Staff Spotlight: Arafat Oyeyemi
We’re excited to shine a spotlight on another one of our newest team members this month - Arafat Oyeyemi! Arafat is one of our two AmeriCorps Summer VISTAs, working with our Education Team to increase the capacity of our education program, and engaging her passion for ensuring access to educational resources. She comes to us as a rising senior at UT, studying Government and International Business, and has chosen to dedicate her summer to helping ACR expand and improve our programs for educators and their students! Originally from Nigeria, Arafat brings a wealth of volunteer leadership and peer mentorship experience to her role at ACR. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Austin, experimenting with poetry and aromatherapy, and touring local law firms. Read on to learn more about Arafat!
What is your background, and why did you choose to become an AmeriCorps VISTA?
I am a rising Senior at the University of Texas at Austin, studying Government and International Business. My tertiary academic journey began at Houston Community College, where I earned an Associate of Arts in Government, and subsequently transferred to UT Austin.
Throughout this journey, my background has evolved into a comprehensive blend of peer mentorship, rigorous academic and professional research, organizational tasks, and, most importantly, community service. My interest started with volunteering at my local parks and during events in my city, into packaging food for elderly communities at the Houston Food Bank, eventually evolving into my biggest community service endeavor so far, leading over fifty volunteers in converting caravans into housing to address the homelessness crisis in Dove Springs, Austin.
That experience of organizing and sustaining large-scale, mission-driven work made clear to me that capacity building is where I can make the most meaningful impact. Joining AmeriCorps VISTA felt like the natural next step; through the program, I can channel and refine the direct and indirect service skills I have already developed into lasting, structural change.
Why did you choose to serve at Austin Creative Reuse specifically?
I chose the Austin Creative Reuse specifically because its idea of fostering conservation through creativity and community building deeply resonated with me. And more specifically, I chose to serve in the education department because of my passion for ensuring access to educational resources. As a former peer mentor, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of access to certain educational materials in the early stages of life can set the trajectory of one’s academic journey.
What’s your favorite part about working at ACR?
My favorite part about working at the Austin Creative Reuse is definitely the field trips. I really love kids, and watching their excitement over learning creative reuse art making is priceless. Additionally, I find immense joy in participating in school cleanouts. Although they may appear demanding, the realization that every drop of sweat contributes to providing educational materials to a student who might otherwise not have access to them makes the experience even more rewarding.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve found donated to ACR?
The coolest thing I found donated to ACR is the Japanese Takasago figures, which were traditionally carved from either ivory or bone, dating back to the Japanese Meiji period from 1868 to 1912.
Are you an artist, crafter, or maker?
I am not the most artsy person, but from time to time, I like to experiment with poetry and aromatherapy blending.
What do you do when you’re not working at ACR/what other hobbies do you have?
When I am not at ACR, I mostly enjoy going on solo dates and exploring new adventures like coffee and matcha shops, trying out a new thrift store, or taking a boxing class. I also enjoy watching romcoms, TV shows, and 2000s teen dramas, like The Gilmore Girls and The Vampire Diaries.
Also, outside of my service, I am a Pre-Law student who enjoys going on law firm tours across Austin.
Do you have any children or pets?
I don’t have pets, but I am a big sister to a lot of younger ones, whom I feel very maternal towards, lol :)
Are you from Austin? If so, tell us about your experience here! If not, where are you from, and what brought you here?
I am originally from Nigeria, a West African nation, though I currently call Houston home. My move to Austin was prompted by my academic pursuits, and my time here has been wonderful. Austin is the spot for endless exploration, whether it is kayaking or taking boat rides across the local lakes, or spending time at Zilker Park.
