SERVICES & PROJECTS
International service project
I accompanied 35 students on a trip to the Dominican Republic. Together, we participated in a volunteer project to install water filtration systems in order to ensure safe drinking water for the local community, as well as to help protect the environment and reduce the presence of limescale and other minerals. As a servant leader, this experience was deeply meaningful as it allowed me to use my agricultural skills and talents to make a positive impact in a community that lacks basic necessities. It also sparked important discussions and reflections about the possibility of continuing similar work in other countries.
Orphanage
Ninos De Cristo is situated in the Dominican Republic and serves as an orphanage. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a staggering two hundred thousand children were left orphaned. Witnessing the devastation caused by the hurricane and the resulting impact on the children, I felt compelled to take action. I formed a connection with several teenage girls and ultimately decided to sponsor them. Drawing from my experience as a foster parent in the United States, I understand the significance of providing a stable home and support system, which ultimately paves the way for a brighter future for these children.
Castile's protest
I organized a demonstration with a coalition of local residents, acquaintances, and fellow citizens to voice our opposition to the decision that acquitted the law enforcement officer of the killing of Philando Castile. I emphasized to each participant the extensive, appalling legacy of Black individuals being unjustly killed by those entrusted with the duty to safeguard and support our neighborhoods using public funds, and stressed the importance of advocating for legislative reform through thoughtful action.
Curriculum modification with Mayor Carter
After applying Dr. Revs' CLEAR model, I crafted an inclusive curriculum that reflects the diversity of our students, collaborating with educators and school leaders to establish the key components of an equitable lesson plan. Upon reviewing the MN standards, I found that BIPOC literature was not integrated into the curriculum, Indigenous people's contributions were overlooked, the various languages spoken in Minnesota communities were not adequately represented, and several other essential aspects were missing. I delved deeper into the framework and restructured it to be inclusive for all classrooms and proposed it to Mayor Carter and his team that later partnered with St. Thomas University.