Not leaving life to chance

Spotlight Focus on the Vice President of University of Alberta Black Student Organization with JUSTINAH ADEYANJU

Justinah Adeyanju

ustinah Adeyanju is a fourthyear student at the University of Alberta, pursuing a Chemistry/Psychology degree. She was born in Nigeria and raised in Canada. Besides practising weight lifting and bodybuilding, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and volunteering for the student life community. She enjoys creating abstract art for others and also for herself. She told LCCMedia, she picked the University of Alberta “because of its excellent reputation for high-quality research possibilities and because it offers a wide range of programs from which an impressionable mind may choose a professional path.” She first attended a University of Alberta Black Student Association(UABSA) Black history month event during her first year and the experience impacted her so much that she knew she had to be a part of UABSA. She ran for the position of Vice President which she has held for two years. When she is not studying, she is at a clinic working as an optometric assistant. Her primary responsibility is to manage clinic patient flow and ensure the optometrist has sufficient supplies. She also provides pre-testing and contact lens training, as well as assisting patients in choosing and fitting eyeglasses.

“As a black student, I feel compelled to have this “dual

Jconsciousness”; one that is shown to non-black peers in order to be accepted, and another one to serve my blackness.” Justinah feels that it is an interaction with prejudice and stereotyping and so, by cultivating a safe place, primarily for Black students, members can build members’ connection to the community and perhaps bring to light, the social injustice that is occurring in the community. UABSA also holds workshops, hosts seminars with notable speakers, and involves students in entertaining activities, thus serving the members through education, knowledge and fellowship. “The Student Union has been helpful in bringing to light some of our concerns on campus, but there is always more to be done.” The organization has much work to do, but Justinah is certain that with more cooperation and discussions, they will be able to develop some concrete strategies to assist in establishing a welcoming environment for all black students. Being a member of a large organization such as the UABSA has allowed Justinah to set high expectations and clear goals for the organization. Justinah and some of her fellow executives continue to find balance and rhythm with a positive routine of work and school to ensure UABSA is as successful as they wish it to be.

Justinah feels that by cultivating a safe place, primarily for Black students, members can build members’ connection to the community and perhaps bring to light, the social injustice that is occurring in the community. back to the community.