AU '19: In November I had the privilege of volunteering at and attending Amnesty International's Western Regional Conference. I attended many interesting workshops, with topics ranging from the climate crisis through a human rights lens to what it means to be an activist in a surveillance society. I also built warm relationships with other young people who care about this work, and to me that is my big take-away. When the problems you think about and aim to solve are multi-faceted, constantly morphing, and expand over the globe, it's difficult to feel that anything you do as an individual is of any significance. But being part of a collective of individuals that are all working towards the same goals, are supporting one another and growing together, that's how change happens. I want to be able to take what I learned here and build Amnesty up at UW.
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AU '19: During the summer I took up salsa classes to try something new, and completely fell in love. Salsa Club at the university quickly became my refuge from studying and the struggles of independence. I looked forward to it every Tuesday, and with each passing meeting I learned new moves as well as got to know more people. This wonderful experience culminated in the Winter Social, where we could enjoy and celebrate salsa and bachata with the greater Seattle community. It felt like being on the playground in elementary school, with the same playfulness and wonder; I very much treasure that night. As I have chronic pain, dancing for me is an accessible way to enjoy my body, to be present in the moment, and to connect with others.
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WI '20: As part of an ambassadorship through FIUTS, I spent the month of January getting to know Vasco, a student from Angola partaking in the SUSI program. I really appreciated the time that I spent with him and the other participants in the program, because it put faces to the diversity of cultures, histories, nationalities, and ultimately people of the African continent for me. I got to take Vasco to Chutney's, Molly Moon's, Le Panier. We explored Pike Place and the Columbia Tower, and even jogged around Greenlake! My favorite night was back in his hotel room when he played "Thinking Out Loud" on the guitar... that was pretty amazing! He taught me a little bit of Portuguese, and about the discrimination against people with albinism in Angola. I was surprised by how quickly we got along, and I'm happy to say that we still keep in touch. It's wonderful to have a friend halfway across the world!
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