Age: 19
Program: Honours Specialization, International Relations
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Relationship Status: Single
Tell me about yourself: I’m not artsy in the traditional sense of the word (painting, drawing and so on), but I have a great appreciation for the arts and I love discovering new things within that sphere. I enjoy photography, writing, discovering new art genres (new found love of magical realism) and finding new bands to listen to. I’m a staff member at the Western Gazette in the news and photography sections.
Describe your dream date: I hope this doesn’t sound too cliche, but I love going on long walks and exploring new areas. So my perfect date would be finding a nice park with beautiful trails and scenery, where we could just walk, talking and enjoying the nature.
Who is your role model?
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- she’s a Nigerian novelist and my feminist icon. After I watched her TED talks titled “The Danger of a Single Story” and “We Should All Be Feminist,” the messages she conveys both in her talks and through her novels have really resonated with me. Adichie’s main messages about female empowerment in the face of uncertainty is a strong one and I think it sends a powerful message to young African American girls out there. If your’re going to read a book, you should 100% go for “Half of a Yellow Sun” or “Purple Hibiscus” both by Adichie and both will dropkick you in the feels.
What is your favorite song right now?
The songs I have on repeat are Cold Summer by Seabear, Numb Bears by Of Monsters and Men and Acid Rain by Chance the Rapper. Cold Summer and Acid Rain are great because it’s exam season and I love how they song makes me feel; they so mellow and the lyrics are perfect. The second is great for when you want to sign out loud at the top of your lungs and just dance to.
Do you have any mottos that you live by?
Ever since I grew up and life started getting hard, the quote “This too shall pass” has resonated with me. No one really knows where it came from; the tale goes that it’s a proverb by a Persian king, who used the quote to remind himself that no matter how content or despaired he might be, the moment will not last forever. So whenever I feel overwhelmed, I keep this quote in mind to remind myself that it will soon go away and when I am happy, I also use it to remind myself to cherish that moment.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I have so many things that I want to be and they are all so different. In an ideal world, I would love to be a photojournalist or a documentary filmmaker. Or I would love to work in the area of global human rights, international development, or anything concerning foreign affairs.
What do you like about International Relations?
International Relations is essentially history and political science. This program is great because I love politics, especially international politics. I love keeping up to date with current events occurring around the world. So by studying International Relations, I am able to actively engage and participate in discussion on many different topics concerning international affairs.
Have you had any classes/ professors at Western that made an impact on you?
The class that has had the most impact on me was first year Women’s Studies 1020, it introduced me to a new ways of thinking and it gave me tools to critically navigate and deconstruction the patriarchal world we live it (feminist rant here) which has encouraged me to change my minor to Women’s Studies. Another class that also challenged me to think critically was Controversies in Society with Dr. Allahar; he’s a great lecture and he really challenges you to question society and social constructs. Overall, all my first year professors were great and made my first year academic experience shoutout to J. Vance, Francine MacKenzie, Jenn. Chisholm, Dr. A. Kim Clarke and Dr. Allahar.
Do have any guilty pleasures?
I love watching YouTube and Buzzfeed videos while snuggling in my bed. It’s even better when I have my favourite snacks and no obligations for the rest of the day. I can literally spend hours just watching videos online and indulging in junk food.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Anything to de-stress, so going on Tumblr, listening to music, reading a book etc.
What superpower would you have if you could pick any super power?
Tactile Hypnosis, like Silverfox from the X-Men series. Essentially it’s the ability to control someone’s decisions by touching them. It sounds pretty twisted, but I feel like it would make my life so much easier if I could just get people to do what I want them to do without having to convince them.
What is your favourite movie on Netflix?
“Blue is the Warmest Colour.” It’s a French film that takes you through the life of the main character Adele as she navigates and try to come to terms with her sexuality. It’s rather simplistic, but that’s what makes it so beautiful.