By Michela Gritti
As she prepares to graduate from UNC Pembroke, Demilade Babarinde is closing a chapter written by words of leadership, service, and personal transformation across multiple campus roles.
Babarinde has served as Vice President of Student Government Association, Resident Advisor in Pine Hall, a Chancellor Ambassador, a UNCP Wellness Ambassador, and a Certified Basic Life Support provider. In each position, she said, her focus has remained consistent: supporting students and strengthening the campus community through engagement and care.
“My time in student government was a time of refinement and will be one of the most impactful experiences of my college career,” she said, describing her experience as formative when looking back on her time in student government and campus leadership.
Babarinde said she initially decided to run for student government to become more involved in campus life and better understand student needs from a leadership perspective. Over time, she said, the role challenged her in unexpected ways, particularly in communication and conflict resolution.
“I wasn’t confident in my interpersonal skills or handling conflict,” she said. “This role has taught me how to handle conflict and understand people’s perspectives while maintaining professionalism.”
As she transitions out of her leadership roles, Babarinde hopes that future student leaders will prioritize connection and responsiveness to the student body, keeping showing them respect and care.
“I believe UNCP needs a leader who knows the student body well so that they can serve accordingly,” she said. “They should be proactive, listen, and reach out to the right administrators.”
When asked what she would say to students still on campus, Babarinde said:
“Please get involved. There are so many opportunities here on this beautiful campus. I never thought I would accomplish the things I did, but with support from family and friends and the willingness to step out of my comfort zone, I have grown personally and professionally.”
After graduation, Babarinde plans to pursue a career in the medical field. She intends to strengthen her clinical experience, prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and apply to medical school.
“This experience has taught me to be more assertive and to understand people better,” she said. “That will stay with me in everything I do next.” She said, expressing how her leadership experience at UNCP will carry forward into her future goals.
As she leaves campus, Babarinde said the transition is bittersweet, but she is grateful for the growth she experienced during her time at UNCP.