Published on Dec. 4, 2025

By Ashley Flewellen

Olamilekan Anifowoshe never imagined his journey from the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria, to Mizzou’s campus would teach him as much about navigating American culture as it would teach him about earning a master’s degree in journalism. But that’s exactly what happened. Alongside reporting, deadlines and hands-on newsroom experience, he found himself learning everything from how to apply for a Social Security number to understanding American small talk.  
 
Growing up in one of Africa’s largest cities, Anifowoshe learned early that education wasn’t a choice – it was a commitment. His father, who runs a petroleum gas station, and his mother, who owns a successful housewares business, made their expectations crystal clear.  
 
“My father believes in education and will go to any length to make sure you are educated,” he says with a smile. “It’s not up for debate. Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school.”

That determination powered him through his undergraduate journalism studies in Northern Cyprus and eventually brought him to Mizzou. He came specifically seeking a program where he could sharpen his reporting skills through real-world practice.  
 
“I had a lot of theoretical background in journalism already, so I needed somewhere that had practical training, on-the-job experience,” he says. But no amount of coursework could prepare him for the nuances of American culture. That’s where International Student and Scholar Services stepped in. From the beginning, staff helped him understand essential logistics –– especially around employment.  

 

“When I came, I didn’t know I could only work on campus,” Anifowoshe recalls. “They actually helped me understand how to get my Social Security number and walked me through the whole process.”  
 
Other cultural moments were more surprising. Tipping culture, for instance, seemed entirely foreign. 
 
“If I’ve paid for the services you’re rendering to me, I don’t understand why I need to tip you extra,” he remembers thinking. Once someone explained the system, “Now, I tip regularly,” he said with a smile.  
 
Through it all, the International Student and Scholar Services continued to support him––communicating about employment updates, helping him with travel notifications and ensuring he had guidance along the way. 
 
Finding a community took time, but eventually Anifowoshe connected with other Nigerian students through an African church in Columbia, creating a support system that helped with housing, transportation and staying connected with his culture.  
 
All that support – and his perseverance – paid off in a powerful moment: seeing his first byline on the front page of the Columbia Missourian. 
 
“That was the first time I ever had a byline,” he said still beaming. He immediately called his parents in Nigeria to share the news.  
 
Now covering government and city council beats, Anifowoshe balances intense reporting with the responsibility that comes with being far from home. He says the International Student and Scholar Services helped turn what could have been an overwhelming experience into a manageable and meaningful one – giving him the chance to honor his parents’ investment while building the journalism career he’s always envisioned.