What are the chances of winning the lottery? 1 in 100,000? 1 in a million? Try 1 in 300 million. These odds mirror the chances of students going to school without seeing the Dean of Students Mr. Luqman Kolade.
Mr. Kolade is everywhere, whether chatting it up with a student, finding absent students, or greeting those who pass by. This begs the question: what does a day in the life of the ubiquitous Mr. Kolade look like?
In his youth, Mr. Kolade struggled to see himself taking up a profession other than a lawyer, doctor, or engineer, because those were the only occupations considered to be “acceptable” by his immigrant parents.
“I would’ve never thought I’d eventually start teaching,” Mr. Kolade said.
As a kid, Mr. Kolade enjoyed school as he balanced studies with a successful track career.
“Grades were always my priority,” Mr. Kolade said. “If I did badly in school, sports were the first thing to go.”
Mr. Kolade later accepted a track and field offer at the University of Pennsylvania. During college, he found himself in pursuit of a profession that best suited him.
“I tried lots of different things, but none of them felt right for me,” Mr. Kolade said.
A friend of his suggested that he try teaching, which Mr. Kolade then found enjoyable.
“It was cool, and I like engaging with students,” Mr. Kolade said.
Despite the friction to persuade his parents, Mr. Kolade knew that teaching was his passion. His parents later agreed after he read to them a heartfelt letter from a student whose life he had changed. After reading it, Mr. Kolade’s mother tearfully told him, “This is what you were meant to do.”
Since becoming a teacher, Mr. Kolade’s day couldn’t be busier.
After getting to school every morning at 7:45, Mr. Kolade catches up with Mr. Fifer and goes through recent emails. Then, he attends meetings, finds students, responds to emails, and teaches English. Overall, Mr. Kolade thoroughly enjoys his job, with his favorite part being the bonds he builds with students.
However, Mr. Kolade also faces a great deal of stress dealing with so many students.
“My least favorite part is when kids are obviously lying, and emailing can be tedious. But overall, I am pretty happy,” Mr. Kolade said.
Mr. Kolade also has two young children, who both attend Haverford. He enjoys the convenience of having his kids be able to walk to his office after school.
“My kids are still at that age where having a dad who works at their school is cool, and I’m happy about that,” Mr. Kolade said.
By minimizing work at home, Mr. Kolade can spend more time forming meaningful relationships with his sons. To achieve that, he focuses on staying organized and managing time effectively. However, Mr. Kolade is not so different from students.
“I’m not immune to procrastination,” Mr. Kolade said. “Sometimes I catch myself on my phone too much when I should be writing emails.”
To combat this, he uses applications to keep himself on track.
“I use apps to time myself,” Mr. Kolade said. “For example, chunks of fifteen minutes when I’m grading a student’s paper.”
Mr. Kolade also emphasizes the importance of keeping notes.
“That’s why I have my iPad during assemblies,” Mr. Kolade said. “So I can keep track of the important things I need to cover.”
However, habits are hard to maintain—so how does one stay on track?
“Accountability,” Mr. Kolade said. “And even using reminders helps.”
As a result, he can finish most of his work before he goes home, a possibility that most students could only dream of.
“To be honest, I’m excited. I’m excited to see my kids grow up, experience the next chapter of my life, and be present in the moment. I’m happy, and that’s all that matters.”
MR. LUQMAN KOLADE
Many may think, Wow, Mr. Kolade’s day seems impressive, but what about his future?
“To be honest, I’m excited. I’m excited to see my kids grow up, experience the next chapter of my life, and be present in the moment,” Mr. Kolade said. “I’m happy, and that’s all that matters.”
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