Standing idle in the face of ignorance will not bring change. As a BIPOC LGBTQ+ woman, I have both experienced discrimination and witnessed it. I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where the people of my community suffer from homelessness, drug addiction, gun violence, police brutality, and discrimination. I have always been someone to advocate for marginalized groups, and witnessing it firsthand fueled my passion for disrupting systems of oppression with my voice. I want to study the history of racism through the lens of gender in pursuit of equity and justice. With this knowledge, I aim to use my voice to help improve the way BIPOC people are treated. I want to make community work the core of my career. Whether it be through public policy, law, social work, or a non-profit. Learning about institutions, structures, and practices has always inspired my desire to create change. I began using my voice by advocating for students of color throughout my high school career. I spoke at a Teacher’s for BLM March in August of 2020, voiced BIPOC student concerns with the administration at my school, and addressed the Tacoma Public School board about their policies regarding sexual assault, police in schools, and cultural wear at graduation. I want to immerse myself in an environment that values community, equity, and education. I am currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree at Pacific Lutheran University. I have focused my education on Gender, Sexuality, and Race studies, and Hispanic studies to understand the systems and structures in place that cause inequity. I have made it my mission to find how to use my voice to start creating change, even at a small level. I am now a part of ASPLU, the student government organization at PLU, where I focus on diversity and social justice issues. I want to experience a hands-on education where I can learn what I can do for my community, and look forward to job shadowing and internships with social justice workers. I will continue to join clubs, connect with students, and advocate for better systems that work for everyone. The foundations of this country are built from racism and continue to affect us today. I am studying ways to approach injustice and hope to make a large impact someday, but for now, I am beginning with my own community. By learning about the history of racism and how leaders in the past have fought for justice, I have begun creating change within my academic institution and will grow from here. Being a first-generation woman of color approaching education alone is me breaking boundaries, but I know that there is more work to do.

Standing idle in the face of ignorance will not bring change. As a BIPOC LGBTQ+ woman, I have both experienced discrimination and witnessed it. I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where the people of my community suffer from homelessness, drug addiction, gun violence, police brutality, and discrimination. I have always been someone to advocate for marginalized groups, and witnessing it firsthand fueled my passion for disrupting systems of oppression with my voice. I want to study the history of racism through the lens of gender in pursuit of equity and justice. With this knowledge, I aim to use my voice to help improve the way BIPOC people are treated. I want to make community work the core of my career. Whether it be through public policy, law, social work, or a non-profit. Learning about institutions, structures, and practices has always inspired my desire to create change. I began using my voice by advocating for students of color throughout my high school career. I spoke at a Teacher’s for BLM March in August of 2020, voiced BIPOC student concerns with the administration at my school, and addressed the Tacoma Public School board about their policies regarding sexual assault, police in schools, and cultural wear at graduation. I want to immerse myself in an environment that values community, equity, and education. I am currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree at Pacific Lutheran University. I have focused my education on Gender, Sexuality, and Race studies, and Hispanic studies to understand the systems and structures in place that cause inequity. I have made it my mission to find how to use my voice to start creating change, even at a small level. I am now a part of ASPLU, the student government organization at PLU, where I focus on diversity and social justice issues. I want to experience a hands-on education where I can learn what I can do for my community, and look forward to job shadowing and internships with social justice workers. I will continue to join clubs, connect with students, and advocate for better systems that work for everyone. The foundations of this country are built from racism and continue to affect us today. I am studying ways to approach injustice and hope to make a large impact someday, but for now, I am beginning with my own community. By learning about the history of racism and how leaders in the past have fought for justice, I have begun creating change within my academic institution and will grow from here. Being a first-generation woman of color approaching education alone is me breaking boundaries, but I know that there is more work to do.

