Forging a Path to Law
Toluwanimi “Tolu” Onanuga ’18, a junior at SUNY Albany, plans to attend law school after college, and he is determined to set himself up for success. “My goal is to be a practicing attorney. I’m interested in patent law because it introduces you to new inventions and technologies. It requires a science or engineering degree, so I’m majoring in human biology with a minor in law and philosophy to keep that avenue open,” he says. “My classes are difficult, but I find them interesting, especially philosophy.”
Back
Thinking about his tough courses takes Tolu back to his days at Harlem Academy and the rigor of our science and math classes. “We were taught challenging material that we likely wouldn’t have been exposed to in another school, and the teachers did such a good job breaking it down to make sure we understood,” he recalls.
Showing Leadership on Campus
When he’s not in class or studying, Tolu spends much of his time participating in the National Black Law Student Association and other clubs, tutoring students in statistics, and serving as a resident assistant (RA). In his RA role, he provides ongoing guidance, support, and a sense of community as he helps students navigate dorm life.
Tolu has become adept at juggling his many responsibilities thanks to lessons learned while a student at Harlem Academy. “Being productive makes all the difference in college, but balancing commitments can be challenging,” says Tolu. That’s why I incorporate Harlem Academy’s pillars and Creed into my daily life. All of my activities give me the chance to connect with people on different levels."
Making an Impact in the Community
Showing Leadership on Campus
When he’s not in class or studying, Tolu spends much of his time participating in the National Black Law Student Association and other clubs, tutoring students in statistics, and serving as a resident assistant (RA). In his RA role, he provides ongoing guidance, support, and a sense of community as he helps students navigate dorm life.
Tolu has become adept at juggling his many responsibilities thanks to lessons learned while a student at Harlem Academy. “Being productive makes all the difference in college, but balancing commitments can be challenging,” says Tolu. That’s why I incorporate Harlem Academy’s pillars and Creed into my daily life. All of my activities give me the chance to connect with people on different levels."
Making an Impact in the Community
Tolu took the opportunity to give back to his community this past summer with the assistance of Harlem Academy’s alumni coordinator, Hope Bell. “I wanted to find a law-based summer internship, and Ms. Bell helped me get one at Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement.” Tolu spent several weeks at the nonprofit helping to draft and review lease renewals, deeds, and other legal documents related to tenant rights and regulatory issues.
“I learned a lot about real estate laws and improved my ability to efficiently read content-dense legal documents,” he says, confident that the knowledge and skills he gained will help him secure more internships. “As Harlem Academy’s Creed says, I’m working hard to ‘make the most of each day.’”
Harlem Academy
655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030
P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
info@harlemacademy.org
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655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030
P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
info@harlemacademy.org
Make a Tuition Payment
Financial and Privacy Information
Site Map
Harlem Academy is an independent school (grades K-8) that drives equity of opportunity for promising students, guiding them to thrive at the highest academic levels and one day make a mark on the world.