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Far Rockaway’s Newest Leader



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John Aderounmu is a soft-spoken, 21-year-old who left Nigeria in 2012 at the age of 16 to pursue higher education in New York City. He arrived in Far Rockaway just in time to live through Superstorm Sandy.

“Far Rockaway is a very welcoming community.” Aderounmu told The Wave. “I was warmly received when I visited relatives for several summers before making the decision to relocate.”

Aderounmu enrolled in CUNY’s Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and earned his Associates Degree in Computer Science.

The encouragement of an African fellow immigrant friend and student, Mohammed Omar, propelled Aderounmu to pursue a role in student government, and he summarily president.

Currently a senior at Hunter College, Aderounmu is pursuing a degree in CUNY’s Baccalaureate Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Computer Science and Mathematics.

The only student member of the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York, Aderounmu is also the Chairperson for the CUNY University Student Senate (USS). The USS is the leading student governance body of the University. Aderounmu spearheads the student leader presidents of the 25 CUNY colleges representing nearly 500,000 students and their special interests.

William C. Thompson, Jr., chairperson of the CUNY Board of Trustees told amNewYork that Aderounmu is an exemplary man.

“There is no doubt in the minds of those of us who have had the good fortune of getting to know this special individual that he will succeed at whatever endeavor he puts his mind to,” said Thompson.

Aderounmu’s advice to the young people of Far Rockaway as he plans to pursue a law degree to help fellow immigrants is to follow the road that leads to higher education. “Education can open the way. This is the best option to have. Education is the solid foundation for your future.”

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