One of my core beliefs is that standing idle in the face of ignorance will not bring change. As a BIPOC LGBTQ+ woman, I have both experienced discrimination and witnessed it. I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where the people of my community were suffering from homelessness, drug addiction, gun violence, police brutality, and discrimination. I have always been someone to advocate for marginalized groups, and witnessing it firsthand fueled my passion for disrupting systems of oppression with my voice. I want to study the history of racism through the lens of gender in pursuit of equity and empowering activism. With this knowledge, I aim to one day use my voice to help improve the way BIPOC people are treated. I want to make community work the core of my career. Whether it be through public policy, law, social work, or a non-profit. Learning the history of human behavior and societal structures has always inspired my self-reflection and desire to create change. I began using my voice by advocating for BIPOC students throughout my high school career. I spoke at a Teacher’s for BLM March in August of 2020, I voiced BIPOC student concerns with administration at my school, and I addressed the TPS board about their policies regarding sexual assault, police in schools, and cultural wear at graduation. I want to immerse myself in an environment that values community, equity, and education. My first step, is to earn my Bachelor’s degree at Pacific Lutheran University. I plan to study Sociology, Gender, Sexuality, and Race studies, and Hispanic studies to understand the systems and structures in place that cause inequity and their effect. I want to experience a hands-on education where I can begin to support my community during my studies. I will continue to join clubs, connect with students, support others, and advocate for better systems that work for all people throughout my academic career. I have been discouraged to pursue my passion because it is not what standardly earns a high salary. However, I know that I was gifted with my voice for a reason. I plan to ignore the negative comments and fear placed on me because I value the wellbeing of people over my salary. I trust that following my calling will give me a fulfilling and successful future. I am committed to using my education and voice to advocate for marginalized people in community, and all over the world.

Standing idle in the face of ignorance will not bring change. As a BIPOC LGBTQ+ woman, I have both experienced discrimination and witnessed it. I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where the people of my community were suffering from homelessness, drug addiction, gun violence, police brutality, and discrimination. I have always been someone to advocate for marginalized groups, and witnessing it firsthand fueled my passion for disrupting systems of oppression with my voice. I want to study the history of racism through the lens of gender in pursuit of equity and empowering activism. With this knowledge, I aim to one day use my voice to help improve the way BIPOC people are treated. I want to make community work the core of my career. Whether it be through public policy, law, social work, or a non-profit. And my first step is to earn my degree in Sociology. Learning the history of human behavior and societal structures has always inspired my self-reflection and desire to create change. I began using my voice by advocating for BIPOC students throughout my high school career. I spoke at a Teacher’s for BLM March in August of 2020, I voiced BIPOC student concerns with administration at my school, and I addressed the TPS board about their policies regarding sexual assault, police in schools, and cultural wear at graduation. I want to immerse myself in an environment that values community, equity, and education. My first step, is to earn my Bachelor’s degree at Pacific Lutheran University. I plan to study Sociology, Gender, Sexuality, and Race studies, and Hispanic studies to understand the systems and structures in place that cause inequity. I want to experience a hands-on education where I can begin to support my community during my studies, and build my resume. I will continue to join clubs, connect with students, support others, and advocate for better systems that work for all people throughout my academic career. I have been discouraged to pursue my passion because it is not what standardly earns a high salary. However, I know that I was gifted with my voice for a reason. I plan to ignore the negative comments and fear placed on me because I value the wellbeing of people over my salary. I trust that following my calling will give me a fulfilling and successful future. I know that I cannot ignore what is happening in my community, and all over the world.

