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Margo Odiko-Pim graduated in December 2017, but her work with Northeastern Illinois University did not end there.
As a Psychology major, Odiko-Pim conducted research on black children’s perceptions of who is fit to be a leader. That effort earned her a $1,000 Student Travel Award scholarship from the NEIU Foundation to present her research at the 48th Annual Conference of the Jean Piaget Society in Amsterdam in the summer of 2018. The experience was cultural, educational and unforgettable.
“I received a lot of positive feedback,” said Odiko-Pim, a native of Ghana. “A whole lot of people were asking questions, like whether I would continue to research that topic to include other races or other countries or states or cities.”
The answer is yes. Odiko-Pim will pursue a master’s degree—and continue researching—at Roosevelt University and ultimately hopes to work in the field of industrial psychology as an expert in conflict resolution, workplace mental health and workplace psychology.
The experience in Amsterdam was transformational for Odiko-Pim.
“I had put in so much work. That was a crowning moment,” she said. “This has paved the way for me to know how to do a poster presentation, how to mingle with people from psychology backgrounds. I met a lot of intelligent, learned people. It’s set me up for a great future in the field.”
Odiko-Pim’s mentor is excited about her potential in academia and beyond.
“Margo is a great combination of being kind, bright, resourceful and hard working,” Psychology Professor Saba Ayman-Nolley said. “She is intent in improving her knowledge and skill and is dedicated with persistence needed to accomplish challenging tasks. I believe Margaret will rise to any academic occasion and opportunity that will be given to her and meet the challenges with her quiet smiles and commitment to excellence and success.”
Odiko-Pim started college in Africa before moving to the United States in 2015. She took a few classes at Harry S Truman College, then transferred to Northeastern.
“I didn’t know what to expect at Northeastern, but it was a good experience for me,” she said. “I learned a lot in class and out of class. My time at Northeastern was a constant learning process.”
Looking back as she now prepares for graduate school, Odiko-Pim has no regrets about her time at Northeastern.
“Northeastern has some of the best instructors I have ever met. They take their time to make sure you’re OK academically and personally,” she said. “Choosing Northeastern was one of the best decisions of my life.”
