As a student at the University of Alberta, my education has played a significant role in shaping my experiences, and aspirations. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have, yet many youths around the world face significant barriers to accessing it. This reality motivates my work with LBB where I have had the opportunity to fundraise for educational resources for students in Uganda. Equally important to me is fostering a global sense of citizenship and building meaningful connections beyond borders. Through my engagement with Ugandan students partnered with LBB and HEAL International via pen pal letters, I have gained a deeper understanding of their culture, values, and aspirations. The children’s enthusiasm for education is vividly expressed through these letters, revealing their career ambitions, favorite hobbies,  foods, and cultural practices. These meaningful exchanges ensure that the voices and experiences of those facing educational barriers remain central to my work in promoting global citizenship. In addition to education, proper nutrition is a critical issue I am also addressing.  Currently, I am working towards completing a student nutrition guideline that centers on  Ugandan cultural foods and ingredients that are affordable and easily accessible. Proper nutrition is especially important as a student in supporting brain health, concentration, memory,  and overall cognitive performance. Empowering students with this knowledge encourages them to develop healthy eating habits that support their well-being beyond their studies. Another important area of focus for me is health awareness, particularly in the field of cancer research.  To support this goal, I have organized several Cancer Researcher Speaker Series on my campus, designed to introduce oncology research to students in a simple manner. The goal is to provide a broad understanding of cancer research and some of the basic mechanisms of cancer, ensuring that any student who attends, regardless of their field of study, can learn and gain valuable insights into this important field from professors and researchers. Finally, I am committed to health advocacy through my work as a co-host on the Humans of Relay podcast.  This podcast is dedicated to sharing the experiences of those affected by cancer, both first and secondhand. The podcast explores a wide range of topics, including grief, healing, and mental health. Launching this podcast was important to me and my team because storytelling holds immense power, fostering space to heal within a community of shared experiences.

Empowerment through storytelling not only nurtures personal growth but also strengthens communities. Through this podcast, we aimed to balance the authentic narratives of those impacted by cancer with valuable insights and support for our audience. To conclude, education and good health are global issues that require continuous effort to ensure equal access to the services and opportunities that support them.