1) Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a sophomore here at AU, and I grew up in a suburb outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I’m a New England girl at heart, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to spend four years in DC embracing all the opportunities I can. When I’m not at meetings or activities on campus, I’m listening to music, laughing with friends, and living the life I’ve always dreamed of here in DC.
2) Why did you decide to start a chapter of She’s The First at AU? What does the organization do?
She’s the First is an international non-profit organization that raises awareness about girls’ education in the developing world. Out of the 130 million children across the world who are not in school, 70 percent are girls. That is a statistic that has to change, and She’s the First helps to empower these girls so that they can get an education and change their communities for the better. Here at American, our chapter holds awareness events and fundraisers, all with the goal of funding a year of a girl’s education at the Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda.
When I first heard about She’s the First, I knew that we had to bring a chapter to AU’s campus. Education inequality isn’t just a topic for people who are interested in women’s rights: it’s a topic that everyone can relate to. Education majors, International Studies majors, Political Science majors, Public Health majors and more can look at all the different factors that keep girls out of school, and unite to change them. We’ve seen an incredible amount of support from the AU community now that She’s the First is here on campus: students are realizing that the little steps they take here in the US can empower girls across the world, and when those girls get an education, they help their families and communities more than we ever could have imagined.
3) Outside of the She’s The First, what do you like to do on campus?
I would describe myself as just your typical passionate, involved AU student. I’m a member of the AU Ambassadors and the Student Honors Board, and I participate in AU chorus and tutor through DC Reads. My favorite thing to do on campus, though, is attending the amazing events put on by other student groups like Kennedy Political Union and Relay for Life. Seeing that other AU students’ hard work has paid off really inspires me, and it gives me even more hope that our She’s the First chapter will make a difference.
4) What’s your major and what are your career goals?
I’m an Elementary Education major, so I hope to spend my career building an educational foundation for America’s students. Although She’s the First focuses on education issues abroad, we are still working to perfect the American education system here at home. I’m looking forward to being a part of that process, and I think AU does a wonderful job of preparing its education students to teach. Through tutoring with DC Reads, getting out into local schools through my Field Experience class, and learning from professors who were incredible educators themselves before coming to teach college students, AU has given me so many opportunities to immerse myself in the world of education, and I’m so grateful.
5) During the your time in DC what has been the highlight?
Last year, I attended the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall. Getting up at 4am and riding the Metro downtown with my fellow AU students was so exciting, and once we got there, we were part of a crowd of 10,000 people who had come to celebrate Dr. King’s life. We were able to hear President Obama and many others speak, and it was overall an incredible day. One moment defined the day for me, though: When we were walking into the event, volunteers greeted us by saying, “Welcome to History.” That statement just summed up how I feel going to college in DC, and being a part of the She’s the First organization (which I truly believe is changing the world!): We have officially been welcomed to history. Now we just need to make our mark.
Favorite movie: I absolutely love “Once.” The music is amazing, and it’s perfect for a relaxing night in with friends.
Dream vacation: I would love to go to Greece. I’ve never been to Europe, and it looks absolutely breathtaking.
Favorite spot on campus: I’d have to say the Amphitheater. My roommates and I grab boxes from TDR and eat out there when the weather is nice enough, and it’s a great place to relax.
Favorite class at AU: This semester I’m taking an honors colloquium course called “Oral History of the Civil Rights Movement.” It’s taught by Professor Julian Bond, who was part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee during the Civil Rights Movement and went on to be chairman of the NAACP. Learning about his experiences has been so valuable, and I go to every class excited about what we’ll be learning next.