On the sunny day of my brother’s prolonged baseball game in 2018, I was surprised when I hopped off the bleachers with skin resembling a crocodile. I had never had an allergic reaction in my life before, so I was confused when my chest was red and completely covered in welts and hives. Months later, my doctor revealed that I have a condition called Solar Urticaria that is incurable. When exposed to the sun, my mast cells react, creating hives that itch. It randomly developed one day, and after fourteen years of never avoiding the sun, I knew there would be some change in my life. Because I live in Washington, I thought my condition would rarely impact my life. Other than during the summer, it is usually rainy or cloudy. I was initially very optimistic about how I would navigate life after my diagnosis, but the reality was not so simple. In the summer, I cannot swim during the day, wear summer clothing, or go outside without shade or covering. Some days during different seasons, the sun randomly appears or pokes through clouds, and I have to avoid it. I now know that the sun appears more frequently than I thought before. I take certain precautions, like carrying an umbrella, wearing clothes that cover me, and taking prescribed medication. However, none of these work completely. When I am inevitably exposed to the sun, I return to the shade and slowly wait for my reaction to go away. I have learned to cover myself as much as possible and try not to let my condition affect how I view life, and I am grateful that I can still find ways to enjoy myself, even on sunny days. Although I cannot do activities outside, I have learned to stay fit in the shade. At my art high school, I am a dance major and have been lucky to dance inside a studio most days. There have been times when I had to adjust to recording music videos outside, but I have still danced full-out. When my school had its day in the park, I could not play volleyball or run around like everyone else, but I have always returned to find my fitness through dance. Having an active lifestyle is difficult for me because most activities require me to be outdoors. However, I have not let that obstacle prevent me from my fitness journey. I continue to dance as much as possible and look at life optimistically. I view a healthy lifestyle as an opportunity that may be difficult to achieve but not impossible. No matter what my condition prevents me from doing, I know that dance allows me to stay fit.

On the sunny day of my brother’s prolonged baseball game in 2018, I was surprised when I hopped off the bleachers with skin resembling a crocodile. I had never had an allergic reaction in my life before, so I was confused when my chest was red and completely covered in welts and hives. Months later, my doctor revealed that I have a condition called Solar Urticaria that is incurable. When exposed to the sun, my mast cells react, creating hives that itch. It randomly developed one day, and after fourteen years of never avoiding the sun, I knew there would be some change in my life. Because I live in Washington, I thought my condition would rarely impact my life. Other than during the summer, it is usually rainy or cloudy. I was initially very optimistic about how I would navigate life after my diagnosis, but the reality was not so simple. In the summer, I cannot swim during the day, wear summer clothing, or go outside without shade or covering. Some days during different seasons, the sun randomly appears or pokes through clouds, and I have to avoid it. I now know that the sun appears more frequently than I thought before. I take certain precautions, like carrying an umbrella, wearing clothes that cover me, and taking prescribed medication. However, none of these work completely. When I am inevitably exposed to the sun, I return to the shade and slowly wait for my reaction to go away. I have learned to cover myself as much as possible and try not to let my condition affect how I view life, and I am grateful that I can still find ways to enjoy myself, even on sunny days. I have not let my condition affect my pursuit of activism. After the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, I felt a calling to speak up for social justice. I was invited to speak at the Teacher’s for BLM march in Tacoma, Washington, in August of 2020, and although it was outside, it was an event that I would not miss. Learning the history of human behavior and societal structures has always inspired my self-reflection and desire to create change. Specifically, I am passionate about racial injustice and how it affects women of color. As a BIPOC woman, I have experienced misogyny and racism, which has driven me to be an advocate for people like myself. I hope to study how the roots of racism in America intersect with sexism to me to help disrupt these systems in the future. Despite the obstacles in my life, I wish to become an influential activist for marginalized communities. I will pursue a political science degree and hopefully continue to graduate school. During my career, I want to lead community events and advocate for policy reform. I plan to help disrupt oppressive systems, and if there is at least one person who benefits from my advocacy, I will be content. Wherever my journey takes me, I will always use my voice to advocate for equity, no matter what difficulties I face.

