Rosemary Komolafe
600-level Medicine & Surgery
University of Ilorin
It is such an honour to speak with you. Congratulations on being one of the Rhodes Scholars-elect for 2021.
Thank you so much.
Tell me a bit about yourself?
I am Boluwatife Ikwunne. I am passionate about Mental Health, and this passion was borne out of experiences I had growing up which showed me how dynamic the human mind is. When I got to medical school, I noticed how often people relapsed and this got me interested in research to develop better prevention strategies and therapies for people with mental health illnesses. I love to watch movies, especially action and comedy.
You have an interesting cultural background…
Ah, yes. That’s always a conversation starter and an icebreaker for me. haha. My Dad is Igbo and my Mum, Yoruba. I guess I get to enjoy the best of both worlds although I grew up in Ibadan.
That is so cool. How was your medical school experience?
I had many up and down moments. One of my best moments was when some of us were selected to go to the Galien Forum in Senegal for a conference. It was fully funded and I had an incredible experience.
Wow. That must have been a splendid experience. You were a scholar — ‘Best Graduating Female Medical Student’ among other awards. How were you able to achieve this?
I tried to study smart as opposed to studying for long hours. It is important to study with past questions so you can answer your questions properly. You need to know something about everything too. Get enough sleep as well — it boosts assimilation.
Thank you for these gems. You are quite the Jill of all trades. While in school, you were a Beauty queen, an entrepreneur and a classical musician. Is there anything you didn’t do?
Haha, OMG. Again, it’s about the passion for me; I loved singing and volunteering. The hair making was more about the funds. People would always walk up to me to ask where I got my hair done so I decided to turn it to a business.
Securing the bag is necessary. You were involved in a lot of volunteer work. Tell us about your time at Hamstrings Ng.
I was a member and then Chief of Ceremonies. We organised lots of outreaches and charities and raised funds for children who needed emergency surgeries. We had a blood drive — Project Lend an Arm — and organised a prison outreach among many others. We just wanted to give back to and make an impact in the community.
That’s awesome! So when you aren’t studying, singing, volunteering, making hair, modelling and winning Rhode scholarships what do you do?
Haha. I love to read and see movies.
Would you continue singing and modelling in the future?
Maybe not so much of modelling but for singing, definitely! I’m already doing some research on colleges in Oxford that have choirs I can join.
So, can we expect an album soon?
Haha. No, I don’t think so.
How did you find out about the Rhodes Scholarship and what factors do you think got you to the finalist and eventual scholar-elect positions?
I found out through my friends in 2017 when Dr Awoyemi won the scholarship. To be a Rhodes Scholar, you have to have had a distinction/First Class. You also have to have been actively involved in extracurricular — sports, music, anything in the arts. You need to show you have a passion for helping and making a positive societal impact — volunteering and philanthropy. Your letters of recommendations have to be stellar and your personal statement needs to adequately communicate your drive.
How did you find out you had been shortlisted?
I had just woken up from a nap where I was actually dreaming about the scholarship because I had been thinking about it so much. I was thrilled. It was a mix of anxiety and excitement.
It was a dream come true then. How was your application process in general?
I began to get my documents ready in January. I informed my lecturers months before that I would be needing the reference letters. The personal statement was a lot of work; I worked on it for months. I did a lot of self-reflection and introspection during this period.
What programme did you get the scholarship for?
I got in for a Masters in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience and then, I’ll be applying for another in Public Policy later. The programmes are amenable to change.
That is remarkable! How did you prepare for the interview?
I asked a lot of questions about what to expect. I spoke with Dr Segun Afolaranmi at length, and I also spoke with my friends at Oxford University.
How did the interview go?
Up until I took a seat in the room, I was anxious. As soon as I sat, the anxiety disappeared — it was almost divine. I knew that that was my moment, and I needed to give it my all. I communicated my passion to them the best way I thought I could and thankfully, it paid off.
Yes, it did. How were the questions?
Apart from the expected “Why should you be the Rhodes Scholar?”, the questions were practical and based on the details I put in my CV and personal statement.
Is there anything you wish you did differently during the process?
I don’t think so. Everything that I did led me to the scholarship.
How has the application process changed/affected you as a person?
The self-reflection! I now understand more why mental health matters to me. I knew I loved it but after the process, I learned why.
What advice do you have for medical students who may want to apply for Rhodes in the future?
Apply. Discard fear and get rid of any self-doubt. Once you feel you have what it takes and you meet the criteria, please apply. Also, get involved in other activities. I am very much available to answer any questions you may have. So, please apply.
How does it feel being part of the history made as one of the two women who were Scholars-elect from the same university?
It is surreal. It is also a huge responsibility with so many people looking up to us. Elizabeth is an incredible woman, and I’m honoured to share this with her.
You must have such a strong support system.
Yes, I do. I have my partner, Edwin. It has been amazingly easy with him. He is also a pretty busy person; he was a politician, sportsman and an entrepreneur in school, but he still comes through for me. He believes in me more than I do myself; his support for me is amazing. He is my biggest cheerleader, and he makes everything better for me.
Awwwwwwwww. God When?
Haha. My friends are amazing. We are a small group but the support is overwhelming. My family has always believed in me from day one. My teachers too, especially in the department of Psychiatry. I have a pretty solid community.
Do you have any plans to return to Nigeria after your Master’s programme?
I would love to give back when I’ve gathered enough knowledge to be able to.
What are your plans for the nearest future?
I am in my last week of internship and in the future, I hope to get residency training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and then a PhD.
That is beautiful. I wish you the best in all of your endeavours. I hope we can talk again soon.
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Wow
So inspiring