BSAC AFRICVOICE OCT 2013

Chioma Nwasike A second year biology student, paying attention to a talk at the BSAC welcome party.

Welcome Back Edition Message from the advisor

Ms. Oluronke Taiwo
I take this opportunity to congratulate each one of you for your choice to continue your education here at Dalhousie/ Kings University and a special welcome to those who are new. The Black Student Advising Centre is a small and welcoming environment where many services are offered in a friendly and loving manner. Coming to the centre gives you the opportunity to meet friends, relax, and get assistance with the many challenges that you might face in the upcoming year. You may feel overwhelmed about the year ahead and what will be required of you. We will do what we can to support your success and you can do the same by: Coming prepared to work hard Making use of all resources at your disposal Not being shy to ask for help when it is required Not giving up when things are tough. the courage to reach for it, work for it, and ght for it. Thank you as we all join hands to walk the walk and run the race together until everyone achieves their goals. For our students at the AC campus in Truro, I am available to you as well anytime through e mail, Skype or phone anytime you have any problems. You only need to go on BSAC website www.dal.ca/ bsac and all my numbers are available. Always watch out for great and interesting Events and News from BSAC.

According to Obama, 2008, Hope is not blind optimism. [It] is that thing inside us that insists something better waits if we have

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Welcome notes
By

Fenessa Williams
school year will follow suit. To conclude, Id like to welcome everybody back and send love and blessings your way! Hope to see you at the BSAC soon!!

I am currently in my fourth year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology and Social Anthropology and a minor in Law and Society. This is my third year working at the Black Student Advising Centre (BSAC) and I am enthusiastic about beginning a productive semester here. This academic year, I am continuing with my position as the First Year Peer Support Coordinator. The aim of my position is to ensure rst year students a smooth transition into university and aid in bridging students with relevant resources when necessary. I look forward to meeting all of you- if I havent already, and helping you achieve the success youve come to accomplish. I hope to be a body of encouragement through the duration of your time at Dal and a support system during times of personal and academic development. I would like to encourage all students to truly put in the hard work and dedication needed to push through and meet your goals. Remember, that we are all in this journey together! During the celebratory times and the difcult times, BSAC is here to lend you a place of support and love. Please dont hesitate to ever contact me personally to look over class schedules, help to bridge you with other support resources, book you an appointment or if youre just in need of some comforting words and support. I pray that the semester has begun on a good note for everyone and that classes have been going well. I have high hopes that the remainder of the

By

Kareem Wallace

Greetings to all. My name is Kareem Wallace and I am a second year international student from the Bahamas studying Community design and Sustainability at Dalhousie University. This is my second year attending Dalhousie and I am pleased to say that I am enjoying my time here and the people Ive met along the way. This year, I will be taking on an active role in the Dalhousie Caribbean Connection as we look to continue ourish the campus and the community with good vibes and healthy relationships. This year, I will also be a part of the Black Student Advising Centers (BSAC) team as I take on a helping role at the front desk. All new and old students should feel free to come into the Centre whenever they need assistance with anything. Over the course of this past summer, I went home, the Bahamas, for four months to spend time with my family and also do my part in my fraternity. I am a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity incorporated Beta Beta Lambda Chapter and have been for the past year and 9 months. This November I will mark two years in the fraternity. My fraternity is a nonprot organization that reaches out to the community to help make a different where it

Left Above Odette Ms. Oluronke Gbeve Taiwo Africvoice The Black Assistant Student Event Advisor, Coordinator/ Black Student Receptionist Advising Center Black Student Advising Centre Left Year Fenessa Williams Right First Year Peer Ibimina Koko Support Coordinator Graphic Designer, Black Student Right Advising Centre Kareem Wallace Receptionist, Black Student Advising Centre

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matters. This summer we hosted a Step show and came out on top for the second straight victory of the year in step shows. My summer also comprised of some internships where I got a chance to work in some architecture rms and learning a few trick to the trade. The highlight of my summer however had to be the endless hours of practice with my brothers and all the ghting and conict resolution we went through. I welcome everyone to the new semester and home to see you around in the Black Student Advising Centre soon.