The widespread curiosity about BIPOC history, mistreatment, and justice led my community to create spaces for me to learn about myself. Learning the history of human behavior and societal structures has always inspired my self-reflection and desire to create change. A specific area I care about is racial injustice and how it affects women of color. As a BIPOC woman, I have experienced misogyny and racism, which led me to question why these disparities exist. I am interested in learning about the roots of racism in America and how it intersects with sexism. My school created an anti-racist library in the summer of 2020. I joined the anti-racist book club during my junior year. I read Women, Race, and Class by Angela Davis and Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings. I learned that women of color, uniquely black women, are affected by colorism, systemic racism, and misogyny. This knowledge shifted my point of view of the world. I noticed microaggressions more often in my daily life and felt the need to address them. I found a community on social media with other young women of color who felt marginalized. I began to post motivational messages for women, signed petitions, and followed activism content on my social media pages. I also promoted black and native-owned businesses to help bring funding to BIPOC communities. Experiencing and witnessing inequity firsthand has motivated me to seek change in the way women of color are viewed and treated in society. I believe that there should be equal representation of women of color as decision-makers, not racial profiles, stereotypes, or objectified figures. I plan to address this issue through my education. I want to learn about the specific causes of misogyny and racism through the lens of gender. With this knowledge, I plan to connect with other women of color to help create change. If given the opportunity to attend university, I would love to influence how BIPOC women are perceived. I plan to achieve this goal by pursuing advocacy. I want to contribute to the social justice movement for BIPOC women. I also want to attend graduate school and become a public speaker, which alone would break stereotypes of how intelligent and well-spoken BIPOC women are. The recent social justice movement has helped me realize that I want to pursue activism. I plan to exceed the expectations of what I am supposed to be and speak about my experiences to change the future for other BIPOC women. The unique intersection of discrimination we face should be understood by all so that we can actively seek change together. I would love the opportunity to speak for and represent BIPOC women so that we live in a safer, kinder, and more equitable society.

Learning the history of human behavior and societal structures has always inspired my self-reflection and desire to create change. A specific area I care about is racial injustice and how it affects women of color. As a BIPOC woman, I have experienced misogyny and racism, which led me to question why these disparities exist. I am interested in learning about the roots of racism in America and how it intersects with sexism. I participated in an anti-racist book club during my junior year. I read Women, Race, and Class by Angela Davis and Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings. I learned that women of color, uniquely black women, are affected by colorism, systemic racism, and misogyny. This knowledge shifted my point of view of the world. I noticed microaggressions more often in my daily life and felt the need to address them. I found a community on social media with other young women of color who felt marginalized. I began to post motivational messages for women, signed petitions, and followed activism content on my social media pages. I also promoted black and native-owned businesses to help bring funding to BIPOC communities. Experiencing and witnessing inequity firsthand has motivated me to seek change in the way women of color are viewed and treated in society. I believe that there should be equal representation of women of color as decision-makers, not racial profiles, stereotypes, or objectified figures. I plan to address this issue through my education. I want to learn about the specific causes of misogyny and racism through the lens of gender. With this knowledge, I plan to connect with other women of color to help create change. If given the opportunity to attend university, I would love to influence how BIPOC women are perceived. I plan to achieve this goal by pursuing advocacy. I then want to attend graduate school and become a public speaker, which alone would break stereotypes of how intelligent BIPOC women are. I want to exceed the expectations of what I am supposed to be and speak about my experiences to change the future for other BIPOC women. The unique intersection of discrimination we face should be understood by all so that we can actively seek change together. I would love the opportunity to speak for and represent BIPOC women so that we live in a safer, kinder, and more equitable society.

Standing on a stage in front of a large crowd of community members was one of my most courageous pursuits. I was invited to speak at the Teachers for BLM protest in Tacoma, Washington, in August 2020. The crowd nodding, clapping, and cheering during my speech assured me that bolstering the courage to speak at the protest was worthwhile. I talked about how microaggressions in the classroom affect BIPOC students and how common phrases can be offensive. Following my speech, I felt the solidarity with other BIPOC students and allies that I had been yearning for since my first year of high school. My value of community and equity motivated my pursuit of understanding systemic change. Growing up in Tacoma, Washington, I was regularly exposed to homelessness, racism, injustice, sexism, and discrimination. I grew angry every time a new BIPOC person was shown attacked or murdered on the news. I felt hopeless until I realized that I could learn how to address these issues through education and experience. My goal is to advocate for social justice because it is vital for America's progression. I want to contribute to organizational change dedicated to serving people in need. Advocating for equity within my community is significant to me because I believe that standing idle in the face of ignorance will not bring change. I plan to learn how to become a stronger advocate for BIPOC people in the future through my education.

