Over the course of Black History Month, yorkulions.ca will profile prominent Lions students of colour through the return of our Student Spotlight series. The theme for 2024 centres on 'Black Voices. Black Stories,' as we shine a light on the tremendous accomplishments of our students of colour. Highlighting individuals all throughout athletics, learn more about Fitness Attendant, Desola Oladiran.

Packing her life up and moving to Canada from Nigeria five years ago, Fitness Attendant, Desola Oladiran, has made a positive impact not only through athletics and recreation, but in her personal life as well. Coming from Nigeria, Black History Month was not celebrated because they did not have to prove why they are equals. She sheds a light on why this month is important to her.

"Personally, as an international (student) and coming to Canada, knowing the history of my ancestors and the people coming before me, having the chance to celebrate that and celebrate what my ancestors experienced is about getting other people included in the culture and what black history is," said Desola. "Black History Month is very important to acknowledge, and even though you're having fun at all of the events and all of the things that are being hosted for Black History Month, take some time to acknowledge the reason why these things are being done. We can get so carried away with being in the moment and not really understanding the importance of why we celebrate the things that we celebrate."

A mechanical engineering student in the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University, Desola wanted to be more involved on campus after taking a year off school while working in her internship as a Project Coordinator for Modern Niagara. Finding her place in Athletics & Recreation, her involvement as a fitness attendant has allowed for personal growth outside of school.

"Getting to work where I meet people from all different backgrounds, I get to talk to them and work with them, I just learn so much," Desola reflects positively on how much she has learned from those she talks to and works alongside every day.

"It has really drawn me out of my comfort zone learning how to hold conversations, share about myself and my background. I have definitely learned how to be more comfortable in my own skin by working here and getting to show myself."

Working in Athletics & Recreation, she has been provided with a lot of support by a group of individuals who want to see her succeed. Having the positive atmosphere in her work life with York has become an indicator to her of what she will look for after she graduates from her program. 

"What's super important is finding a career and job where I feel like I'm accepted and valued… I'm looking for somewhere that I can grow as an individual. Working here (Tait McKenzie Centre), I work for people who are invested in my personal growth and this is what I want when searching for future jobs."

It is Desola's family who has inspired her to work as hard as she does and to passionately pursue her aspirations. Many doors have opened for her since their arrival in Canada, and she credits her parents decision to make the move to a new country as giving her this opportunity to explore her passion for mechanical engineering through York University.

"Just seeing the sacrifice that my parents have made for me, being where I am right now, I just have so much gratitude. Seeing the support that I get from my family for any event I am going through, and how they are so willing to support me," she said. "Coming to Canada, school isn't cheap but just the fact they are willing to sacrifice a lot for me to get a good education and have my future more set than how it would be back home, that matters a lot. It motivates me to push myself to do better, even when things are difficult, it's what keeps me going."

Receiving the motivation from her family, she wants to pay it forward by encouraging her peers and highlighting their accomplishments. Being the positive voice that others need when times become challenging, or inspiring others to continue to work towards their goals, Oladiran sets a strong example of how good things come to those who work for it. 

"I would love to be that source of encouragement to people. People are going through so much and I feel like we don't have anyone to talk to, we feel like our hard work isn't being acknowledged."

She ends by sharing her goals of, "Just being that person that motivates people to push themselves to do more. Being able to support them and also being someone that is always going to be in their corner. Any way that I can push people to be better or push them to meet their full potential."