YouAlberta
Welcome YouAlberta’s “Have You Met” series in collaboration with @ualbertastudents! Every other week we’ll get to know a student from the University of Alberta.
Have you met Ufuoma, a fourth year psychology student? Spend a few minutes getting to know her a little better!
What three words best describe your U of A experience?
- Perseverance
- Formation
- Audition
Why did you decide to study your major?
As I made my way through my first couple years of university, I noticed how nearly all of my science classes discussed their own role in human psychology. Whether it be from the biochemistry of neurotransmitters, to the physiology of brain structures, or the effects of drugs on the brain; psychology found its way to make an appearance. Combined with my passion for community, I figured studying the mind and human behaviour was an excellent path for me. Ever since, I’ve realized how my daily interactions have profoundly improved because I continually apply my understanding of why people are the way they are.
What advice would you give to your first year self?
I would definitely tell first year Ufuoma to find and get in community! Regardless of where you might attend, university is a very big place and it is so easy to get lost in the deep sea of people. Even though we are constantly surrounded by people, oftentimes we find ourselves very alone. So having a community of like-minded individuals around you is beneficial in a pathlora of ways; you could be introduced to many amazing opportunities, better your academics, find and stabilize your identity and nurture your mental health.
You can invite anyone — alive or dead, real or fictional — to dinner. Who would it be?
Will Smith! I feel like he is a perfect example of someone who has chased and achieved great success in their lifelong passion, which has now made room for the development and enjoyment of many other interests in their life. Being someone who considers themselves to be quite multi-faceted, I think that Will and I would have a great time together.
What is your favourite way to unwind after a long day?
Watching YouTube videos as I enjoy a home cooked meal.
What do you miss most about campus/in-person classes?
Sitting on the 5th floor of ETCL by the large windows; this is where I come to de-stress after classes or study in quiet.
What are you most proud of?
Running a non-profit organization for sickle cell disease whilst completing my degree despite my health complications.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Variety! I believe that one of the best things about life is being able to experience and encounter various people, environments and cultures. Without having those experiences, life becomes much more munade, self-centred and frankly quite bland. Variety is truly the spice of life.
What is your go-to study snack?
I don’t necessarily have a go-to snack, however usually after a hard work week I like to reward myself with the gift of trying/exploring a new restaurant in town. #Foodie
Who inspires you?
The person I used to be. The Ufuoma who endured 18 years of sickle cell disease and all its associated shame and stigma, then underwent a bone marrow transplant to cure her disease. When I think about that girl, everyday she only pushes me to strive to be the best me I could ever be whilst enjoying the beauty life has to offer.
About Ufuoma
Ufuoma Muwhen is a young Nigeiran-Canadian woman in her fourth year studying psychology. At 22 years old she has lived a life with sickle cell disease and now lives sickle cell free after undergoing a Bone Marrow Transplant in late 2016. She currently has devoted much of her time outside of school to pursuing her passion for building community. Ufuoma is the founder and CEO of NotJustYou, a non-profit Sickle Cell Support Organization that is devoted to creating a support system for individuals and families affected by sickle cell anemia/disease. Ufuoma loves exploration so in her free time she enjoys cooking new recipes, trying new restaurants, and traveling to new destinations.NotJustYou, a non-profit Sickle Cell Support Organization that is devoted to creating a support system for individuals and families affected by sickle cell anemia/disease. Ufuoma loves exploration so in her free time she enjoys cooking new recipes, trying new restaurants, and traveling to new destinations.