We both remember taking our first walk down St. George Street as university students-a very intimidating experience. As high school hallways were transformed into campus streets, no longer were there familiar faces at every turn, and making friends suddenly required a lot of effort.
But the lecture series “Spirituality and the Student Experience” has proven that U of T is not too big a campus for students with diverse backgrounds to get together. The series has offered us an opportunity to learn from one another, make lasting friendships and discuss relevant issues-all over delicious meals.
This year, Nouman Ashraf from the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office worked to bridge gaps between the Muslim Students’ Association and Hillel by helping to organize a three-week lecture series focusing on the similarities between the respective groups.
The first of the lectures, entitled “Soul Food,” was held on January 31 at Hart House and was a great success. With over 140 attendees and a scrumptious meal to complement the talks, students and staff discussed how both food and spirituality are integral parts of the student experience, and what it means when there are, or are not, enough places that serve halal, kosher or vegan food.
Although there are many differences between human beings, there are also many similarities. For students for whom spirituality is important, the battles and challenges that are faced on a secular campus are comparable. Through discussion, the Muslim Students’ Association and Hillel saw the potential collaboration with the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office as a unique opportunity to work together.
By focusing on what we have in common, both our student groups are making an attempt to go beyond labels; and although there will always be disagreements and differing opinions, “Spirituality and the Student Experience” has allowed us to move forward.
At a meeting between all involved student groups in this lecture series, Ashraf said, “I am just the fertilizer, and you, the students, bring the seeds.” As such, although the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office is there to encourage collaboration, the onus is also on us as student groups to engage each other. In this way, we are able to create a safe space and to get out of our accepted comfort zones.
In the “Soul Food” lecture, and the two to follow, what is guaranteed is that there will be no judgment of one another, but simply an ear to listen, and minds to make a difference. The challenge of prayer space, food alternatives on campus, and the distinctive role of women in various traditions are topics that are relevant to most all communities.
We would both like to thank the Provost and the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office for making these events possible by their generous donations. We hope that this lecture series can translate into similar collaborated events in the future.
Aaida Mamuji is vice president of the Muslim Students’ Association (St. George campus), and Melyssa Lantsman is Vice Chair of Hillel at U of T.
The next two lectures in the series are “Pilgrimage: A Unique Journey” and “The Feminine and the Divine,” to be held on Tuesday February 7th at the William Doo Auditorium and Tuesday February 14th at Hart House, respectively, between 6-9 pm. Meals follow all the lectures.
