The east entrance to the Knowles-Douglas Centre. (Credit: Ashlyn Pearce/The Quill)
The Quill: What do you feel most qualifies you for this position?
Maya Sturrup: I feel that my passions for learning and advocacy most [qualify] me for the position of Racialized [Director]. I believe that most discrimination stems from a lack of knowledge and society's need to put a label on everything and everyone. Educating others about, and not limited to, different cultures, religious practices, and sexual orientations can reveal a common ground that we can all relate to; we are all human first before we are white, black, gay, or Muslim. I believe that focusing on this similarity will help people accept the differences of others. I am also a third year nursing student and I know the power advocacy has to change things. I would like to be the voice to speak on behalf of the students who feel stigmatized for being who they are and hopefully make a difference in their lives and university experience.
TQ: Please explain one goal that you would like to achieve in the position, should you be elected.
MS: One goal I'd like to achieve in this position is to educate, educate, educate. This world is so large with many different cultures and people. We have so much information to teach others and so much more to learn. There are many ways to educated individuals about culture: traditional song, dance, art, festivals and food. Personally, my favorite experience would be to try cultural foods. Food is so important to me and to who I am. Being able to feed and share with family, friends and strangers is a big part of my culture; I'm from The Bahamas. I hope to be able to share my cultural foods and heritage while learning from others.
TQ: What is your favourite campus event/activity, and why?
MS: My favorite campus event is [the] big band dance. This year was the first time in 4 years that I missed out on it. I love listening to live music, the band is great, and a night out dancing is the best.