Serving as the General Secretary taught me more than I expected- Oláwóore Islamiyyah, Outgoing Gen Secretary

 

As the Queen Elizabeth II Hall Press wraps up yet another editorial year, an interview was conducted with Oláwóore Islamiyyah, the outgoing general secretary. Her leadership has been characterised by creativity, discipline, and a strong commitment to ethical journalism. As she gets ready to hand off the reins, she talks candidly about her experience in the press, the challenges that shaped her personality, and her aspirations.

QEHP: Let’s start with a bit of reflection. What has it been like serving as the general secretary of Queen Elizabeth II Hall Press?  

Miss Islamiyyah: Serving as the General Secretary of Queen Elizabeth II Hall Press has been a journey that taught me more than I expected. It has helped me grow. I became more confident, more organized, and more aware of how important teamwork is.  

The role made me step out of my zone, speak up more, and take responsibility in ways I hadn’t before.

It has been a good experience. It shaped me, humbled me, and prepared me for even bigger responsibilities. Honestly, I’m grateful for the chance to serve and to contribute to something bigger.

QEHP: How do you balance being a pressman with excelling academically? What strategies or habits helped you sustain that level of excellence?

Miss Islamiyyah: I create a strong routine even though there are times I don't follow it but always make me keep track of time

QEHP: Many student leaders struggle with burnout or time conflicts. Was there ever a point when you felt overwhelmed by your commitments? If yes, how did you navigate that phase?

Miss Islamiyyah: Yes, there is but most times I always pause to organise by turning off my data and avoiding social media.

QEHP: Leadership often comes with difficult decisions. Can you share a moment when you had to make a tough call as general secretary and what you learned from?

Miss Islamiyyah: I don't think i made any tough decisions 

QEHP: Outside of journalism and academics, how did you maintain your personal relationships, friendships, family, or otherwise, amidst such a packed schedule?

Miss Islamiyyah: I'm really not a social person like that. If I have free time I gist with friends and since I'm currently in school, talking to family is always over the phone or anytime I go home. 

QEHP: Looking back, what would you say has been your proudest moment as a campus journalist?

Miss Islamiyyah: Every moment is a proud moment for me. 

QEHP: As you prepare to hand over, what advice would you give to the next general secretary of Queen Elizabeth II Hall Press, secretariat duties?

Miss Islamiyyah: Understand that secretarial duties are not just about doing the work that comes with it. It’s about growing through it. At the end of the day, being General Secretary is a privilege. If you carry yourself with discipline, empathy, and a willingness to learn, you’ll not only serve the Press well, and you’ll also look back and realise how much the role helped you grow. 

QEHP: Finally, when people remember your time in student journalism, what do you hope they say about your leadership, your impact, and your journey?

Miss Islamiyyah: For my journey as a student journalist, I hope they see it as a story of growth and someone who allowed the role to shape her without losing her spark