Remarks by Morounfoluwa Christine Oyadotun '23 (Nigeria), Chairlady of the ALA Student Government, at Taalu—ALA's Opening Ceremony.
Just a year ago I sat in row H, in my blue Ankara dress, fidgeting with my fingers half worried my fellow Nigerians would be too chaotic and the other half of me wondered how this event and many more would unfold. Until then, it hadn’t settled in my mind that this would be my home for the next two years.

I wonder, I wonder if you year ones share the same thoughts I from a year ago thought.
In the one year I have been at ALA, through the fire alarms at midnight, advisory shuffles, early check-ins, and house lunches the one thing that got me through it all was the people. My close friends, my friends, and even people that just smile and say hi on the streets of ALA. In my few years of school, I have never been in such a healthy and united community.
You Yewans (Year 1s) have been through an interesting two weeks and there is more to come. But amidst all the chaos and all the voices talking over you, remember these words: “It's not the place, it's the people”. So the next time you think it's just you going through it, stop. Breathe. Look around. You are not alone. Yes, you are not alone, and that in itself can be scary because what if you are the only one with your opinion? What if the past few weeks you were too scared to speak because people would come for you? Diversity of opinions is not wrong. If we all simply go with the crows then what makes us different? What is our unique selling point?
In those moments you begin to doubt your unique and unconventional way of thinking remember Thomas Sankara’s words: “You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness. In this case, it comes from nonconformity, the courage to turn your back on the old formulas, the courage to invent the future.”
So if you appear mad, embrace it. Who knows, maybe that madness is the solution to our problems.
So yewans, new staff, and to those of us who have been here for a while, as you go through your years at ALA, let your voice be heard, let your thoughts be expressed and even after your journey here is complete, let ALA always remain your home away from home.
Thank you.