Sociology major Oseije “Sej” Imoohi ’17 has put his passion for service to work this semester, as a Community Engagement Student Fellow through California Campus Compact. As a Fellow, he is one of fifteen college students from across California who commit a semester to enhancing service-learning and community engagement on their campuses. For his fellowship project, Imoohi is working to promote and publicize a new LMU service-learning program in Bafut, Cameroon.
The fellowship is just the latest project in Imoohi’s commitment to service on campus. He has been active in service as a tutor through Lions for Learning and a mentor through Harambee, a mentorship program at Westchester High School.
As a mentor, he tries to inspire other young Black men like him to achieve success and defy stereotypes.
“Media perpetuates certain stereotypes that support the idea that Black men can only be successful in this society as athletes, rappers, and entertainers, not lawyers, doctors, engineers, business moguls, or CEOs,” he said. “And some youth are finding their role models in individuals who embody those stereotypes.”
He found his love for mentorship as a freshman in the Praxis Academy, an LMU program that pairs Black male students with mentors to promote personal, professional and academic development. “My mentors provided me with wisdom from their experiences, so I wouldn’t have to make the same mistakes that they made,” he said.
“It’s all about positive reinforcement, support, and love for an individual seeking your guidance,” he said.