vanessa: I took AP classes and free college programs, and I would say I am grateful for that, because it actually did help me get a taste of what I should do for my college life. Because of that, I've actually been able to sail through my fall semester.    

Aneara: Were you in any extracurricular activities at Collegiate, and did they shape you in any way?

Vanessa: I was in the Friendship Leadership Program, in which we had to participate in  community service programs, and it helped build my character and leadership skills, since I want to help shape the DC community, and try to build it in a more cooperative way, where we can try to make DC a better place.

Aneara: What advice would you give to the Class of 2024? 

Vanessa: Stop doubting yourself, I've been there. Even if you fail, use those failures as an advantage, because you might see growth.

Alumni Editor Aneara Burns is a junior at Arizona State University and a 2020 graduate of Friendship Collegiate Academy.