Omojo Odaudu

When I found out I’d be receiving the Perseverance Award, it felt like something in me finally exhaled. Because perseverance is all I’ve ever known. It’s the language I grew up speaking, before I even knew what the word meant. This award is bigger than the money. It’s bigger than my name on a page. It’s a reminder that resilience matters, that showing up matters, even on the days when it feels like nobody notices. And if I’m receiving this award, it’s not just for me. It’s for anyone who’s been carrying more than people realize. Anyone who had to grow up a little too fast. And anyone who had to be strong before they were ready. So, thank you. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for acknowledging that little girl I used to be, and the young woman I’m becoming. This award means the world to me, and I hope my being here reminds someone else that their strength, their story, their perseverance is worth honouring too.

Dawson College Perseverance Award
Fall 2025