Woman Wednesday Series: Busola and Gabrielle

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting women from across the Charleston Southern University campus and beyond. This week’s Woman Wednesday spotlight is on two female movers and shakers who happen to be current students. Here’s a glimpse into the hearts of Busola Oseni and Gabrielle Axson.

International roots, lasting CSU connections

Busola Oseni, junior biochemistry major, came to CSU from Nigeria. She served as the president of the International Club her sophomore year. After graduation, Oseni plans to attend medical school in the United States.

Why is it important for women to pursue higher education?
We have so much potential to do great things. Education provides us with the skills and expertise to perform and produce our best.

What is your advice for international students looking for a memorable college experience at CSU?
Try your best to get out of your comfort zone, attend events, be a part of a club, go the extra mile to be friendly and approachable to everyone– students, staff, faculty. The connections you make today could greatly impact your future. Make the most of every moment.

Who inspired you to be who you are today and why?
I believe who am I today is nothing else but the grace of God, HIS mercy and favor and the prayers of my wonderful parents. My relationship with God is my number 1 motivator to serve and love.

What legacy do you hope to leave on earth?
I love to serve everyone around me, therefore my legacy I hope to leave is to be known that I served with my whole heart and utmost excellence as unto the Lord and that my character left a model example for others to be inspired to create greater positive change for our community.

Choose a word for this year that defines who you are and where you want to be.
Gratitude. I am really concentrating on being grateful for every little thing this year. I believe God moves in so many ways that we often overlook, and it is important to be grateful at all times even when it is most difficult because that is where the blessing is. 

Share a Women’s History Month Fun Fact
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian, was one of the women selected in 2019 to appear on the British Vogue and was one of the Top 100 most influential Africans.

Mentoring women, growing a legacy

Junior Gabrielle Axson is a kinesiology major who took the reigns of Render Women’s Ministry in January. The group has grown to nearly 100 attendees at each service as well as 40 discipleship pairings.

Why did you choose your major and what do you plan to do after CSU?
I want to become a physical therapist because I love to help others. Physical therapy really just sparked my interest. When I visited CSU, I learned about their kinesiology program and knew that was the major for me! My goal is to go to PT school after I graduate from CSU. Ultimately, I plan on becoming a pediatric physical therapist, because I love working with kids!

How did you get involved with Render? What is your vision for it in the future?
My second semester freshmen year is when I really started attending Render’s monthly services. I met Lindsey Jester through a mutual friend, and we became really close! Not only did Lindsey and I grow close as friends, but she also helped me grow in my relationship with the Lord. As she was preparing to leave CSU and hand Render off, she felt the Lord telling her to ask me if I would be over the services aspect of Render. And here we are! God has taught me through Render to grow as a leader and also to grow personally in my walk. I want that same opportunity for other girls as well! My vision for Render is that it would continue to grow and to continue to be a place where girls can come and spend time with Jesus without the fear of judgment or comparison. We’ve built this community of women encouraging women in their faith, and that’s something that I hope never stops growing!

What do you love most about CSU?
I love the community at CSU the most! We really have a loving Christian environment here. Since we are a smaller school is it easy to get to know many of the students here and there are so many ways to get involved. The community here is one of the main reasons I chose to come to CSU! 

What advice do you have for incoming students?
Get involved as much as you can in your first year here! Freshman year is probably the year that you will have the lightest course load. Use this time to get involved in campus ministries, student activities, and campus rec. Get to know others who live in your dorm building. Really start building relationships on campus. You’re only going to get out what you put in. I think getting involved will really make your experience here a memorable one!

Who inspires you?
My parents have definitely inspired me to be who I am today. They have always looked out for what was best for me, pushing to me to do my best in school and to be the best version of me! They are so loving and I am so thankful for them! I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. 

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