Student Ambassador Reflection: Chetachukwu Akaluka

I have never come across a campus leadership position that required students to “apply” to occupy office. In times past, I have been involved in campus politics, where campaigns and elections were necessary. Students got to choose who they wanted as representatives. So, as funny and out-of-the-box as this sounds, that was the attraction for me — knowing that I just had to be a student ambassador without the rigour of campaigns, speeches, and elections.

Now that I have served my full term, I realize why a student ambassador is selected through an application, rather than election. Student ambassadors not only represent the student body, but also the college. They are the face of diversity on campus, and they help promote the college’s events. Hence, a selection process is necessary to ensure that they have what it takes to properly represent the college’s values and promote RRC Polytech’s standards.

Being a student ambassador has been exciting. I got to plan and attend a lot of events. The fun part was that I got free tickets to all events I attended outside school. There was a visit to see the Assiniboine Zoo Lights, the Camp Manitou day out with opportunities to cross country ski, snowshoe and skate, the Manitoba Moose game and many other exciting events. Through those outings, Ahmed, Sijo and I (the three 2021/22 student ambassadors) got the chance to form meaningful connections amongst ourselves and with other international students.

I also got to attend events on campus such as a wellness webinar, an open house, a newcomer event and other campus diversity activities. It was my pleasure to be a ready resource for international students who needed help in areas I was versed in. Sometimes, it was just a question about Manitoba as a place, which I provided answers to. I have been in the province longer than international students in their first year of college, for instance. This made my lived experience valuable to them.

As a student ambassador, I learnt to be a ready speaker. I shared my college experiences as an international student in Canada, at any given time. Speaking was at the apex of my duties as an ambassador. If I was not speaking at a campus event, I was speaking to a student. I realized how valuable my voice from a student perspective was.

The best part of being a student ambassador for me was experiencing new cultures. Cultural intelligence is very important in a diverse society like Canada. Knowing how to relate with people of different backgrounds with different accents is an asset. I was glad to have been able to build this skill during my time as student ambassador.

My experience as a student ambassador would not have been as smooth as it was, but for the ample support I received. I am especially thankful to Parmeet Ghatoaura, the International Student Support Coordinator, amongst many other resourceful staff at the RRC Polytech International Education Centre.