
ADEFUNKE BADA: THE JOURNEY WASN’T SO EASY, BUT I FELL TO STAND, CRIED SO I COULD LAUGH, BE TAUNTED SO I COULD LEARN.
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Adefunke Bada is a graduate of the University of Lagos where she earned a Bachelors’ degree in Marine Biology. She describes herself as “an unashamed Christian, a lifestyle blogger and an ambitious individual”. She was actively involved in volunteering back in the university as a member of an International Organisation- Junior Chambers International, an organisation passionate about creating positive change and social impact in the lives of individuals and their communities, after which she rose to become the Vice President of the Organisation’s chapter in her campus. She currently resides in Oklahoma, USA. She loves sharing her personal discoveries and life outside her home country and more on her blog. She is on a journey to keep evolving, discovering life and making positive impact.
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Tell us briefly about yourself
I am a young ambitious graduate, who loves and fears God. I am currently trying to find a course that excites me so I can go back to school. I love blogging; sharing all about my discoveries, life outside Nigeria and more. I am just a girl going after my dreams and living life intentionally.
Tell us about your previous work experience and volunteering in Nigeria.
I worked at a technology company as a Business development officer and Content management specialist just after school. My work routine revolved around creating business cases, meeting with clients, creating and uploading contents. Volunteering started in my second year in the University, when the hunger for purpose and maximised living life hit me. I just wanted to do more than I was doing at that time, so I joined Junior Chambers International and started making impact in my own little way.

Tell us about your blog and your plans to develop in the future?
I have a ChlorSanMel temperament, so my sanguine personality comes out when having a conversation. I love to talk about everything and anything. I nursed the idea of turning my talking to writing, but I did not develop this idea until after school. I needed to do something more, than working for someone so my blog- Tutusdairy was born. I have evolved over time and I write more about my personal discovery, life outside Nigeria, my fashion style and many other exciting articles. I am making plans to buy a domain name, run it properly by the side and keep developing.
Would you say Nigeria prepared you for life aboard? How?
Definitely! Nigeria was a training ground for me. Need I say that, the life abroad is different from what I expected, but I am trying to adapt to the system, from the cultural difference, to work ethics, to social life and more.
At what age did you discover yourself and what kept you moving above the obstacles?
The journey to self-discovery started at age 17, I was young and in my second year in school. I just wanted more out of life than the ordinary. I didn’t want to be like the average 17 year old Nigerian girl who was just experiencing life and was throwing caution into the wind, I wanted MORE, so I started talking to people older than I was and they advised me about the use of my time and making every bit of it productive. I discovered volunteering was good for me- I loved it and stuck to it. I am still on the path to discovering purpose in earnest. The road hasn’t been smooth but whatsoever time I come across an obstacle, I talk to my creator and to people who have walked that same road to render needed help.
You read marine science in the university, how did you find yourself in digital technology?
I have always loved social media and I still do, but recently, life has been making my keeping up with social media more of a struggle. Also, a friend cum mentor realised this passion in me and helped me get into the digital space as a student in my third year in the University. I interned for three months with NO PAY and I learnt a lot. That particular experience empowered my entry into the digital space, and even gave me opportunity to secure a job immediately I graduated from the University. I still love marine biology anyways.
Would you say mentors have helped you more to get to this point in your life?
All that I am today and the things I know, I owe it to the amazing people God sent into my life to help me at each level and step. If not for mentors, I will probably have graduated as the average Nigerian student, still searching for purpose.
What skills did you develop early before 20 to get to where you are now, both in your life and career?
Education was fast for me, so I finished my first degree at age 20. I can categorically say I learnt a lot before the age 20. The journey wasn’t so easy, but I fell to stand, cried so I could laugh, be taunted so I could learn. I learnt reliability and responsibility, loyalty, positive attitude, motivation, energy, passion, adaptability, honesty and integrity, self-Confidence, problem solving, collaboration, strong work ethics, time management, critical thinking, handling pressure and professionalism.
What would you say about the present happenings in Nigeria?
I read about Nigeria on the internet and it saddens my heart but with all of these happenings, I strongly believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It begins with this generation, the millennia’s that are ready to take the bull by the horn to turn things and situations around.
What do you have to say about the future of Nigeria and Africa?
It is not as bad as the press make our economy seem like. The Naira is gradually gaining against the dollar. Young citizens are contributing their quota, other African countries are also doing far more than we can imagine. Rome was not built in a day, we sure will get there.

Do you have any future projects to execute in Africa yet?
For now, No, but I will always support NGOs who are making impact every now and then.
What is your advice to the next generation leaders?
My advice to the next generation leaders is, put God First, get a mentor, never stop dreaming and working tirelessly to achieve those dreams, make the best out of every opportunity and situation, Keep believing in yourself and you are more than enough. Click to read the post I wrote on what you should do Just before 20 on my blog.
If you would like to share your story with us, let us know.
