Alice Aol is an international student from Uganda, a student co-ordinator with the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office (EDHRO) and a third-year student at Laurentian University who has spent her time in Canada celebrating culture and creating a sense of community.
After graduating from high school in Gulu, Uganda, during the pandemic, Aol started her studies online at Laurentian before moving to Sudbury for in-person classes. Pursuing higher education in Canada was important to her, she said.
“Back home in Uganda, it is not common for a girl to finish high school or university,” Aol said. “Seeing my fellow Africans here, and also aiming to finish school, is what motivates me to keep going.”
Reflecting on her time in Sudbury, Aol said, “When immigrating to Canada, I chose to come to Sudbury because it is a big, yet quiet place and not too busy. I grew up in the busy city of Kampala in Uganda, so I was looking for a different vibe and a much more calm city.
“This also impacted my decision to study at Laurentian. The campus is all in one spot and easily accessible, especially for someone new to the country and here to study.”
But living in Sudbury wasn’t without its adjustments, particularly winter, Aol said.
“Coming to Canada, I was not properly prepared for the winter as I arrived in January when the winter has gotten colder,” she said. “I always wanted to go to a country that had snow because of watching a lot of Christmas movies, but it became a reality to me that movies are movies. Sometimes when I see someone wearing shorts, and the weather is like nine or 10 degrees, I question whether we are just built differently.
“One day. I decided to be this person and I regretted that,” she joked.
Aol has made connections with other students through her role as a student co-ordinator with the EDHRO, collaborating on events and programming on-campus.
“I got involved with the wonderful office of EDHRO because to me I believe everyone is equal, and this is what EDHRO stands to achieve, making a space for the students to feel safe,” Aol said. “I have always believed that everyone is on the same level when it comes to any activity, and I have always defended this idea after sitting down and realizing that some people are denied opportunities because of their gender, race, ethnicity, etc.
“I have always encouraged my younger siblings to do things even if they’re told they can’t because of their gender or race. I tell them if he or she can do it, so can you. I have always believed that, and since I am far away from my siblings, to ensure that this idea is properly spread, I choose a place I can do this and that’s EDHRO. They gave me a chance to join them and learn more about the various associations, organizations that Sudbury has, and we all have the same mission and vision.”
Aol took the lead in planning many of the Black History Month events at Laurentian. In March, she helped with the planning of Holi, a Hindu celebration of colour and spring.
Aol is a natural fit with Laurentian University’s African Caribbean Students Association (LUACSA), which she has been a member of since arriving at Laurentian. LUACSA’s goal is to create a home for students who are far away from home, while also providing opportunities for students to explore the different countries, cultures and backgrounds in Africa and the Caribbean.
However, this did not stop Aol from helping to make the space even more welcoming.
“LUACSA has changed, becoming an association where students can share their culture with the multiple ethnicities at Laurentian University,” she said. “We aim to make a home for our international students, but also open the doors to other students whether domestic, Caribbean, African or non-Caribbean or non-African to come and learn something new.
“LUACSA is made for every student in Laurentian, not just African and Caribbean students.”
Asked what she considers her greatest success, Aol said learning to do what feels right.
“My greatest success is not giving up on doing things that feel right and make me happy, and also not staying quiet when I have an idea or when I feel wronged,” she said. “This is what I consider my greatest success, because it all starts with just a few ideas, or even a few words, for you to find yourself.”
Doing what’s right and seizing opportunities was inspired by her mother, Aol said.
“I see little girls that are not offered such an opportunity, and this is what keeps inspiring me to do the things I do,” she said. “My mom tells me I got the opportunity, so I can make a change and it does not have to be a big change to have an impact. A small thing I do can change someone’s life in a great way. I keep pushing so I can make a very big impact to help the people that need help.”
Whatever the future may hold, Aol said she is determined make a difference.
“My future plans are going to keep changing as I go, but one thing I know is that my future will always end up in a place where I am offering help and making changes,” she said. “I want to be in a place where I can have a powerful impact, whether this means it starts in Sudbury and then later, I take it back to my home country then I will do that.”
Alice Aol’s words of inspiration
“Keep sharing your ideas even if everybody says they are stupid or not smart. There is always one person out there who shares the same idea and together you can make a change.”
James Stewart is a writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.