When I walked into Ms. Oluokun’s office and sat down to start the interview, she was very friendly and had an excited, yet comfortable demeanor. She seemed like someone students can relate to and trust. 

Q: Some schools have a stationed psychologist, whereas a lot of schools have psychologists who travel to different schools. Which are you? 

A: I’m split between Apex High and Alston Ridge Elementary School. So I’m full time, but serving two schools. I will be here on Apex’s campus every Monday, and Friday, and then the second and fourth Wednesday (of the month).

Q: So what are some challenges you face when having to manage going to different schools, and how do you handle them?

A: I think the biggest challenge for me is feeling like I’m not part of the school community because I’m not here every day. And so it feels like I… miss out on opportunities and events and things that happen on days that I’m not here. But then on the flipside, it’s also really cool to feel like you’re part of two communities because I’m here, but also at another school. 

And I think for me, the way I’ve kind of tried to approach that, is to think about doing what I can when I am here and getting the most out of the days that I’m here… I make sure to work with the counselors and other admins and teachers to provide support when I am here, and I’m trying my best to be part of afterschool things: games and other activities. I joined PTSA so that way at least I gained the opportunity to be a part of the community even on days that I’m not here.”

Q: What do you think inspired you to become a psychologist, and more importantly, what do you think drew you to helping students? 

A: That’s a great question. So, when I was an undergrad, I was formally diagnosed with anxiety and it really impacted my learning, and my academic career. It was my senior year… the most taxing year, where I was trying to decide if I was going to go to med school or what I was gonna do after college. And I think when I had that moment… an anxiety attack of just really struggling with school, I realized that I really want to focus more on the importance of mental health and how that impacts learning. And so, I had a mentor who had a degree in school psychology and so she talked to me about [if I had] ever thought about being a school psychologist “Because it’s two things that you really do love… education and mental health, and pairing it together to think about how to support students.” 

I realized that I had always had anxiety, but I was a high-performing anxious student… I wish that I had noticed it more when I was in K-12. So for me it was like, I wish there was a me when I was in school. I want to be that person supporting high-performing students, but also every student to be their best self and also to help parents understand the importance and the impact of mental health on academics… Just thinking about the fact that I grew up going to public schools, and I came out pretty decent… I feel like I could give back to that same notion but also really help in that regard.”

Q: So how has your experience been at Apex High so far? 

A: I’ve only been here a week or so [but] I love it. This is my first time working in a high school in this capacity… I won’t lie, I was definitely nervous and intimidated, because I’m so used to working with my preschoolers and my kindergarteners… and they’re cute and they’re exciting and they like school and they love you… So I was a little more worried about coming into high school and not really being able to build relationships with students or feeling… not respected, because I am young and I blend in; if I didn’t have my badge most people wouldn’t know I’m a staff member. But, I’ve had really great interactions with both staff and students, and I’m just really excited to be part of a school community that is really committed to supporting students and emphasizing the importance of mental health. And I see that admin and student services really think about ways to support student mental health, so that has been great. 

Q:  As a psychologist, what is something you believe high school students struggle with the most these days? 

A: I think the big one is definitely that sense of self and self esteem, but also peer pressure and feeling adequate enough in regards to ‘Am I good enough to pursue what I want to do next?’ I think I’ve seen a lot of high schoolers struggle with anxiety, especially in a great school like Apex High where grades are really important, and a lot of students want to go to college…That constant pressure of feeling like you have to be great all the time. I’m a big proponent of self care and mental health… emphasizing that it’s OK to not be OK… prioritizing your wellness and taking care of yourself, over grades. And I will always say… ‘You can’t be a good student if you’re not okay with every other aspect of your life first.’

Q: What’s something you’re looking forward to at Apex High this year? It could be a school event or something you’re doing as a psychologist.

A: I’m definitely looking forward to finding a way to support Black students at Apex High… just thinking of ways that we could promote more inclusive topics and provide more culturally responsive awareness. And just really having those conversations with high school students, about life and mental health.

Q: Lastly, is there anything you want the readers to know about yourself personally, or as their school psychologist? 

A: “I exist.” Ms. Oloukun said with a laugh. “And, you will see most of the time my door is open… so feel free to come in. I am always available, when I’m here, for vent sessions, for just being able to know that you have someone in this school that you can come and process your thoughts with, or even if you just need a moment to just not be in class if you’re upset. So, don’t be a stranger, don’t think there has to be something wrong for you to even come talk to me… if you just wanna hang out and talk to someone who’s been through this process, I’m here.”