Lois Addo is a young Ghanaian-Canadian. She is is one of the students that recently won scholarship awards from the Ghanaian Canadian Association of British Columbia (GCABC). In this interview she tells us a bit about herself and her plans.
Gibril Koroma: Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Lois Addo: My name is Lois and I am 19 years old. I am a first-generation Canadian and was born and raised in British Columbia. Currently, I attend the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. During my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, watching television and playing the piano.
GK: What is your field of study and why did you choose it?
LA: My field of study is Microbiology and Immunology. I am interested in micro-organisms and bacteria and how their biological processes affect human physiology. Also, in comparison to other classes, I really enjoy the lab work (e.g. growth and maintenance of cells and bacteria in vitro) that accompanies the class.
GK: One of the criteria for the awards is voluntary service to the community. Please tell us about your volunteer experiences?
LA: I am a volunteer in a UBC- affiliated research laboratory. The group I work with specializes in cell therapy and devotes most of its energy to developing novel methods of cell delivery to diseased retinal tissue. In the past, other volunteer commitments have included work at a local pharmacy and involvement at church with both music and children.
GK: What are your contributions or what do you hope to contribute to the Ghanaian-Canadian and the general African community in BC?
LA: I am currently involved in a project on-campus that promotes the integration of international students into the university community. I see this as a way of promoting the existence of other cultures, including Africans, in British Columbia. I also hope to be a future leader in the Ghanaian-Canadian community and to be in a position to advise young adults on the importance of education and heritage.
GK: What advice will you give to fellow Ghanaian-Canadian young adults regarding the GCABC award?
LA: This award is an opportunity to promote your ideas about Ghanaian nationalism and African multiculturalism, motivate other young adults to become more involved in the community and evaluate your own role in Ghanaian society. It is also an excellent way to help pay tuition.
GK: Are you a member of the GCABC? Are your parents? For how long, if you or your parents are members?
LA: I am not a member but my parents have both been members for more than 10 years.
GK: What did you say to the GCABC for awarding you the scholarship?
LA: I thanked the GCABC for the honor of receiving this award. I also let them know that I would be happy to contribute in whatever way I can to better the organization or aid them in achieving their goals.
GK: Why do you think you won the scholarship?
LA: I think I won the scholarship because I outlined good ideas about the roles of youth and young adults in Ghanaian-Canadian society and how first-generation Canadians, such as me, identify with our Ghanaian heritage. I also think the GCABC leadership liked the suggestions I put forth on working through different accessible organizations (e.g. on-campus groups and clubs) to promote their cultural aims.
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