MC in Communities & Networks
BA in Communication Studies
My Story
I’ve lived and thrived in CA, SC, NJ, and WA. I see my drive to experience new places as a testament to my love of a good challenge - moving is not easy, especially with my ever-growing personal library. Yet, packing and unpacking has led to my vast experience and passion for community building.
The challenges of starting and finishing graduate school in a pandemic fanned my passion for meaningful connections. When shared experiences like sitting in a classroom or meeting for coffee are not viable, making meaningful relationships can feel insurmountable. However, I saw an opportunity to stretch my creative muscles.
I met with a cohort mate to brainstorm how to encourage consistent engagement, and we landed on starting a book club. We established community standards and expectations for interested members and intentionally moved forward. Once a month, our club meets for conversation, where we lean into challenging discussions with exuberance and empathy across differing upbringings and cultures. The community's success inspired me to apply similar strategies to my long-standing communities.
Now, I meet once a month virtually with a group of friends from undergrad to discuss books, documentaries, and life. We create opportunities to learn and grow together, even as we are thousands of miles apart. I also initiated a group Instagram account where we each respond to weekly reflective prompts to increase the frequency of our interactions and reimagine our commitments to a lifetime of learning and reflection.
Every challenge is an opportunity to collaborate and solve problems creatively, and I love a good challenge.
About My Values
EMPATHY
While studying in Botswana, I learned to consider the larger picture of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Cultural, economic, and geographic elements impact Botswana's people, and understanding those elements is crucial in implementing change to combat the epidemic. Leading with empathy and seeking to understand the people and culture of Botswana was critical to my personal development.
MINDFULNESS
While working on Kappa's extension project, I was tasked with observing Seton Hall University's campus life for three months before the recruiting process. I learned the importance of observation and curating the bigger picture. With my help, a successful chapter was created, and more importantly, a chapter that filled a need on Seton Hall's campus.
PERSEVERANCE
The first time I hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls - the highest waterfall in North America - I was five years old, and my older brother carried me for the majority of the hike. Over the years, I have done this hike (on my own two feet) every time I visit Yosemite. It continues to teach me the best views come after the toughest climbs - literally and figuratively.
COMMUNITIES
I’ve lived and thrived in CA, SC, Gold Coast, Australia, NJ, and now Seattle, WA. Each move I make presents the opportunity to create new community connections while learning how to maintain my previous communities. The sense of community makes or breaks my success in a new city, and Seattle feels full of opportunity.
