Akaiah C.S., a proud graduate from David and Mary Thompson C.I. has distinguished herself with both the Award of Merit and the Drama Award. Last fall, she began her studies at McMaster University. We interviewed Akaiah to learn more about her experiences with the Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP).
Why did you choose to join the Black Student Summer Leadership Program?
2025 was my second year with the program. For my first year, I was really into medical school and all the different routes you can take to get there. As a teenager and a Black female I thought that there weren’t a lot of opportunities. One day, I saw an advertisement for the Black Student Summer Leadership Program and learned there is a program available that has the opportunities I was looking for. I was also really excited to be in a program with other Black youth. I joined because I really wanted the experience and thought it would be good for me. And it was.
What are your academic and career goals?
In the fall, I will be going to McMaster University to study Psychology, Neuroscience Behaviour. I was inspired because of the BSSLP and the YPAR research I got to do last year. I fell in love with my research. I hope to research AI or to continue research similar to my last year’s project and explore whether music has an impact on the brain.
How has the program helped you?
When I first joined the program I was very shy. I didn't like talking and only knew one person in the program and I stuck to them like glue. Over time, I met more friends and met people in my research pod. The program made me appreciate myself more and my identity. I also started changing my appearance and my hair, and the way that I dress and carry myself. Through the program, you really do learn how to take up space. It also helped me to develop my career goals.
Where have you had experiential learning placements and what did you learn?
For my experiential learning placement I was at YouthLink. I signed up under public health as my interest and they put me with a community agency. I worked in their equity and inclusion department, their reception, and I helped with a sexual health pamphlet that went out. I really enjoyed YouthLink. They taught us that work can be fun and productive at the same time.
What advice would you offer to students who are considering the Black Student Summer Leadership Program?
In terms of Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), as that was the most impactful for me, my advice would be to pick something that you have a general interest in. You will enjoy the research portion a whole lot more. When you are at your placement, take it seriously. It is a job.