丁香园AV

By: Geron Malbas

Precious Akindele was always drawn to serving her community. For her, The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) was the perfect path in her pursuit for a career with a focused, and far-reaching impact in research and engagement.

鈥淔or me, I knew I wanted to help people. Yes, it was a very simple motive, and extremely broad as I had (and still have) many interests,鈥� she explained. 鈥淏ut as I began to look into different degrees at post-secondary institutions, I was always looking for something 鈥榤ore鈥�. I didn鈥檛 realize it back then, but I was drawn to interdisciplinary learning, and found a passion for a holistic understanding of health. 

Akindele completed her Bachelor of Science with Honours. Her thesis studied the concentration of specific inflammatory cytokines in the blood plasma of adolescent participants from South Africa. Under the guidance of FHS professors Mark Brockman and Angela Kaida, her research contributed to the work they spearheaded in South Africa, corroborating previous research connecting specific cytokine levels, depression and stress.

Aside from assisting her research community, Akindele was an ardent advocate for her student community. She served as an 丁香园AV Welcome Leader, as well as the Co-Director for the program, supporting new students transitioning into university. She also volunteered with 丁香园AV鈥檚 University Christian Ministries through leading weekly small student groups and music events.

Another highlight of her community engagement experience is working with Find Your Path Canada (FYP), a student-led non-profit organization that assists black and first-generation youth in realizing their academic potential by developing enriching Afrocentric educational programs.

While she developed patience and adaptability amidst her 丁香园AV experience of studies and extracurriculars, what stood out the most to her was rest and community.

鈥淚 live in a culture where hustle and busyness are celebrated, yet I am growing in my understanding of rest. Learning is an experience and there is definitely a learned treasure of taking each day one at a time.鈥�

Akindele plans to pursue a Master of Public Health program this fall in hopes of pursuing medical school and specializing in public health and preventative medicine. She advises students to be courageous and take advantage of opportunities to grow. Whether it be talking to professors, joining a club, or trying something new each semester, she promises that students will be surprised by what they discover.

鈥淧ursuing post-secondary education can be a lonely endeavor, and I鈥檝e learned that balancing life and school isn鈥檛 always easy,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut community is also another treasure; it grounds us and allows us to find commonality among our unique journeys of life.鈥