Creating Positive Change In Your Community and Living Intentionally
By Denali
Who is your role model? Why?
Although an unconventional answer, I don’t think I can pick one specific role model. Everyday I interact with a diverse group of people, each with different stories, goals, and interests. These people, whether to a small or significant degree, shape my life in some way and inspire my actions. Similarly, through the connectivity of the internet, I am exposed to many powerful voices and role models online, each stimulating positive change around the world in their specific niche. So, rather than condense the many individuals who sculpt my day-to-day decisions and aspirations into one role model, I feel grateful to have many.
What are you most proud of in your life?
My senior year of high school, I completed a project where I constructed a free small food pantry available for public access in my community. The project was designed to both address local food insecurity and mitigate food waste. Everytime I visit the pantry to make donations, I am greeted by fellow community members, eager to share their extra resources as well. Similarly, food products cycle quickly through the pantry, indicating many people in need have been utilizing it as well. It puts a smile on my face to recognize that I was able to produce tangible change in my city, no matter how small.
What are you passionate about?
Personally, I am very passionate about environmental issues and building an equitable and sustainable future. Environmental issues, predominantly climate change, are already affecting the quality of life of millions of people around the globe, and pose a significant threat to the well-being of humanity. However, with fervent optimism and collaboration between diverse stakeholders all around the world, change is possible. I hope to someday enter a career, such as an Environmental Engineering of Environmental Law, where I can join the voices of those fighting for climate justice and equal access to a healthy, safe environment.
What makes you feel confident?
Personally, I feel most confident when I am acting in alignment with my own personal values, and inciting positive change. For example, treating others with compassion and respect is one of my fundamental values. When putting this sentiment into action, I can feel confident and assured that I’m making the right decision and exemplifying my own principles.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Where you invest your love, you invest your life.”
I love this quote from a Mumford & Sons song because it reminds me to live intentionally, investing time and energy into the things I love and value.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self (and in many ways, my current self) to prioritize learning over focusing on one, specific outcome, such as grades or recognition. In an academic sense, it can be easy to to slip into a mindset of trying to perfect assignments and projects for the sole purpose of getting a high score. Not only does this augment stress levels, but it also can make classes feel unenjoyable and burdensome. Instead, it’s so important to realize how each textbook chapter, class lecture or essay could contribute to our growth as students, and, more importantly, as people. Grades are a temporary mark that don’t define who we are, but the true understanding of a curriculum, and recognizing how we can apply it to our future career and endeavors is priceless.
