Philosophy of Service Essay

I AM FINISHED!!  Here is the essay I birthed.  Hopefully it's spectacular enough to win me taht tuition waiver.

“Education remains the key to economic and political empowerment.” – Barbara Jordan

   

I, like the late Barbara Jordan, believe that education—formal and informal—gives individuals the tools they need to uncover the strength and motivation they need to excel. Through my work in various social justice-minded organizations, as well as independent efforts, I work to educate and empower individuals to create meaningful change in their lives, their communities, and our society.

 Since moving to Olympia in Fall 2010, I have been involved with Evergreen’s student community, most actively as a member of the Black Student Union (BSU) and as a coordinator of Queer People of Color (QPOC).  

   BSU makes it their mission to educate members about issues of oppression impacting their community, the importance of knowing African/Black history and promoting cultural awareness and pride. Through these types of education and consciousness-raising activities, members are encouraged to use their knowledge to educate their own individual communities—at Evergreen, within Olympia, their friends and families—so the that transfer of information continues.  

   During my time as a coordinator of QPOC, I was able to support and empower other self-identified qpoc on issues regarding their racial and cultural identities, and how their sexuality and gender influence this experience, particularly as they face racism and homo-/transphobia from the dominant culture. I will also continue to focus on addressing issues of sexuality, gender and homophobia with my peers in BSU. Only by constantly engaging and challenging stereotypes and prejudices can education and acceptance occur to bring our community closer.



   Although the discussions within the LGBTQ and Black community differ, the search for solutions to combat disenfranchisement and oppression are the same. Each community uses various strategies to reach their goals of equality. By working within both I can help highlight these commonalities and encourage members of these communities to work together to enact change. I remember what a pivotal time my adolescence was for my identity formation; I realize now how much more enriching my experiences could have been if I had had a mentor to guide me. In my future, I would like to work with Black LGBTQ youth. It is exceedingly difficult to be one's authentic self--even moreso when fighting against oppressions, such as racism and homo-/transphobia, among others. I want to be able to provide Black youth facing these challenges to be have a ready alternative example from the mainstream, someone who can guide them along the path to forming their own unique identities.

   As an out-of-state, low-income, independent student, each year—and increasing cuts to financial aid—it becomes increasingly difficult to continue my community involvement due to working extra hours while also balancing my academic and personal responsibilities. With this scholarship, I will be able to maintain my commitment to political and economic justice, secure in the knowledge that for my final year of undergraduate studies, I will not have to contend with financial stress.