The life of a student seems to revolve around group meetings and classrooms but every student should take the time to relax, make friends and enjoy school. BSAC is a place for all three.
Ijay Nnabuo Project Coordinator, Black Student Advising Centre

By

Ijay Nnabuo

My name is Ijay Nnabuo and I am a second year student in Master of Public Administration. Although I was born in Canada, I spent most of my childhood and teenage years in Nigeria. I did my undergraduate degree in Lethbridge, Alberta and after working for two years I decided to pursue a graduate degree. I chose Dalhousie because of its renowned reputation in Public Administration and also because of its location in a culturally rich city, Halifax. I like to welcome everyone back to a new semester. With the hustle and bustle of a new semester, comes the pressure of meeting assignment and project deadlines. The life of a student seems to revolve around group meetings and classrooms but every student should take the time to relax, make friends and enjoy school. BSAC is a place for all three. I

hope that you will nd time to access the resources provided to you at BSAC. As the new project coordinator at BSAC, I will be responsible for administering some activities and events at BSAC and hope to reach out to all students in the process. I still recall my rst year at Dalhousie. I was new to the city and to the university and had no idea where to go for anything. Ms. Oluronke walked up to me in my rst week, introduced herself and enlightened me about accessing various resources at Dalhousie. Although I had an extremely busy schedule, I found time to visit BSAC and in the process, I met valuable friends. Being a

Master's student in a large university like Dalhousie can be overwhelming but I am enjoying my program immensely. In fact, I am eagerly looking forward to the day I gain a rewarding career in the public sector. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and I wish you all a successful semester ahead.

By

Odette Gbeve

Greetings! I am a fourth year International Development student here in Dalhousie, and your new BSAC contd on page 4 employed at Subway as a Sandwich Artist. My rst year of university was not easy because I felt unprepared for school, which caused stress and led me to procrastinate. The staff and students at BSAC provided me with useful assistance. They offered me several helpful resources which led to me nishing my rst year with some good grades. If you ever need help, with anything, don't ever be afraid to reach out to our BSAC team because we are always here to help you.

By

Kyiaisha Benton

Kyiaisha Benton Reception, Black Student Advising Centre

Hi, I am from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. I am currently in my second year at Dalhousie, studying Arts. After I nish my undergraduate degree, my hope is to peruse a career in Social Work. In the summer I took two summer courses, one in May and one in June. I also worked full time during July and August. I love playing basketball and was scouted to play for Kings College last year, but I unfortunately tore my ACL and was forced to take the year off. Aside from working at the Black Student Advisory Centre I am currently

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Odettes welcome note contd assistant event coordinator and receptionist. It is with great joy and humility that I take this position to work with you all, because I believe one of my greatest strengths is working with people from diverse backgrounds. I am Togolese by origin and was raised in Ghana, a beautiful West African country that has great pride in its production of gold and cocoa. I would like to use this opportunity to welcome everyone and hope your summer was graceful and fun-lled. Mine was a little bit of everything, from adventurous, to work and studies. I got to visit New Brunswick and went to the beach a couple times. I took a trip to Upper Clements Park with friends, one of the best and most memorable moments of my summer. On the other hand, I took some summer classes and worked with the YMCA Center for Immigrant programs. I am currently doing my placement at ISIS (Immigrant Settlement & Integration Services), where I also work casually as a Youth Life Skill worker; On that note, if you are a newcomer/ immigrant and are in need of accessing services such as translation services, employment specialist services and so on, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will connect or refer you to the right organization. I love the quote, live, laugh and love. The thought of it gives me a great zeal for the day and motivation to be the best person I can to myself and others. Our awesome team here at BSAC is looking forward to meeting you all and serving you the best way we can.

Once again, welcome back and all the best with your studies.
By

Ibimina Koko

Hi there, I am a fourth year Industrial Engineering student. It is just exciting getting back to academics and reuniting with friends after a great summer. I joined the BSAC staff as a graphic designer a while ago, and would gladly provide you with help on making your posters. Id love to bid welcome to all students, with special regards to freshmen! I hope in the midst of meeting deadlines and pulling all-nighters, we all nd success and joy. To all of us who have been given the rare opportunity of studying at the prestigious Dalhousie University, let us maximize every privilege and always shoot for nothing but the best. God bless you all!

By

Bryanne Evans

Hello beautiful people. My name is Bryanne Evans and I am 21 years old and a very proud Bahamian. I am currently a fourth year student majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish. I aspire to further my education at medical school and eventually practice as a pediatric surgeon. I am the newest addition to the BSAC team fullling the role as the receptionist. I am extremely excited and enthusiastic about working at BSAC this semester and I look forward to meeting new people and helping others wherever possible.

