My name is Oluwademilade T. Kayode, but I go by Royal. I was born and raised in Nigeria, and that will always be the foundation of who I am. Everything about me—my values, my mindset, even the way I speak and think—is rooted in that upbringing. I carry my culture like armor, not because it’s always easy, but because it reminds me of where I come from and why I keep moving.

Growing up, I was surrounded by love, resilience, and deep faith. My family isn’t perfect, but they are everything to me. And then there’s my grandmother—the woman who unknowingly set me on my life path. When she died of cancer because her diagnosis came too late, it broke something in me. But it also lit something up, too. Her passing wasn’t just grief—it was a turning point. That moment changed how I see health, life, and how many people suffer simply because they don’t get seen in time.

When I moved to the United States last year, everything flipped. I had to adjust overnight to a completely new world. The culture shock was real. The way classes were taught, the way people communicated, even the way people thought—it all felt foreign. I had to learn how to stand up for myself, how to understand the system, and how to keep my identity intact while everything around me felt unfamiliar. It wasn’t easy. Some days it still isn’t. But I’ve grown in ways I didn’t even expect. Moving here showed me what I’m made of.

There’s also a quieter side of me that most people don’t see right away. I’m a reader and a writer. Books were always my escape, especially when things felt loud in the real world. I write to understand myself. I write to release what I can’t always say out loud. My words are how I process the chaos, the beauty, and everything in between. If I don’t write, I feel like I’m holding my breath.

And then there’s my pets, who’ve left their mark on me. My dog, Cosmos, is still in Nigeria. I miss him more than words can explain. He wasn’t just a pet—he was part of my routine, my comfort, my peace. And I once had a parrot—smart, stubborn, and full of attitude. He starved himself to death because he hated being caged, that was when I realised that nothing likes to remain caged for a long period

I’m a dedicated nursing student currently pursuing my associate degree, with big dreams and even bigger purpose. At the core of who I am is a deep belief in compassion, self-respect, integrity, and trust. My motto is simple, but powerful: “In everything I do, I want to make a difference in the world.”

I’m walking a path that blends science, innovation, and storytelling. My goal is to become a pediatrician, a DevOps, and a photographer—yes, all three. Because to me, making an impact doesn’t have to fit in one box. Whether I’m caring for children’s health, designing solutions that make life better, or capturing the world through my lens, I want every step to count.

Outside the classroom, I stay connected to purpose. I’ve served with the Sasek Zarephath Foundation, volunteered within my community, and taken part in leading media and creative efforts at my church. These experiences remind me that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest—it means showing up, staying grounded, and lifting others as you climb.

I’m still learning, still growing, and still dreaming. And through it all, I’m committed to showing up as the most authentic version of myself, every step of the way.

Volunteer work, Swimming, National Honor Society, Chess Club, Media Director at my local church, Advocate for mental health and youth education, Passionate about creative writing.
These roles help me grow as a leader, build teamwork skills, and stay grounded in my values. 

Education

Franklin High School