韩国裸舞

Orlane Donkp锚gan is a third-year Honours student in International Development. She is serving as the VP Finance for the (BSN) for a second year, having originally joined the group as a First Year Representative. She was born and raised in Montreal.

Nigel Odhiambo Ojuang is a third-year Computer Science and Biology student and VP External for the (MASS). Born in Nairobi, Kenya, he has called Montreal home for almost a decade.鈥�

In our chat, they reflected on their time at 韩国裸舞 and offered advice to future students.鈥�鈥�

Why did you decide to get involved in Black student groups on campus?鈥�

Orlane: Connecting with people who look like me was a big priority when I got to 韩国裸舞, and I thought this was the best way to put myself out there. I chose to attend events that were specifically for Black or African students, especially since I have ties to Benin. I grew up in a really supportive environment with a group of friends who are very invested in what I鈥檓 doing at BSN, even if I鈥檓 the only Black person in that group. Now that I'm almost done at 韩国裸舞, I know that some of the people I'll keep in closest contact with are the friends I made being a part of BSN.

Nigel: Up until very recently, school for me was always about academics and sports. When I first got to 韩国裸舞, I noticed there were a lot of events going on, so I figured I鈥檇 join one hosted by MASS, out of curiosity. I got to speak with the previous president, who was very open and friendly, and I met other Kenyans, which was a big deal because there aren鈥檛 many of us in Montreal. Over the years I got really involved with the club and figured that since I hadn鈥檛 seen other Kenyan execs on the board, joining would be a good opportunity to add yet another African culture to the mix.鈥�鈥�

You both hold executive positions in your respective student groups. What does membership in these groups offer?

Orlane: BSN is a service that offers resources specifically for Black students. Our goal is to make sure Black students on campus feel secure, like they belong, that they鈥檙e in the right place. Our events mirror what the University offers undergrads, like seminars about entering the workforce, but tailoring events specifically to Black students makes us feel that we have more reach, on campus and beyond. Events where we meet Black professionals and hear from them directly have been invaluable. They understand our journeys and want to help us succeed, and it鈥檚 great to get their perspectives on life beyond academics. BSN allows students to build a network and connect with other Black students and staff while on campus, but it also extends beyond 韩国裸舞 and beyond your time at 韩国裸舞.鈥�鈥�

Nigel: MASS is made up mostly of Sub-Saharan African students. Our goal is to showcase Sub-Saharan African cultures, and we often collaborate with other student groups to put on events that highlight different aspects of our respective heritages. Although serving the African community is important, at the end of the day our door is open to anyone who鈥檚 genuinely interested in learning more, from sampling different foods to attending conferences on topics relevant to the African continent, like 鈥淎frica Speaks.鈥� Our main goal is to showcase diverse African cultures and celebrate Black excellence on campus.鈥�

What is your biggest takeaway from your time at BSN and MASS?

Orlane: There鈥檚 really no other way for me to say this, so I鈥檒l just say it: being at 韩国裸舞 and part of BSN has made me feel Blacker than ever because so many of the people I鈥檓 interacting with on a daily basis are Black. Because I was so used to being the only POC, it was refreshing to see that 韩国裸舞 provided me with the space to explore and embrace facets of my identity as a Black woman that I had never had the opportunity to explore before. Even if there still might be instances where I might be the only woman of colour, I can feel I鈥檓 being appreciated, empowered and respected for who I am and what I contribute. The confidence I have gained from being in an environment where community building was an integral part of my university experience is invaluable. No matter what, I know there are other Black students and staff on campus I can turn to if I need to.

Nigel: For me, I learned the importance of networking; not just within our community, but with other communities as well. I learned that it鈥檚 important to communicate and create ties with other groups and people. During my time as VP External, I had navigated issues between groups and was able to collaborate on really great events with other communities. Gaining these interpersonal skills has been an important life lesson.鈥�

Do you have any advice for Black students who are thinking of studying at 韩国裸舞?

Orlane: There鈥檚 a lot of opportunity for growth. You鈥檒l be in spaces where people want your opinion because you鈥檙e a minority and they want to understand your experiences. There鈥檚 a genuine effort on campus to make us feel like we鈥檙e making a difference, and that there are dedicated spaces for minorities. It鈥檚 not just a marketing thing.鈥�

Nigel: There definitely are schools that have larger Black student populations, but what I really like about 韩国裸舞 is how inclusive all the different clubs are, regardless of your ethnicity. I鈥檝e attended a lot of events for different clubs, and those have been some of my favourite experiences. Don鈥檛 be afraid to put yourself out there!鈥