Left Above Odette Bryanne Gbeve Evans Africvoice Receptionist Assistant Event Black Coordinator/ Student Receptionist Advising Centre Black Student Advising Centre Year Left Right Odette Gbeve Ibimina Koko Africvoice Assistant Graphic Designer, Black Event Coordinator/ Student Advising Centre Receptionist Black Student Advising Centre Year Right Ibimina Koko Graphic Designer, Black Student Advising Centre

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What did you do last summer? Students summer highlights

By

Dominique Oliver-Dares

By

Kalkidan Gebre

My name is Dominique Oliver-Dares and I'm from Dartmouth NS. I'm a second year student in the International Development program. It feels great to be back at Dalhousie after a much appreciated summer vacation. I'm nding this year to be a lot easier than the last so to all the rst year students remember it gets better. I spent my summer working for a marketing agency, made couple of trips to Bermuda. The highlight of my vacation was undoubtedly lying on the beach in Bermuda with good friends and cold drinks. I wish you all a successful semester.

Hi, my name is Kalkidan Gebre and I am a rst year science student here at Dalhousie. I love being a Dal tiger, to be always greeted by friendly faces and learn something new every day. I am originally from Ethiopia, a country known to have 13 months of sunshine! My summer was great; it was a work hard play hard summer for me. I had the chance to work with St Andrews recreation center which allowed me to save up some money to travel to my home land Ethiopia. I hope to make this year a spontaneous and memorable year. I also hope to get inspired by my surroundings and learn more about myself. Wish everyone a successful semester.

By

Ony Kammelu

My name is Ony Kammelu and I am second year microbiology student here at Dalhousie. My summer was spent in my homeland Nigeria and it was really fun. As the saying goes, there is no place like home. I had a blast, my birthday was also spent in Nigeria which was one of the best birthdays I have ever celebrated. My visit also gave me the opportunity to reconnect with family and old friends after four years of not seeing them. Indeed my trip was memorable, fun and successful and Im looking forward to visiting home again. Good luck to all new and old students, have a successful year.

Circle Ony Kammelu Left Dominique OliverDares Right Kalkidan Gebre

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By

Trevor Silver

Hi folks! My name is Trevor Silver. I'm 23 years old and from North Preston. I graduated from the Transition Year Program at Dalhousie a few years back. It was a great opportunity for me and also for other African Canadians who are looking to start university. Ill be applying for the law schools IB&M program this upcoming February. I have always been attracted to the legal side of life and hope to have a constructive career as a lawyer in the future. In the meantime, Ill be working towards my rst degree and taking a broad range of courses. Over the summer, I spent a lot of time with my family; we went swimming, to amusement parks and just relaxed together. Also, I spent some time boxing this summer. I began boxing in August after falling in love with it just after a few days of training. I found that it was a great way to improve strength, coordination, and self-discipline. This summer, I also attempted to learn to play the piano with little luck so far - I can only play twinkle twinkle little star. I enjoy reading all types of books, but biographies and success store my favourites. I am currently reading "A Life of Reinvention" by Manning Marable a biography of Malcolm X. My goals this year are to remain balanced, openminded, and continue to meet new people."

I began boxing in August after falling in love with it just after a few days of training. I found that it was a great way to improve strength, coordination, and self-discipline
Trevor Silver

Brunswick and PEI. I am happy to be at Dalhousie University. I have learned so much and met lots of wonderful people My name is Manu Nkemta, Im from here who I consider my family. My Douala, Cameroon. I am basically in my objective in my life is to make my mother last year though I have a degree already proud. Whatever I do as long as she is in bachelor of sciences. I had a great happy, I am good. Nelson Mandela once summer. I did not go away to Toronto stated that education is a powerful tool. like I used too. I decided to stay in The next powerful tool is love. Love is the Halifax and look for a job. I was only thing that can solve most of what fortunate to have one which I did all our society is facing. I welcome all the summer. During my weekends, I will new Dalhousie students and wish them a hang out with friends. We stayed home to good academic year. Take note, Work socialize and planned trips to New hard Play hard..................cheers
By

Manu Nkemta

By

Myra Beals

Myra Beals

Hi my name is Myra Beals and I am from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I am in my third year studying Bachelor of Arts at Dalhousie. While completing my Art program, my goal is to pursue Social work. I have three children and my summer was spent going to the beach, watching movies, and playing basketball. My daughter played for a team called Mega. I travelled all summer with the team. They travelled to Boston, Montreal and their last game they attended was to Windsor, Ontario to play in the Children International Game. The rst year I was a student, I did the

Transition Year Program (TYP). I had a lot of help from the TYP staff and it was a great help to have their support. My rst year in the Art program was overwhelming and I felt that I was not successful. The only thing that gave me a peace of mind was my trip to the BSAC and they helped me whenever I needed help. They offered me useful learning resources and stirred me in the right direction. Now I am in my third year of university, second year in the Arts department, and with a little experience from the rst year and the support of the BSAC team, I feel that I will be successful

BSAC 14 October, 2013

More summer highlights

By

Vickey Atiol

of South Sudan, the current newest country in the world!

