Meet Oreoluwa Adara, a second-year Innis student and your Diversity & Multiculturalism Co-chair.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What year are you in and what are you studying?

My name is Oreoluwa Adara and I’m a second year student. My major is equity studies as well as taking a sexual diversity and political science minor.

What’s your favourite thing about Innis?

I really like the fact that Innis is a small community. I think it makes it easier to navigate the university at large because there is a less daunting community behind you.

Favourite course you’ve taken so far?

I took a course on community engagement that was incredibly eye opening and interesting. It was a good course on looking at the ways in which people in the city of Toronto are organizing in order to create the better future that they want.

Favourite study spot on campus?

I really enjoy the jim delenay lounge in the 21 sussex building. It is usually empty and quiet without the pressure and intensity of most libraries at uoft.

What are you involved in outside of the classroom?

I’m a part of the office of student life as a co chair of diversity and multiculturalism as well as the events coordinator for INpride. I’m also the lead project facilitator for the Queer and Trans Students of Colour discussion group run out of the sgdo.

What is your position in the Office of Student Life? How has the experience been?

I’m the co chair for the diversity and multiculturalism portfolio. It’s been a really good learning experience for me overall. I also have got to have good discussions with people about their understandings of diversity and multiculturalism. I have been able to also develop better interpersonal skills as a result. It is also a very rewarding experience whenever I am able to achieve my goals.

What does diversity and multiculturalism mean to you?

To me diversity and multiculturalism means genuinely caring about each other and embracing our differences. This means making sure that our efforts for social justice is coming from a place of love for ourselves as well as others. It also means accepting that in practice diversity and multiculturalism is messy and hard contrary to what is often peddled to us.

How has diversity and multiculturalism affected your life as a student?

As a marginalized student diversity affects me in the ways that I navigate all aspects of student life. It affects my experiences in the classroom as well as outside of it. So it is very important for me to be able to have discussions, and create action and change around issues concerning diversity and multiculturalism.

Is there anything that you’re particularly proud of from this past year?

I was able to but on an event for black history month this year in collaboration with Cinssu which I was really proud of.

Any advice for first-year Oreo?

I would tell first year me to take it easy and not put so much pressure on themselves and that even if everything does not go exactly to plan, it’s okay because there is room for change and growth.

*A note on pronouns, I use they/them pronouns.