Ujamaa Reflection

This fall is my first semester at “Cougar Nation”. I previously attended Saint Xavier University in Chicago, where I held several leadership roles. At the beginning of my sophomore year (August 2014) I resurrected an inactive organization on campus called the African American Studies Diaspora Club. The organization’s mission is to encourage and celebrate the gift of knowledge, power, and unity existing throughout SXU’s diaspora of African American students. Under my leadership, the AASDC became the premier Black organization on SXU’s campus as well as an excellent service to the Chicago community. My work within the organization allowed me to be blessed with several related opportunities of service to the SXU community. I was dedicated

Throughout my time as an undergraduate student so far, my residential experiences have involved extensive participation in my community. Last school year, I became an assembly representative for my residence buildingʻs hall council. As an assembly representative, I was able to work with the other hall council members to plan and implement various events and programs that engaged our fellow peers and promoted learning beyond the classroom setting. This experience allowed me to advocate for the needs of my neighbors as well as unite our community.

Our recruitment chair is helping others envision our chapter with new women that are smart, want to be active and engaged, and that are fun people. By realigning the women we want to represent our chapter, we have been able to get our members to be more optimistic towards next fall. We are also having more workshops and retreats that discuss what we, as a chapter need to improve and how we can get there. Those conversations have been so helpful in encouraging everyone and in showing them that the executive board does not make all of the decisions. We need their help because technically we serve their best interests.

Over the last couple of years, I have had many opportunities that dealt with me enriching diversity for my campus and community. Being a member of Phi Theta Kappa has many immeasurable benefits. One benefit that came with me being a chapter officer at North Hennepin Community College is that every year we get to choose a project that benefits or raises awareness to the community. This year me and my Phi Theta Kappa team chapter members wanted to see what our fellow student body members thought about equally underrepresented minorities in position of power. We were able to gather and interpret the results. From the results, I personally changed my attitude, I learned that everyone needs to be educated so that they could be more knowledgeable

If you are interested in reconnecting with fellow alum while planning campus events that promote diversity and inclusion, contact uwbalumn@uw.edu for more

I have exemplified advancing the academic excellence of my community with both my executive position within Council of Black Students in Administration and my participation in College Mentors for Kids.

Bless Me, Ultima is a chicano story written by Rudolfo Anaya which follows Antonio Marez, a seven year old boy who meets Ultima, a curandera who moves in with Antonio and changes Tony’s beliefs about religion and even himself.

In the spring of 2014, I had decided to run in the election for student council. To my surprise, I was nominated as sophomore class treasurer and secretary.

The Asian American Student Union (AASU) is the fourth largest student-run organization at the University of Florida. Within AASU, there are a number of different sub-organizations and programs. AASU has served as the starting point for my involvement within UF and gave me exposure to different leadership opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. My involvement began my freshman year in the Freshman Leadership Program. I served on the public relations committee for the AASU Closing Ceremony and was the Committee Chair for the Dodgeballin’ for Babies Tournament, a fundraiser for the March of Dimes. In addition, I was selected for a scholarship to attend the East Coast Asian American Student Union Conference at Duke University. Since

List all your commitments, involvements, and organizations you will be involved with on campus and/or in the community during the 2015-2016 academic year.

It is my honor to nominate the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for the Ujamaa Community Award, recognizing its leadership and vision for a healthy community at Ujamaa and, ultimately, at Cornell. One of the Chapter’s main goals this year has been to expand students’ ability to participate in processes and issues that impact them. Last month, the Chapter welcomed the new Dean of Students, Dr. Vijay Pendakur, to speak at Ujamaa. During the event, students got a chance to hear about the new Dean’s goals and how they might affect the lives of students and communities of color. The discussion included a brainstorming session on ways to improve the student climate and experience at Cornell. As a result, many students were able to make substantive connections with higher-level administrators, including Associate Dean of Students/Director of Intercultural Programs Dr. Renee Alexander and Director of John Henrik Clarke Africana Library Mr. Eric Acree. Many students were also able to use the opportunity to begin or further pursuing making a difference in an issue meaningful to them.

I would like to express my strong desire to be part of the Heritage Hall team which prides itself in values and ethics to learn, to lead and to serve. The more I have learned about the tradition of Heritage Hall, I have discovered the learning institution’s values and ethics are facilitated through teaching ingenuity, diversity, courage and compassion to serve the community. These core ethos are directly in line with my personal beliefs. Numerous discussions with people associated with Heritage Hall throughout the community have proven the schools prideful tradition. Especially, Jimmika and Jacquelyn Wolf whom truly embody the school’s spirit and ethos in every faucet of their personal and professional lives.

Four years ago, I walked onto Florida State University’s campus unaware of the trials and tribulations that lie ahead. My excitement became overpowered by the fear of starting a new journey all while attempting to find myself, my dreams and my future. As I reflect on the experiences that I have encountered through the leadership, service and international engagement areas, I have seen immiscible growth in myself as a student and a leader. The Garnet and Gold Scholar Society program has provided me with interpersonal, critical- thinking and project management skills that are necessary for post-graduation and every-day life; along with much more. With the passion, authentic leadership, humility in serving and acceptance of diversity that I have gained, I will say goodbye to these four years excited to take on the new journey’s that lie ahead.

I joined Council to make a difference in McCombs. I feel as though I have had the opportunities to do so, but I recognize many people have utilized their opportunities even better. With that, it would be an honor to serve on the BJGM Committee and help determine which student leaders should be recognized.

While at Xavier, I continued my passion for service by gaining leadership positions in various organizations, including the Students Government Association; African Students’ Association; Black Students’ Association, and