When Olatunbosun Obiwale (Bosun) joined On Track to Success (OTTS) in Grade 11, she was still finding her footing in a new country—and in a new school system.
After moving to Canada from Nigeria, high school was a tough transition. Bosun was navigating cultural adjustment, bullying, and the feeling of not always being believed or understood. It was a challenging time, but everything began to change when she was introduced to On Track to Success and Ujima.
“Getting into the program gave me a sense of community,” Bosun shared. “It was a space where people understood me. I could talk, be myself, and feel supported.”
Weekly meetings became a safe place—one where mentors listened, offered guidance, and helped Bosun access tutoring, resources, and encouragement. That support didn’t stop with her. Soon, her younger sister joined the program too, and On Track became a source of stability for the entire family.
At times when groceries were hard to afford, On Track stepped in with gift cards to make sure they had the essentials. When Bosun needed help getting her driver’s license—something her parents couldn’t provide at the time—her OTTS success coach helped make it happen. Her success coach also took time to connect with Bosun’s parents, explaining the program and building trust.
“She was like a second parent,” Bosun said. “My parents were adjusting to Canada too, and having someone who could support me in ways they couldn’t at that moment meant everything.”
Looking back, Bosun says the people involved with the programs made all the difference—always showing up with care and consistency.
“You could tell they really cared about what they were doing. That makes a huge difference.”
A Space to Be Yourself
If Bosun had to describe On Track to someone who had never heard of it, she’d keep it simple:
“It’s a space where you can be yourself—and be understood for who you are.”
Some of her favourite memories are the group gatherings and events—meeting other students, hearing their stories, and realizing she wasn’t alone in her experiences.
That sense of belonging carried Bosun through to one of her proudest moments: high school graduation.
“I was so happy,” she laughed. “My dad said, ‘This isn’t your graduation—it’s mine!’ He invited so many people. And having the On Track team there to celebrate with me made it even more special.”
Finding Her Path
Like many students, Bosun wasn’t sure what came next. She knew one thing for certain: she wanted to help people.
With encouragement from her success coach, she explored options beyond what felt “expected.” She applied to university for sociology and criminology—fields that felt broad enough to grow into—and began the next chapter of her journey.
University, however, came with new challenges. Immigration issues, academic pressure, and personal stress made the first year especially difficult. But the lessons Bosun learned in On Track stayed with her.
“One thing they always taught me was to reach out,” she said. “There are supports everywhere—but you have to ask.”
She did just that, joining academic support programs and recommitting to her goals. Today, as she finishes her fourth year, Bosun describes her university experience as a roller coaster—but one that helped her grow.
“I’m so much better now. I don’t feel like I can’t do it anymore.”
Discovering Her Passion Through EMP
That growth continued through the Executive Mentorship Program (EMP). Looking for a change from her usual summer work, Bosun joined the program and was placed at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in the Elder Life Program.
There, she supported older adults through friendly visits—listening, connecting, and providing emotional care. With guidance from her workplace mentor Sam, Bosun began to see new possibilities for her future.
“I realized helping people isn’t just medical,” she said. “It’s emotional. It’s mental. It’s about understanding someone as a person.”
The experience helped Bosun build confidence, communication skills, and clarity about her path forward. For the first time, she could clearly see a future that fit who she was.
Looking Ahead
Now, Bosun knows what’s next. After graduating, she plans to work for a period bit before pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, with the goal of supporting immigrants and young adults navigating complex systems—just like she once did.
“I want my work to reflect my story,” she said. “I can relate to people coming into a new country, trying to find their place.”
Why Giving Matters
Bosun is deeply grateful to the donors who make programs like On Track to Success possible. She knows firsthand that their generosity didn’t just support her education—it supported her family, her confidence, and her future.
“My whole life speaks for itself,” she said. “The groceries. The driver’s license. The mentors. The events. All of that happened because people donated.”
Those donations didn’t just help her succeed in school—they helped shape the person she’s becoming.
“I’m very grateful,” Bosun said. “Being part of On Track came at the perfect time. Having people who genuinely wanted to help me—that’s something I’ll always carry with me.”
And today, Bosun is truly on track—not just to a career, but to making a difference for others.