Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1511583
ENTRE NOUS 8 DESTINATION / DESTINATION University of British Columbia PROGRAMME / PROGRAM Arts and Management AIDAN J. Dependable, a humanitarian and a true friend, Aidan is the sort of person who will always have your back. Arriving in Level I, Aidan quickly integrated himself in the world of TFS. Joining as many sports teams as he could manage, he played soccer and basketball nearly every year. He became a middle school transition leader in Level II, and in Level III he spearheaded the co- curricular activity that meant the most to him: the Black Excellence Society. Aidan had wanted to connect with other students who shared his culture but couldn't find a solid outlet to do so. It wasn't until he met with one of his teachers, Mme Ed-Esther Kenga, that he developed the assuredness to push his initiative forward and found the group. "It was an opportunity to talk to younger students about who we are as Black students in our school community and understanding our identity. We built relationships and mentored each other," he said. Being in the Black Excellence Society, Aidan felt himself becoming a more caring and understanding person, having learned how to effectively communicate empathy. Aidan credits the linguistic education TFS provided for teaching him how to better interact with those around him. While working at a summer camp, he used his knowledge of Spanish to communicate with families not fully accustomed to Canadian culture. By breaking the language barrier, he formed bonds with them, making a positive impact. It was through building intercultural understanding that Aidan developed an affinity for bolstering underprivileged communities. Combining this attribute with the knowledge gained studying geography and economics, he was able to see the effects both have on populations facing deep inequalities. Aidan is the recipient of the 2023 Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he is enrolled in a dual degree program that will lead to a bachelor of arts (BA) and master of management (MM) degrees. Set on uplifting those around him, he wants to become involved with local organizations working with marginalized groups during his time at UBC. Beyond university, Aidan sees himself becoming a community youth leader, continuing his study of psychology, starting a non-profit and, eventually, creating change on a global scale. Bringing Everyone Into the Fold