Major: World Languages and Cultures, French and Spanish concentrations
Minor: Geography
Hometown: Leicester, MA
Group and Clubs: President, French Club
Salem State is known as the Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University. Why is that designation important to you?
The Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University designation is important to me because civic engagement is essential in higher education to help students grow academically, personally and professionally.
Civic engagement is essential in nearly every area of study and career. Salem State University provides various opportunities for students to become civically engaged in the Salem community and beyond. Salem State University is known as the Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University, not only for the advocacy opportunities and educational resources provided, but also because of the passion, dedication, and resiliency of the students and faculty on campus who make civic engagement a part of their daily lives. The designation recognizes the important work being done by dedicated students and faculty while attracting prospective students to a university with a strong, civically engaged community.
How has your experience with the Center for Civic Engagement / Berry Institute of Politics shaped your time at Salem State? What opportunities have been provided that you might not have had otherwise?
My first job on campus was as a Vikings Vote ambassador with the Berry Institute of Politics, and I instantly fell in love with it. Working as a Vikings Vote ambassador has allowed me to become educated on current events, motivate other students to become politically engaged, and increase the youth voter turnout in Salem. I had the opportunity to work alongside my peers on the issues I cared about, such as increasing voter turnout and voter education. It was a valuable experience that is not often available to students outside of Salem State without a political background, and it has opened doors for me that may not have been opened otherwise.
What civic or social issues are you most passionate about? How has your time at Salem State helped you explore them?
I am most passionate about environmental and language justice. I can participate in language justice by majoring in world languages and cultures, joining the French Club, and pursuing translation internships. I can get involved in environmental justice by minoring in geography, participating in the Greenhouse Club, volunteering through Salem State, and pursuing sustainability internships. There are many opportunities to volunteer, learn, connect, and grow.
The Center for Civic Engagement and Berry Institute of Politics bring political leaders, activists, policymakers, and public officials to campus. How have these events influenced your academic or career interests?
I am grateful to the Center of Civic Engagement and the Berry Institute of Politics for hosting Civic Fellows every year. This is a great way to learn about topics I may not cover in my classes, network with influential people in my field, and become inspired by engaging in meaningful conversations. Holding meaningful conversations with Civic Fellows has helped to solidify my academic and career choices by learning from their expertise and receiving valuable mentorship.
How have Salem State faculty, staff, or mentors supported your involvement in civic engagement and public service?
The faculty, staff, and mentors of Salem State are essential to the civic engagement on campus. They are responsible for creating events and ensuring that they run smoothly. Their primary focus is to help students advocate for their beliefs by offering help and connecting them to opportunities.
How has the Center for Civic Engagement / Berry Institute of Politics helped prepare you for your future — academically, professionally, and personally?
I can use the skills I gained to advocate for change in my community and assist others in doing the same. Working with the Berry Institute of Politics has opened my eyes to the progress a unified community can make when advocating for the change we want to see. More than anything, my experience with the Berry Institute of Politics has been a valuable learning experience. I feel empowered to advocate for the issues I care about while assisting others in my community.
How have you grown as a leader through your involvement in civic engagement at Salem State?
After becoming involved in civic engagement at Salem State, I feel more confident in speaking with an audience, advocating for what I believe in, and educating myself and others on current events. Civic engagement opportunities at Salem State have significantly improved my abilities to lead in my personal and professional life.
What advice would you give to prospective students looking to get involved in civic engagement at Salem State?
Seek out new experiences on campus and in the Salem community, even if they scare you at first. Oftentimes, these experiences are the most beneficial. There are opportunities for every person and every interest, so explore what the Center for Civic Engagement offers. Please take advantage of the opportunities Salem State provides because they are so valuable and help you explore your interests and goals. I have never met someone who has regretted their time being civically engaged, so I know every student can benefit from the opportunities at Salem State.