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From Crochet to CPA: The Unexpected Journey of Hadijat Olusheshi
Posted on Dec 10, 2025 at 16:05 PM
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Hadijat Olusheshi, a first-generation scholar earning her degree in Accounting, is a proud Fall 2025 Fort Valley State University graduate. Born in Delaware, by way of Nigeria, her journey is a testament to courage, resilience and discovering purpose even when the path shifts unexpectedly.
Growing up, Olusheshi dreamed of becoming a surgeon. That dream changed when she learned she had arthritis in her hand, which caused it to shake too much for a surgical career. What felt like a loss at the time became an unexpected turning point. While running her crochet business, EccentricStitches, she found joy in marketing and discovered how much she loved the strategy behind helping a business grow. That interest led her to look into Accounting because, as she says, it is what keeps a business standing. Her long-term goal is to start her own nonprofit that will provide free resources to her community. She wants to help people navigate mortgages, taxes and financial planning so they have the knowledge they deserve.
Olusheshi chose Fort Valley State because it felt right from the beginning. It was her first college tour, her first acceptance and close enough to home without being ‘too’ close. The feeling of home mattered to her. The fact that one of her best friends, Taylor Arnold, was attending and graduating alongside her made her decision even more meaningful.
Throughout her time at FVSU, she was deeply impacted by the people who guided and supported her. Her best friend remained a constant source of encouragement. Shelisha Williams, director of first and second-year experience and Summer Success Academy at FVSU, also played a transformational role.
Coming into college, Olusheshi knew very little about navigating higher education. Williams opened doors for Olusheshi, introduced her to opportunities and became an important figure who looked out for her every step of the way.
It comes as no surprise that Hadijat is Olusheshi Magna Cume Laude. She was on the Dean’s List for three consecutive years, received a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship, the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative Scholarship, and the Gilman Scholarship which allowed her to study abroad to Zambia.
Outside of academics, Olusheshi found herself embracing experiences she never expected. After attending her first pageant at FVSU, she told herself she would step out of her comfort zone and try it. She did not expect to place. Instead, she became Miss Phi Beta Sigma, Miss Georgia Phi Beta Sigma, and the first runner-up for Miss Southern Region Phi Beta Sigma. In addition, Hadijat was an SGA senator, sophomore class president, a member of the National Council of Negro Women, Alpha Kappa Mu Honors Society, Campus Activities Board, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She also served as a New Student Orientation Leader.
Her biggest challenge throughout college was financial. She worked tirelessly to avoid taking out loans and dedicated herself to earning scholarships. Her hard work paid off. She graduated completely debt-free, reflecting her determination and discipline.
Of all the things she experienced at FVSU, she will miss the community most. The people she met, the support she received, and the sense of belonging have helped shape her into the woman she is becoming. FVSU gave her the leadership skills she did not know she needed. It helped her grow more confident and taught her how to speak comfortably in public. These skills will follow her into every chapter.
After graduation, Olusheshi looks forward to pursuing her MBA and earning the additional credits required for her CPA license. She is focused on walking in the path God has for her and becoming the best version of herself. If she could speak to her freshman self, she would say to appreciate the blessings she has and continue doing the things that scare her because growth lives on the other side of fear.
Graduating from an HBCU holds deep meaning for her. To her, it means belonging to a community of intellect, history, excellence and purpose. She says that the HBCU community is taking over through knowledge, service and by pouring back into each other.
Olusheshi’s story is one of courage, discovery and becoming. She is proud of how far she has come and even more excited to be the best person God has planned for her.
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