Queen’s University is a diverse mosaic of identities. It’s time we embrace learning from each other when pushing for greater change on campus.
When asked about my background, I often pause, contemplating whether the inquirer is ready for the long version.
My heritage isn’t easily boxed into a single category. I’m Canadian, born and bred, but the blood of Indian ancestors flows through my veins, while my family’s narrative is deeply rooted in the soils of East Africa.
My journey of self-identification is a complex puzzle. In 1972, my family was expelled from Uganda during the Indian expulsion by Idi Amin. They arrived in Canada as refugees, carrying little more than a legacy of resilience. Though I was born in Canada, I was nurtured in the cradle of my family’s diverse cultural heritage. Yet, I’ve never set foot in Uganda or India. This geographical disconnect left me in a limbo of cultural identity.
Growing up in a Muslim household in a diverse Richmond Hill neighbourhood, my surroundings were a tapestry of cultures, with peers and friends from many diverse backgrounds. This melting pot was my playground, where I learned that identity transcends geographic borders. My Canadian upbringing was as integral to my identity as the unseen streets of Kampala or the unvisited shores of Mumbai.
Our identities aren’t static; they evolve, influenced by the experiences and decisions that shape our lives. In my teens, I embraced Christianity, a decision that added another layer to my already diverse heritage, which often surprises people when they learn that my mother is a hijab-wearing Muslim woman.
To many, this picture seems incongruous, but it epitomizes the very essence of our age—an era of “yes, and?” where complexities shouldn’t just be acknowledged, but embraced.
The duality in my family’s religious beliefs has had a profound influence on me. It’s taught me identity isn’t about fitting into neatly defined categories. Instead, it’s about the freedom to choose and the courage to embrace our choices, even when they defy conventional expectations. My journey has shown me holding space for this nuance isn’t just about acceptance; it’s about celebrating the symphony of experiences and beliefs that define us. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of identity in a world where the only constant is change.
At Queen’s University, I found others grappling with similar questions of identity. I realized our generation often navigates a fluid cultural landscape. We find kinship not solely in shared histories but in shared experiences and values. This understanding became a cornerstone of my perspective on leadership and representation.
The beauty of Queen’s lies in its diversity. Yet, this diversity isn’t just about having students from different parts of the world. It’s about embracing the myriad ways in which we define ourselves. Our generation defies traditional labels. We’re more than the sum of a list made up of our visible identities, organizational affiliations, and social media profiles, yet this all most people will ever see of us.
We are the stories we’ve lived, the traditions we’ve embraced, and the values we uphold.
It’s important the AMS have a place to celebrate this diversity, and not only the diversity that is externally visible, but also a diversity of thought. It would be amazing to create more spaces for intercultural and importantly interreligious dialogue where people can share with others the things that make up their identity, as well as the things that drive them to make the world a better place.
It’s crucial for the AMS to have more dedicated spaces for celebrating diversity, encoming a diversity of thought in addition to externally visible differences.
Creating additional spaces for intercultural, and more notably, interreligious dialogue would be a fantastic initiative. Queen’s University boasts a diverse range of faith-centered clubs, including Newman House, Power 2 Change, Geneva House, and others. Facilitating collaboration among these clubs can enhance campus community and contribute to shared charitable endeavors.
These spaces could provide opportunities for individuals to share the components of their identity and discuss the values that inspire them to contribute to making the world a better place. Fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue and understanding not only contributes to building a more harmonious community but provides an opportunity for individuals to learn from one another through this shared dialogue.
As a Christian, there’s immense satisfaction in sharing the profound values that resonate within me—values rooted in love, mercy, humility, and cardinal and theological virtues. Engaging in dialogue and listening to the diverse experiences of others has been instrumental in fortifying my grasp of these principles.
The university campus must function as a dynamic space where individuals from varied backgrounds engage in mutual learning, fostering personal development beyond the mere pursuit of a degree.
I challenge the narrow view that the university experience is exclusively about credential attainment; rather, it has the potential to be a catalyst for profound transformation. The campus environment holds the transformative power to shape individuals. The chance for moral development is substantial, and personally, it has been one of the most crucial aspects of my university journey.
The imperative for diversity, encoming both external demographics and internal perspectives, can’t be overstated.
It’s vital to urge student leaders to carve out spaces where education and personal growth transcend traditional classroom boundaries. In these spaces, individuals can autonomously navigate and define the foundational aspects of their identities.
Noah is a fourth-year political studies student.
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John Sherbino
Noah, I don’t know you but I’m sure glad you’re out there!
Your view of the value of a university and learning is on the mark.
Your view of inclusivity is essential in the midst of fragmented world-views.
All the best wishes for you.