Describe Oneonta in one word? That鈥檚 easy, according to senior Sociology and Africana & Latinx Studies major Aolat Salami: 鈥淐ommunity.鈥
Being involved in student leadership and government has kept Aolat active and connected him to the 海角论坛 community but, most importantly, it鈥檚 a way he feels he can bring about change and impact other people.
Why 海角论坛?
I knew I would be able to get a quality undergrad experience and not worry about whether the financial burden would impact my intention to go to law school afterwards.
Best Experiences
One of the first things I did here was create a new club, the Black Student Union, and work to get it recognized. This was challenging and very impactful for me because it forced me to be a bigger advocate for myself and my peers. Over the summer, I was able to attend a Black Critical Studies, or BlackCrit, conference hosted by SUNY. It was my first conference, and it made me realize that I want to work in a field that gives me the opportunity to help people dismantle the systems that constrict and oppress them.
What do you like about your major?
My sociology classes have helped me see the ways in which those communities are underserved and why that might be, and my Africana and Latinx Studies courses have given me the tools to work toward actually creating change.
What鈥檚 next for you?
After I graduate, my plan is to go to law school. I want to work in social justice, whether that鈥檚 through the legal system or in a related field that allows me to impact change in communities that are disenfranchised.
I鈥檓 grateful that I took my first public speaking class at Oneonta. Because of my roles on campus, I鈥檝e gotten to practice and implement my public-speaking skills, giving speeches at graduation and other events, speaking during meetings and presenting reports. It feels good when you know what you鈥檙e talking about and people are asking for your opinion. All of it makes me walk a little taller and has built my confidence. No matter what I do after graduation, that will serve me well.