Law School

Boluwabade Oluwatoni Onayemi

Why did you apply for the role: All my life, I have been a person for the people with a natural ability to reach out, empathize and proffer comfort to those in need. I saw this opportunity to be an active part of the Student of Colour scheme which seeks to accomplish a paradigm shift in the degree awarding gap that affects students from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups as one of a kind, with a genuine pursuit for equality in a community filled with students from diverse backgrounds. I took my chances, and I am glad I did.

What will you be working on (project outline):

1. Meet and Greet: A warm ambience to recognize and identify with BAME students at the law school.

2. Safe Space Online Therapy: An online platform where BAME students at law school get to share their experiences and communicate with one another daily.

3. Student of Colour Week: In collaboration with other schools at UEA, this is a week dedicated to Students of Colour every year, filled with various events ranging from intellectual and educative programs to interactive and social programs where all the BAME students of the UEA can showcase their talents, cultures, knowledge and skills.

4. BAME Students Voice: A questionnaire to be distributed at the beginning of the year to evaluate the present status of BAME students physically, mentally, intellectually and socially; and at the end of the year as a feedback process to assess the accomplishments of the goals set out.

What are you looking forward to over the year: Over the year, I envisage a decolonized community where BAME students are more confident in participating and taking the lead in school activities, from sports to academic competitions to social gatherings, an involvement that I believe will contribute to the wholesome performance of BAME students, thereby making their true personalities shine through irrespective of their colour, accent, or physical attributes.