Aminat Pedro is the trail-blazing President of UIC’s African Student Council. The purpose of the ASC is to empower, showcase, and educate individuals about the African culture while encouraging on-campus engagement. The nursing student was introduced to ASC during a UIC campus fair, and instantly knew that this organization was right up her alley.
Time management is crucial in balancing this collegiette’s many responsibilities. As president of the ASC, her responsibilities include coordinating activities, completing important documents, and attending UIC required meetings. She does this all while pursuing a nursing degree at one of the nation’s top nursing programs, completing an internship, and volunteering at a health care facility.
The proud Nigerian strongly believes in the essence embracing one’s culture. She hopes to instill an appreciation for the African culture through her work as president. She spoke to us about culture, time management and upcoming ASC events.
Aminat’s passion and intelligence has made her a certified GOF (Girl on Fire)!
Name: Aminat Pedro
Year: Junior
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, cooking, and reading.
What is the African Student Council’s mission?
The purpose of this organization is to promote African culture in a diverse setting. We also strive to encourage African students’ engagement on campus in serving the community.
Why did you join ASC?
I came across ASC at one of the campus fairs held at UIC and I knew at that moment it was something I am willing to be engaged in. I joined because, it was an easy route for me to not only earn my UIC experience, but also become an active member of ASC.
What are some of your responsibilities as the president?
As the president of ASC, I have the obligations of coordinating the overall activity of the club, representing the club on and off campus, completing important documents and attending meetings required by UIC and other organizations.
Do you have any responsibilities other than school and ASC?
Other than ASC, I am a full time student at UIC pursuing a nursing degree, an intern, and also a volunteer at a health care facility.
How are you able to balance all of your responsibilities?
With organization, time management and dedication I am able to balance my responsibilities and get through overwhelming situations.
Do you think that it is important for people to identify with their culture? Why?
Yes, I believe having a culture is part of an individual’s uniqueness. It is definitely something to embrace and be proud of. It is what makes an individual different from the society’s norm.
How has ASC impacted your overall experience at UIC?
ASC has taught me the importance of embracing one’s culture in many aspects. It has also strengthened my leadership and networking skills. My overall experience at UIC is wonderful due to being part of ASC. The members have united and become a family.
Do you have to be African in order to be a part of ASC?
No, you do not have to be African to become a member of the club. The organization also welcomes non-African students who are interested in learning more about African cultures.
Tell us about some of the events that you have coming up this semester.
This semester we are having minor and a major events. Our minor events include movie nights, bowling night, and potluck. Potluck is a fun and interactive get together that contains food, music, and games. Members of the club present different cultural dishes to share with one another. Our major event is called “The Beat of Africa” which is on the 26th of this month at UIC. This event is a cultural showcase consisting of cultural plays, traditional dances, poetry, and fashion shows.