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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The community and the close relationships you will build within and outside of the CES department!

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Don’t wait until you feel like you “know enough” to join, come and show up. Come to events, take an intro class, talk to professors (shout out Shanna), and connect with other students. The Critical Ethnic Studies department wants your questions, your story, and your voice from the very beginning, and if anything come and talk to me. 🙂

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
It’s okay to jump around from major to major, the whole point of college is to try new things.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
There’s no straight path to success, and success means something different to everyone so yours doesn’t have to be the same.

What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite class at K has been Constructing Blackness, it was an independent study with Dr. Shanna Salinas and it inspired my SIP!

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I was able to go to St. Louis on the Hill Grant and enjoyed that experience so much I applied for funding to do summer research in St. Louis again!

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I’m the President of The Black Student Organization. I am a Special Events Coordinator for the Office of Student Activities and I’ve also volunteered at Lincoln Elementary through the CCE.

What is your SIP?
My SIP is exploring the historical dynamics in a present form of Black Women and America. It will be a self-exploration called “Why America Hates Black Women”.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
My end goal is hopefully going into case work for immigrant families to help obtain visas, resources, placement and etc., but directly after graduation maybe a gap year.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I love to dance and my freshmen year I used to be on the Kalamazoo College cheer team! #RollNets