Chika Oriuwa graduates from medical school at the University of Toronto today, June 2, 2020. In her valedictory address
I am Chika Stacy Oriuwa, and I have the absolute honour of being the valedictorian of our graduating class here at U of T. I’d like to start by thanking you, to my fellow graduates for the opportunity to share my address, during what will be the final time that we convene before our respective journeys take flight.
It is my hope that in sharing my parting words, I am able to instil in us a measure of comfort despite the unexpected turn. When we envisioned our graduation day, we expected to don our caps and gowns, walk confidently across the stage to get our degrees in Convocation Hall, while our friends and families cheer through our names being called after being reminded by the faculty to hold their applause until the end.
We displayed an insatiable curiosity for knowledge, and a commitment to learning. We prepared for mastery exams every few weeks, and despite the sheer exhaustion, were able to find comedic relief in the form of brilliantly crafted memes for every situation in which we found ourselves. I can confidently say that we laughed as much as we learned, and we cared for each other, and that is how we got through the last four years.
One of my earliest defining moments was a few years before I started medical school, when a border officer accused me of lying about having aspirations of becoming a physician. His words stayed with me for years, as I faced invalidations about my experience as a woman of colour in medicine. I remembered his words when a patient asked me to leave because they could not believe that the only Black person in the room was also training to become a doctor.
When I was providing a seminar, I had a resident comment that although they admired my bravery and voice, they would have never done what I was doing, because it was too risky, and they didn’t think the system would be accepting of what I had to say. It was then that I was reminded by my mentors that there was a greater risk in staying silent; advocacy was a form of self-preservation when there are no other options.
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U of T valedictorian hopes to inspire future black doctorsA University of Toronto student is making history Tuesday as the first black woman to give the Faculty of Medicine’s valedictorian speech, and the first woman to do so in 14 years. I am glad to see she isn’t looking the Nike store and is actually doing something positive with their life unlike many people I’ve seen on YouTube and in the MsM today. I am glad to see she isn’t looting the Nike store and setting her city on fire and is actually doing something positive with their life unlike many people I’ve seen on YouTube and in the MsM today. Isn't that racist? If a white student explicitly stated they hope to inspire white doctors everyone would be losing their minds. But its progressive for the media to segregate black achievements? Are we supposed to treat others equally or is it prudent to be pro segregation
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »
CTV National News: Her historic speechHer historic speech: jvrCTV has the story of the child of Nigerian immigrants who is now the University of Toronto medical school's valedictorian: jvrCTV BRAVO darling keep it up ! jvrCTV Chinese immigrants are doctors , engineers and they don’t give speeches jvrCTV But but but systematic racism 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »
Canadian named Princeton's first black valedictorian reflects on pandemic, anti-racism protests in his speechAs the first black valedictorian in Princeton University's 274-year history, Canadian student Nicholas Johnson used his address to the class of 2020 to reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic and recent anti-racism protests in the U.S.
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »
What the NDP is doing for Canadians - Macleans.caTom Parkin: The party has never been more relevant as it pushes the government in its pandemic responses. What have the Conservatives done lately? Pussyfooting around Howdy Doody. What NDP R doing for Canadians? Screwing them! That is what! Thanks to theJagmeetSingh & his irrelevant NDP (Trudeau Moved So far left... IT IS Now the NDP) Trudeau got away with shutting down Patliament during an economic FreeFall & pandemic. Thanks for nothing jagmeet! I found it. The most pathetic take on the internet.
Source: macleans - 🏆 19. / 71 Read more »
Trudeau's daily update: 'We can't pretend that racism doesn't exist' in Canada (Full transcript) - Macleans.caIn his June 1 briefing to Canadians from his home in Ottawa, the PM told young Black Canadians that he is 'listening and that your government will always stand with you.' He also announced funding for cities. acoyne acoyne Why not mail out credit cards with monthly credit limits of say, $3,000
Source: macleans - 🏆 19. / 71 Read more »
“Activism is heart work”: How to resist without burnout - Macleans.caHow do you stay motivated while sustaining movement? Janaya Khan shares her self-care practices and speaks with four seasoned activists about their own (From the archives) Another useless article. You can’t get a tooth fixed in this country.
Source: macleans - 🏆 19. / 71 Read more »