‘Make your university experience work for you,’ says USask business economics graduate

Azee Amoo was involved in many extracurricular activities during her time as a University of Saskatchewan (USask) student, serving as copy editor at The Sheaf newspaper, holding executive positions at UNICEF USask, USask Menstrual Project, and CommUniLink, and volunteering as a student recruitment ambassador for USask’s College of Arts and Science.

Amoo’s involvement on campus also included volunteering with Peer Health, a Student Wellness Centre initiative primarily run by students dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing. Amoo took part in numerous activities through Peer Health, such as a cultural wellness group and a peer listener support group.

Born and raised in Calgary, Amoo attended Crescent Heights High School before coming to Saskatoon for her undergraduate studies. Next month, she will receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics during USask’s Spring Convocation, which will be held from June 3 – 7, 2024.

In advance of Convocation, the Green&White asked Amoo about her memories and experiences as a USask student.

It was initially just a chance for me to move out, grow, and find my own independence. But with each class I took, I was even more grateful that I happened to choose this university to study at—because the community, class sizes, and supports are pretty neat.

After changing my major a few times, I finally found business economics. I was drawn to the field because I appreciated how interdisciplinary it is, drawing on areas from sociology to history. And I also appreciate that, with the more abstract ideas, there’s the elements like accounting and organizational structure. it’s nicely balanced with practical, real-world subjects.

There are just so many options available. You’re able to take classes that are outside the field of your major, and tailor your degree to your interests and future goals.

Every day was something different. Peer Health’s home base is the USask Community Centre, located across from the bookstore, and that’s where you could usually find me between classes. It’s a vibrant and welcoming space where you could chill, meet new people, and join in on events. It truly is a safe place—and that’s because of the people and volunteers that make it up—and I’m glad I was able to contribute to something like it.

It’s so hard to choose just one. From stressing over what’s going to be on exams to just hanging around and playing board games, my favourite memories have been with the friends I’ve made. I’m so grateful to them because they were integral to my university experience, and they’ve helped me grow along the way.

Entering university, I was pretty shy and a recluse, and I had very rigid plans and expectations of how my life was going to shape out. But, over time, I stepped out of my shell and took risks. I embraced the process and said yes to things I normally would shy away from. I became a leader and more confident in myself. I have a broader perspective, and the tools to continue nurturing it and pushing the bounds of my understanding of the world around me.  

Embrace the uncertainty that comes with entering university. You don’t have to have it all figured out from the start. Try classes that interest you, even if it’s not directly related to your degree. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors and, of course, get involved. Make your university experience work for you.

I’ve moved back to Calgary, where I’ll be starting up my career and continuing my community involvement. I’ll also be furthering my education and creative pursuits on the side.

I encourage everyone to surround themselves with good people. There were times that I felt discouraged and wondered if university was even for me. In these times, I was lucky to have people around me to see what I couldn’t at the time. Thanks, mom, for making me into the person I am today. Thanks, dad, for keeping me grounded. And thanks to my lovely annoying siblings for motivating me to become a good role model.