Student blog: Aliyyah Gbadamosi

Aliyyah Gbadamosi is a second year PPE student at Univ, and the 2023-24 Treasurer of the African and Caribbean Society. For this edition of the Student News, Aliyyah has written about her experience at Oxford so far, including being recognised in this year's Future Leaders, and her involvement in student media and societies.

The journey so far

I am a penultimate year PPE student at University College from East London and the Treasurer of Oxford's African and Caribbean Society (ACS). I am highly honoured to have been recognised as a 2023-24 Future leader, and I hope to continue to harness change in leadership roles.

My Oxford experience

My time at Oxford so far has taught me about the importance of seizing opportunities.

Academically, my first year was everything I had expected it to be, challenging and thought provoking. Thankfully, my course allows for flexibility so this year I have more control over my studies, for example I am currently studying Ethics and British government and politics.

Being an ethnic minority at Oxford, at first was a daunting thought and I feared that I would constantly feel like an outsider but I was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of the students, the welfare support within my college and the strong sense of community that Oxford ACS has given me.

Extracurricular opportunities

Socially, I have found that there is such a variety of extracurricular activities here at Oxford, which makes it sometimes difficult to decide what to get involved in. Despite the intensity of my studies, I have been able to get involved in societies that align with my values.

I work as the Treasurer for the Oxford ACS where I manage the society's budget and I am one of the welfare and diversity officers of the 93% club. I am just beginning my role as an editor for The Oxford Blue’s new economic and finance section.

My extracurriculars are centred around being a voice for marginalised individuals, from working as a youth panel member for the Independent Office for Police Conduct to co-producing the film Nexus about eating disorders - I am drawn to experiences that have the potential to elevate unheard voices.

Looking to the future

In the future, I want to have a direct influence on national policy, notably those regarding inclusion and equal opportunity. I am motivated to continue pursuing leadership opportunities that will contribute positively to the world around me.

What opportunities are there for other students to get involved?

I encourage students at Oxford to truly make the most of their time here. Embrace the excitement of your studies. Get involved in societies, particularly the Oxford ACS, Class Act and 93% Club - which not only host amazing social events, where you can meet people from similar backgrounds but are also dedicated to making Oxford an accessible institution.