How/why do you want to change the world?  There are many things I hope to change about the world. Primarily all of these changes revolve around building better support and protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals. As a transgender woman I have faced a large amount of violence due to my identity so I want to work towards ensuring future generations do not experience the pain I have felt. 

What has been the best part of your college experience? The best part of my college experience has been witnessing the impact I have had on my residents. For the past two years I have been a Resident Assistant for University Housing where I have had the opportunity to serve as a mentor for hundreds of LGBT first year students. And it has been through this role and a particular conversation with of my residents that I learned just how much of a positive impact I left on students in this and role. This experience as RA with all of the long nights, 4 a.m. wake-up calls, and difficult interactions has taught me so much. Whenever I talk about my college experience to friends and family outside Eugene the first thing I always touch on is my experience as an RA on this campus. 

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO?

I have been immensely proud to become a member of the Fraternity and Sorority Life community this past year. Here I have become one of the first transgender women accepted into a sorority at University of Oregon. My experience has been amazing so far and I have developed so many close relationships with all my sisters.  I have also had the opportunity with this to be able to give back through beginning conversations on LGBT membership.

What are some of your goals after college? 

After college I hope to enter into the Department of Justice at some level and begin developing further protections for the LGBTQIA+ community. I enjoy working internally within large systems or organizations to create social change and the department of Justice interests me so I feel like it will be a good change of pace.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer?

My biggest role model is definitely my sorority big. She is truly a exceptional woman and I could not have done any of my work on campus this year without her. With her its the littlest actions that make the biggest difference to me. She graduates this June and I am not sure what I will do without her.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Two words: Kim Possible.

What is one fun fact about you?

Winter term I spent more time in planes and airports than I did in classrooms.