Hi my name is Vickey Atiol, I am originally from south Sudan and have lived in Halifax for nearly two decades! Yes, a long time. I am currently in my second year of Dalhousie university. I am studying Economics and Im really enjoying it. I prefer Dalhousie over any other school in Halifax because of its great reputation. I have met a lot of great people last year and i'm hoping to meet many more this year. I had an amazing summer. I got to spend time with my extended family in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto! Wishing everyone the best of luck this semester!I am planning to use my education and knowledge to help develop my newly born country
Left Vickey Atiol Right Shawna Brown

By

Shawna Brown

I have currently been living in the city of Halifax for the past four and a half years, this being my rst time away from Toronto for more than an eight month period. I found that my experience at Dalhousie has been very pleasant, particularly with the support and friendships built at the Black Student Advising Centre ofce have played a large role in shaping not only my experience but myself as a person. Its a great way to build lasting foundations.

Birthdays at BSAC
Do you have your birthday coming up soon? If you do we look forward to giving you a birthday card, share a birthday cake with you and come fun time with friends. This is a fantastic opportunity to build a good relationship with one another at the Centre. If you have not registered your birthday with us, please contact us about it. Work hard! play hard! and do not miss out miss out on the fun activities here at BSAC. Birthday Celebrations! September and October birthdays will be celebrated on October 25, 2013 at 5:00 pm in Room 224 in the SUB. Please come out and have fun!

Cross section of summer birthday celebrants at the BSAC welcome party

BSAC 14 October, 2013

Advice Corner
Academic Pressure 5 Tips on Coping with School Stress
1. Take time for self-care. Taking time to pause from the relentless pace of everyday life and enjoy creative activities that keep you from dwelling on or stressing over school pressures can go far in decreasing your stress levels. Get lots of sleep! 2.Learn to change your thinking. When you start stressing about not nishing your project on time, your mind builds a case for why what you believe is going to happenwillhappen -- and this can be paralyzing. So, when combating negative thinking patterns, some experts recommend coming up with specic examples to counter the stressful thoughts. Think instead of concrete ways that you can create the time to work on a project, and how your previous line of thinking isn't accurate. 3. Take assignments one baby step at a time. If you have an essay to write that's making you feel anxious, list the individual steps that lead to the destination of the essay being nished (nding sources, creating an outline, writing an intro), and the task will begin to feel less daunting.

List what you have going on, and list how much time each thing is going to take, Chunking things down makes them feel more manageable and less anxietyinducing. 4. Lower your goals. No, we're not talking about being a slacker. According to an expert, Susan Stiffelman,

busiest and most stressful periods can't be overestimated. Not matter how hard you push yourself, nobody can maintain constant focus, and you will burn yourself out if you try. Take frequent, short breaks for fun activities so that you'll be able to go back to your writing or studying refreshed. Do something that, even for 15 minutes, brings you back to yourselfno brain can work for 24 hours.

following the truism "Lower your goals, you'll achieve more," can help to relieve stressandboost academic success. Instead of setting your goal to be getting the highest grade in the class, set a goal to feel satised with your performance. 5. Stay balanced during exam periods. The importance of taking breaks and working in time to relax during your All students are encouraged to write a short article on any interest of their choice related to life as a student and send it to [email protected]. All submissions will be entered for a chance to win a prize.

This Article was taken from, hufngtonpost.com Tell us: How do you cope with pressure at school? Do you think schools have a responsibility to help their students manage stress? Share your views and comments to [email protected]. Your comment could get a chance to be published in our next newsletter.

Tutors: BSAC also provide tutoring services for students on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Drop in at our Centre between 12pm-2:30pm. Academic Advising: Special academic advisor will be at BSAC to help you with your academic problems on Monday October 21st, November 18th, and Dec 2nd, 2013 from 12pm-2pm. BSAC invites you to join us in celebrating September and October birthdays on October 25, 2013 at 5:30PM in Room 307 Credits: Oluronke Taiwo-----Editorial Supervisor Ijay Nnabuo----------Chief Editor Odette Gbeve--------Assistant Editor Ibimina Koko--------Layout Editor

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CREDITS

Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. Malcolm X

Upcoming Events: Professional Career Networking event for students of African descent will be hosted by BSAC. All students of African descent are encouraged to attend. See information below: Date: October 17, 2013 Time: 6pm-8pm Location: Room 307, Student Union Building, Dalhousie University Light refreshments will be provided BSAC invites you to join us in celebrating September and October birthdays on October 25, 2013 at 5:30PM in Room 307