Dammy Kayode’s discipline and perseverance earned him the Determination by Any Means (DBAM) Award at Anne Arundel Community College’s 2026 Impact and Excellence Awards. The event celebrates and honors the accomplishments and contributions of students, faculty and staff to the college community.
Originally from Nigeria, Kayode came to the United States with a clear sense of purpose: he wanted to get to know American culture and make new friends. Adjusting to a new country and academic system, however, was not without its challenges.
“Sometimes life is stressful,” he said. “You just have to keep pushing and do not give up. That's the thing. And (stay) grounded in faith and pray. As I normally do.”
This semester tested him more than ever. For the first time, Kayode balanced multiple classes with work, challenging his time management skills as well as his resilience. The workload was demanding, but he responded by developing new habits and holding himself accountable.
"I have trained myself to be more disciplined with my schedule and stay organized,” he said.
Kayode plans to graduate in 2027 with a degree in cybersecurity. AACC’s cybersecurity programs provide hands-on training in areas such as network defense, digital forensics and information security, equipping students with real-world skills for in-demand careers.
“What interests me is cybersecurity, because I'm passionate about protecting people's sensitive information,” he said.
Receiving the DBAM Award affirmed his hard work and perseverance.
“I'm really, really grateful and happy for this wonderful award because it shows my perseverance and hard work, being recognized,” he said. “It also motivates me not to give up.”