Learning the history of human behavior and societal structures has always inspired my self-reflection and desire to create change. Specifically, I care about racial injustice and how it affects women of color. As a BIPOC woman, I have experienced misogyny and racism, which led me to question why these disparities exist. Learning about the roots of racism in America and how it intersects with sexism is important to me to help disrupt these systems. I participated in an anti-racist book club my junior year. We read Women, Race, and Class by Angela Davis and Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings. I learned that women of color, uniquely Black women, are affected by colorism, systemic racism, and misogyny. This knowledge shifted my view of the world. Discussing my experiences with misogyny and racism with other BIPOC women created a community in my school. I learned about the roots of discrimination and how it exists in the world today. I realized that I want to continue finding community and empowering BIPOC women because I believe that standing idle in the face of ignorance will not bring change. Through my time at college, I want to explore the history of racism through the lens of gender in pursuit of equity and empowering activism. With this knowledge, I aim to one day use my voice to help improve the way BIPOC women are treated.

As a Guamanian, Panamanian, Syrian, and Black young woman, I have developed an appreciation of my identity, which has helped me better understand the needs of others and how to advocate for them. In the past, my diverse ethnic background made me question if my identity was valid. This misunderstanding caused me to resent that part of myself. I felt insecure not knowing each culture’s native language, food, or tradition. My peers had built ethnic friend groups that I never fit in with, which made me feel like an outcast. I ignored and hid my background until I realized that I was keeping myself from forming new relationships and truly understanding myself. My insecurity transformed into curiosity. I began to reach out to my family members and friends about my culture. I learned about my great-great grandfather’s Syrian sword dance, how to make Guamanian finadene sauce and Spanish rice, and some Chamorro and Spanish phrases as well. I accepted that being mixed with multiple ethnicities was not a curse but a gift from which I could learn. Through the support of my family, friends, and online research, I learned about myself and grew more confident. Instead of frantically listing every aspect of myself when someone had asked, I spoke confidently about each culture with pride. I was no longer afraid of not knowing the full scope of my identity. I began to research the history of my people, which led me to the oppression that they were subjected to. It became clear that the effects of colonization, discrimination, and injustice were still lingering in America. I sought community with other BIPOC students at my school to discuss inequality in education. After I used the communication skills that I gained, I presented student concerns to the staff at my school. Through these discussions, I developed the ability to lead and advocate for student issues. Building community is something I believe I am capable of in any social group that I participate in. I have learned how to initiate and encourage conversations about change. I enjoy supporting others by listening to their opinions and advocating for their beliefs. I want to participate in my community by using and building my social networking, communication, and adaptability skills. I have never been confined to one ethnic group, which I appreciate since it has taught me how to reach out to others, build confidence in myself, and create change. Finding comfort in my identity has been a rewarding process that has gifted me with knowledge of different cultures and how to work with others. I am grateful for the skills that the journey of understanding my identity has brought me. I will continue to learn about my unique cultures and build relationships with others so that I can collaborate on change for the future.

This was me at the Teachers for BLM protest before my speech. I was nervous, but my voice was heard. I have learned a lot from this event. I am grateful that so many teachers recognize the flawed education system and stand with students like me. Black history is American history and the two can not be separated. I have so much more to learn about the mistreatment and injustice that BIPOC like myself, have faced. I will continue to further my knowledge and dig deeper than the euphemisms in my history books. I will learn the truth and educate.