Gbolahan “Bugzy” Idowu

Q: What made you decide to come to the United States to seek you education?
 
A:  When I was in high school I had actually visited the United States once or twice before and you it was just fascinating in terms of the people and environment.  Growing up I always knew I wanted to come to the United States for my higher education. 
 
Q: What do you think has been the biggest difference in the cultures between the U.S. and Nigeria?
 
A: It is a huge cultural difference there are a lot of things that I’m still learning until today.   One of the biggest things that I’m still not used to is the food here because it is so different you have no idea.  I miss my Nigerian food everyday, but it’s just really nice getting to be immersed in a different culture or a way of life.
 
Q: How have you known that you wanted to be an engineer?
 
A: Growing up in a family of engineers, but that really wasn’t the only factor.  Growing up I was a big fan of math and science so I knew that I was hoping to do something in terms of a career with something along those lines.  Obviously having my parents there to support me, and you know my mom always wanted me to be an engineer from like when I was little.
 
Q:  Why do you think you were chosen to be president of the National Society of Black Engineers (N.S.B.E.) here on campus?
 
A:  I think there’s something with my personality that just invites people obviously as the president you’re going to be the face of the organization and they don’t want someone who’s going to be frowning all of the time.  I think one thing that my members have seen in me is motivating people by just mere smiling sometimes or saying a couple of words.  The way I carry myself I think a lot people find it easy to work with.
 
Q:  With you being a resident assistant as well how do you balance out all of your time?
 
A:   Honestly it beats me sometimes how I do this it is a lot of work, but I think one thing that really helps me are the people I surround myself with.  No doubt my own duty is to prioritize my time but I feel that sometimes when it just gets out of hand, when it goes crazy, when I can’t handle it the people that I have as friends they just help calm down and get back to my senses.  I think being busy really helps me to stay focus and to aspire to achieve greater heights.
 
Q: What has been your proudest moment since being in college?
 
A: Everyday that goes by I have something to smile about, but honestly coming to college at a very young age that was phenomenal.  I came to college when I was 16 plus and I was very proud of myself after going through freshman year.
 
Q:  Where do you see yourself after you graduate from WVU?
 
A: Honestly I feel that a proud moment would be to get a lucrative job and to make a lucrative career out of my petroleum natural gas major.  I’m hoping to one day work for the BPs the Chevrons or the Shell companies and honestly that would be something that would give me joy because at that point I would have achieved my engineering career.  I also want to go back home and innact change because my country is a growing country.