Matilda Profile

Matlida Ankrah, a junior psychology major with a counseling concentration, lives for everything multicultural. She is president of the African Student Union and is a member of the LINC house (Living Intentionally & Nurturing Cultures). As an international student from Ghana, she says, "I've always been interested in our continent . . . and representing a different view of it on campus."Q: What kinds of things does the African Student Union do?
A: One time a semester, we have an African food fest. This semester we had a huge event [Karibu] showcasing various African arts. We have meetings every other Thursday in the Rafiki house, which are open to everyone who is interested in learning about the African culture.

Q: How has your life been influenced as a result of your involvement in the African Student Union?
A: It has helped me grow as a person. I never thought I would be in this type of role in college. It has helped me learn to deal with people and learn more about my country. I have become so accustomed to the American culture that I forget where I came from.

Q: What things are you planning for next semester?
A: We are collaborating with the Black Student Union for a huge black history month kickoff with food, Caribbean food, soul food, African food.choir, mime, traditional African dancers, and a special tribute to something. I won't say what it is. You'll have to wait and see!

Q: What is characteristic of African food? Like how we automatically think tacos for Mexican food?
A: Plantains! Plantains and rice.

Q: What is something funny that has happened during an event?
A: During Karibu I was very, very nervous. We were making a video that we wanted to be funny instead of serious. Every joke I made, my officers were like, this isn't funny. I really try to be funny, but I'm not a funny person. My officers are.