Bisi Efunnuga
Get to know some of our College of Media students! Bisi Efunnuga is senior earning a dual degree in journalism and political science.
What made you want to major in both journalism and political science?
I am really interested in the idea of serving the public. A career in journalism will allow me to reach different audiences and create awareness of different issues. I have also been very interested in politics and passionate about different matters such as equity. As a result, I decided to pursue a dual degree, combining my passions for journalism and political science. My ultimate goal is to be a politician someday.
What is your favorite part about journalism?
My favorite part of journalism is investigating and uncovering information. Being a journalist allows me to become an expert in the stories that I am working on and sharing this information with others. An important part about journalism that I learned is that information is available to all; ultimately it is up to the people to seek out information to be informed about different issues or events.
What are you involved in at UIUC?
I am a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I am also the first Vice President for my sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. You can find me most often at the Illini Union, where I am a barista at Starbucks! I am also a member of MAFA: Minority Association for Future Attorneys. Lastly, I serve on the undergraduate student subcommittee for the Student Code of Conduct.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans as of right now are to study abroad and do research on politics in South Korea (God Willing), then go to law school. My research topic if I get to study abroad would be how the media affects politics in South Korea. My goal for law school is to master the Constitution. I imagine in five years I will be in a courtroom trying to uphold the law as a prosecutor while using my journalistic skills to understand the situation!
What piece of advice would you give students from the College of Media?
Enjoy your time here! It goes by fast and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it; it makes life a lot easier. Also, take advantage of all the resources provided, especially the scholarship opportunities. There are so many for everyone and I've actually gotten some!
—Interview by Emily Campos, New Voices Intern
