In the newest installment of our “10 Questions With” series, we spoke with Saheed Oloko. Saheed has been with Eden for five years, and he was recently promoted to Residential Supervisor of Cranbury House.
Saheed Oloko with the residents of Cranbury House
What is a typical day like as the Residential Supervisor at Cranbury House?
A typical day as Residential Supervisor at Cranbury House includes everyday training and learning the core strength of every staff member to be able to achieve optimum delivery of services to the participants of the house. This includes some changes in assigned tasks and expectations.
When there is a change, it’s always a difficult time for every human, so a typical day is trying to get everyone to see the reasons why we need some of these changes, what’s the possible gains, and what we can achieve with these changes.
What are some of your favorite activities to do with the residents of Cranbury House?
They like to exercise and walk around the neighborhood as soon as they get home. Then they come back to the house, shower, and are ready to do different activities such laundries, cleaning their rooms, watching cartoons on their iPads or TV, and assisting staff in the kitchen while preparing meals.
Why did you choose this career?
It has always been my dream to help. This is my way of life — to support every human, especially those with disabilities. I use my skills to assist those who are really in need. It’s an honor for me, and I’ve always felt good about achieving this. It’s my passion. I’m a very compassionate person. In Nigeria, I grew up in an environment where people needed help every day, and I always dreamed that if I had an opportunity to help, I’d do whatever it takes to add value to the human race.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Paris. I want to see the Eiffel Tower.
Saheed received a warm welcome when he joined Cranbury House
What do you enjoy doing most in your time off?
I like watching sports. I’m a sports person. I look forward to the weekend to watch the English Premier League. My team is the Chester Football Club.
If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice on your first day at Eden, what would it be?
My first day at Eden was an amazing day. My first encounter was with an amazing participant. He asked for my birthday, and he told me what day of the week I was born. I never knew I was born on a Monday. We discussed the presidents of the United States. He told me the number of presidents. He was so much fun. We still have this bond. Every time he sees me, he says “I miss you” and I tell him I miss him too.
On my first day, I maybe would ask some more questions that I didn’t know to ask, given all the knowledge I have now.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Jollof rice. It is wonderful.
What’s something you’d like the Eden community to know about the residents of Cranbury House?
These guys can communicate very well. They are vocal and they ask questions. One always wants to discuss his days and his schedule. He wants you to say this is what we are going to do, and if the staff miss anything he will ask questions. I see a lot of intellect in these guys. They are very smart personalities.
What’s the most surprising thing you learned about yourself since you started working at Eden?
I realize I have always been a manager of people, but I learned that I can get the best out of people. I think I can pass on a lot of knowledge.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The fulfillment you achieve at the end of the day. Knowing that you’re helping these guys have the best life they can live, enjoying the best moments they can have, and influencing their happiness gives you a lot of happiness. At the end of the day, by the time you’re in bed, you think today is a good day because you made people smile.
