Actor, singer, and businessman Bankole Wellington, better known by his stage name Banky W, graduated from Georgetown University’s esteemed McCourt School of Public Policy in Washington, D.C., with a Master’s degree in Policy Management.
In an emotional Instagram post, Banky W considered the struggles and triumphs of the past several years, calling it a “stretching season” for his family.
He talked on the strength of faith, fortitude, and the beauty of fresh starts.
During his time as a student in the U.S. capital, he and his wife, actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington, also welcomed their second child, Hezekiah Oluwadarasimi Wellington.
The multi-talented entertainer’s latest academic milestone adds to his growing list of accomplishments in music, film, business, and public service.
BankyW wrote: “Faith gives you the courage, resilience and power to redefine endings. What many may see as the finish line of a journey can become the starting point of the next chapter of your story. The past few years have been a stretching season for my family and me. I learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and so sometimes, it is necessary to step off the dance floor and onto the balcony… to reflect on how far you have come, who you are, and who you would like to become. Success in life and leadership isn’t just about a specific destination or the journey to get there, but about who you become along the way.
“I am thankful to share that I have just earned my Master’s degree in Policy Management (some institutions call it an MPA-Masters of Public Administration).
“I’m grateful to have been able to study at one of the greatest schools on the planet for Public Policy – @georgetownmccourtschool @georgetownuniversity
I’m even more grateful that we welcomed our 2nd child, Hezekiah Oluwadarasimi Wellington, into the world in the middle of earning this degree in Washington, DC.
“Parenting 2 children in the US, while earning a full-time Master’s and serving as a Fellow on Capitol Hill all at the same time was completely exhausting, but by the grace of God, the strength of faith and the support of family, friends and mentors, we did it!
“So as I prepare to step off the balcony and return to the dance floor, I hope you take this as a sign that it’s never too late to dream a new dream, or redefine the ending of an existing one”.