Omukoko Okoth is a fourth-year Economics major with a concentration in Mathematics and Business and a minor in Politics. He is a student leader and mentor, having served as a Resident Assistant, Peer Career Advisor, Peer Mentor with the Center for Student Success, and Peer Advising Leader. Okoth was recently honored by the National Student Employment Association for his outstanding contributions to student employment. An international student from Nairobi, Kenya, he is passionate about mentorship, community building, and empowering fellow students through shared experience.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did you first get involved with student employment?
My first job on campus was working at Stevenson Dining Hall. I used to serve food at one of the food stations and sometimes worked at the dish pit. It was a great way to interact with many Obies. I did that for three years but stepped down during my fourth year because I got too busy with my honors project.
How did you find out you were selected for the National Student Employment Association recognition, and what was your reaction?
I knew I had been nominated for consideration by the Center of Student Success around mid-February and felt grateful for the recognition of the work my peers and I have been doing. I, however, put it at the back of my mind because I did not know what to expect. Then, about two weeks ago, I received an email with good news. I was filled with joy and gratitude, and was excited for the opportunity to meet with President Carmen Twillie Ambar for a luncheon.
What does this recognition mean to you personally?
This recognition means a lot to me. It means that good work does not go unnoticed. It is also a celebration of the work I have been doing alongside my African brothers on campus and my fellow peer mentors at CSS. I see the award as one I received on behalf of these dedicated individuals who continue to inspire others and share resources with them.
Are there any particular projects or moments in your job that you’re especially proud of?
I have had an opportunity to work with amazing people and would highlight the mentorship sessions as something that brings me a sense of fulfillment. I have realized the power of mentorship and how far it can go in reshaping lives for the better. Most first-generation students may not be aware of opportunities available to them, how to navigate the collegiate experience, and may also lack immediate relatives to guide them. So to be able to share my experience with them and make their experience a little easier is rewarding for me. I hope that through the work of peer mentors at CSS, First-Generation and Income-Eligible students realize that someone understands their experience and that they are always out there for them.
What has been the most rewarding part of your campus job?
I thought mentorship was about teaching others, but I realized in my job that you learn so much through mentorship, a realization that completely changed my perspective and approach. During one session, I decided to say little and listen more, to allow mentees to contribute their thoughts, ideas, and solutions, and I was amazed by the wealth of knowledge they all had and the wisdom they generously shared. I learned that no one knew everything, but, collectively, they had solutions to nearly every concern that was raised. I felt so happy to learn that my role as a leader and mentor was not to provide answers all the time but to tap into the endless talent within the team. In other words, I discovered very well that with collaboration, my mentees could do very well without me, and for a moment, I thought perhaps that is the goal of leadership. To empower others so that they are able to make progress with or without you. It was a very good experience.
Have there been any challenges, and how have you worked through them?
The biggest challenge is balancing everything that needs to be done in the limited time. It is also difficult to coordinate time schedules with Obies because we do a lot and that limits the opportunities available to meet with mentees and share a meal, share words of encouragement and grow an even stronger community.
Has this experience influenced your future goals or career path in any way?
My jobs on campus have provided me with clarity on where my strengths lie, and areas where I can have the most impact. I have also learned how to articulate those strengths, which I believe will serve me well in future career opportunities. Working with people is, in my view, a must-have skill for everyone, and therefore this opportunity has given me skills to communicate effectively and interact with people from different backgrounds.
What advice would you give to other students who are considering working while at Oberlin?
My advice is that whatever duty one has, they should do it wholeheartedly, knowing that the difference they make will not go unnoticed. I hope they realize that even as students, they have enormous capacity to influence, lead, and make a significant impact on the campus community. I hope they do not underestimate their power to be the difference the world needs. And that is in both the little and big things that they do.
