Seventh-grader Lillian Ibukun carries within her the experiences of four countries and three continents. Born in Gambia, raised partially in Nigeria, educated briefly in Denmark, and now thriving at Unity Point, her journey reflects the global pathways that bring families to Southern Illinois.

Lillian's family moved frequently during her early childhood as her father pursued education and career opportunities. "I moved from Gambia to Nigeria, and then I moved to Denmark and I came here," she explains. Her younger brother, now in second grade in a multi-grade classroom at Unity Point, traveled the same path, creating a family story of constant adaptation.

Now working as a social worker while pursuing his PhD at Southern Illinois University, Lillian’s father exemplifies the dedication to education that draws many international families to Carbondale. Lillian's mother is studying nursing at Shawnee Community College while raising two children in their third language and fourth country.

When Lillian arrived at Unity Point in fourth grade, she encountered something completely different from her previous experience. "I expected it to be bigger, lots more people," she recalls, comparing Unity Point to the massive Danish school that housed pre-K through 12th grade across multiple buildings.

The transition from a sprawling European campus to Unity Point's intimate environment initially proved jarring. "I was really nervous," Lillian admits about her first day. Everyone fitting into one cafeteria, teachers knowing students throughout the building—the close-knit community felt impossibly small.

Yet this intimacy became Unity Point's greatest strength for Lillian. "It's like a second home," she says. "I get to see everybody. All your friends, you get to hang out with them, and everyone is really nice." The relationships she feared might be difficult to form instead developed quickly and naturally.

Her academic success reflects Unity Point's ability to challenge students regardless of background. Maintaining straight A's, Lillian particularly excels in mathematics. Her basketball participation demonstrates how athletics provide another avenue for connection.

The linguistic complexity of Lillian's background mirrors that of many Unity Point families. While she knew English before arriving, Yoruba remains the primary language at home, connecting her to Nigerian heritage. She retains fragments of Danish, creating a multilingual foundation that enriches her perspective.

Dr. McNulty specifically highlighted Lillian's compassionate nature when suggesting her for this story. While Lillian modestly deflects recognition of leadership qualities, her teachers recognize someone who understands what it means to be new, different, and far from home. Her experience navigating multiple cultures positions her uniquely to help other students facing similar transitions.

Unity Point's strength, according to Lillian, lies in "making sure that everyone feels comfortable here." This emphasis on belonging resonates deeply with someone who has experienced the anxiety of starting over in new countries. "Everyone's nice and they make you feel welcome, like you belong here," she observes.

The diversity that some communities might view as challenging, Lillian sees as natural. When asked about Unity Point's international character, she responds that "it kind of does" seem normal to her. Her perspective reflects a generation of global citizens for whom crossing cultures is simply part of life.

Her teachers' commitment to helping every student understand and succeed particularly impresses Lillian. "They do a really good job" at ensuring comprehension and academic growth. This dedication becomes especially meaningful for students whose educational journey has crossed multiple countries with different approaches.

Lillian dreams of becoming a family medicine doctor, following a path that would bring her educational journey full circle—from the daughter of international students to a medical professional serving diverse communities. Her academic excellence, cultural adaptability, and compassionate nature suggest she possesses the foundation for such demanding aspirations.

Despite her success in Illinois, Lillian's heart remains connected to her origins. When asked where she would choose to live, she responds without hesitation: "Back in my home country." Gambia calls to her as the place where her identity took root, even as Unity Point provides the educational foundation for her future.

Lillian's journey from nervous fourth-grader to confident seventh-grade honor student illustrates Unity Point's mission of meeting students where they are and helping them grow toward their potential. Whether supporting a child arriving from Denmark or one transitioning from elementary, the school's approach remains consistent: create an environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and supported.