December 20, 2023
Fiki (17, full name: Oluwafikunayomi Tosin-Oni), a 12th-grade student at MaCES High School in LA County, received early admission notification from Harvard on December 14. As the youngest son of a Nigerian immigrant family, Fiki’s family and the Love in Music community are overjoyed at this achievement.
President Kwan-il Park expressed his joy, stating, “It’s truly miraculous and happy news. The moment I heard about Fiki’s admission to Harvard, all the difficulties we faced seemed to disappear, and our hearts were filled with joy.” He added, “Love in Music, which has achieved community harmony through the spirit of sharing and solidarity, has once again given us confidence that it can truly be everyone’s dream.”
Fiki commented, “The honor of Harvard admission is thanks to Love in Music. During the admission interview, when asked about extracurricular activities, I confidently introduced Love in Music and mentioned my volunteer work as well.” He also revealed, “Introducing Love in Music activities in my college essay had a positive impact.”
Reflecting on the goals of Love in Music, Fiki emphasized “Love in Music provides tremendous benefits to young people, especially children in low-income families, who might grow up listening only to street music. Love in Music introduces them to classical music, teaches them instruments, and helps them develop the ability to perform. It has provided immense social benefits and given me values that cannot be measured in money.”
Gloria Lee, the Executive Director of Love in Music, shared Fiki’s journey, stating, “Fiki first came to Love in Music’s LA program site at the age of 6, led by his mother. Despite the challenges of changing class locations due to sponsorship from local churches, Fiki consistently attended instrument classes for over 10 years. His dedicated mother, Deborah, played a crucial role in making it possible.”
Planning to major in anthropology and biology at Harvard, Fiki said, “Love in Music was established with the goal of achieving community unity through instrument lessons. It has made significant contributions to achieving that goal so far.” He added, “I want to continue helping people in need and become a person who can contribute back to society.”
Fiki attended the 2023 Mini Winter Concert at Love in Music’s South Bay Branch on the 16th with his mother, delightfully performing a piece with the children he has taught. Currently, Love in Music operates its programs in three locations in L.A., South Bay and Santa Ana with the participation of young children from various communities, including Black, Hispanic, Indian and Mongolian communities.