Throughout the month of February, we will be sharing profiles of some of our Black students and faculty. Visit the African Heritage Month page to learn more about how we’re celebrating at Acadia, information on events and resources, and reflections from our community.

When you hear the theme “For Us, By Us: Celebrating Black Excellence,” what does it mean to you personally?

When I hear the theme “For Us, By Us: Celebrating Black Excellence,” I think about intentionality and ownership. It speaks to creating spaces where Black voices, stories, and achievements are centered rather than explained or justified. For me personally, Black excellence is not only about visible success, but also about resilience, growth, and showing up authentically in spaces where we are often underrepresented. It reminds me that excellence can take many forms, whether through perseverance, community-building, or carving out space for others, but most importantly, excellence is also about presence and existing fully in one’s authenticity.

What program are you currently studying, and what year did you begin your Acadia journey?

I am currently studying Computer Science, and I began my journey at Acadia University in January of 2023. This program has challenged me both intellectually and personally, and learning how to navigate different elements of who I am, and who I think I am. But despite these challenges, my time at Acadia has helped me grow in confidence, discipline, and problem-solving, while also allowing me to better understand what I want from my academic and professional future, even though that's not fully decided yet.

What is something you wish more people understood about being part of the Black community in Wolfville and the surrounding region?

One thing I wish more people understood is that there is a Black community here in Wolfville, even if it is not always visible. While the community may be small, there is a way to foster deep connections. Being part of the Black community in this region comes with unique challenges, including isolation and limited representation, but it also fosters strong bonds, and finding power in the isolation, and knowing who's in your corner. There is joy in finding one another, and in building solidarity.

Was there a course, professor, or learning moment at Acadia that particularly affirmed your voice, identity, or brilliance? What made it stand out?

Coming into my degree, I felt somewhat confident that I knew exactly what I wanted to do, I had prior experience in a specific branch of computer science where I believed I could thrive. However, with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, I began to feel uncertain about where I fit within the field. Taking the course Computer and Society became a pivotal learning moment for me. This course challenged me to think critically about the social, ethical, and human impacts of technology, allowing me to see how my values and perspective could meaningfully contribute to computer science. It affirmed that my voice and identity have a place in shaping how technology is developed and used.

Where have you found community, care, or kinship?

One place where I have found a strong sense of community is through the Manning Memorial Chapel Choir. I joined the choir somewhat hesitantly during my first year, especially since I was unable to read sheet music at the time. Despite that initial uncertainty, the choir quickly became a space where I felt welcomed and supported. Being able to share music with people from many different backgrounds, all coming together with a shared purpose, has been deeply meaningful. That two-hour period each week, spent creating something beautiful collectively, has become a source of strength, connection, and care for me.

What is an accomplishment you’re especially proud of right now—big or small—and why does it matter to you?

One accomplishment I am especially proud of is reaching my final semester while balancing academic pressures and personal growth. Looking back to the time when my Canadian visa was rejected, I could not have imagined that I would one day be completing my degree. That experience tested my patience, faith, and resilience in ways I had never encountered before. I am deeply grateful to God for giving me the strength to persist through academic, social, and personal challenges. My journey here has been far from easy, but it has been deeply meaningful and transformative.