Work

Beliefs and Actions Around Sustainability Present Major Disconnect at Wake Forest University

Fall 2019

As a component of my introduction to journalism class, I wrote an article about the student, faculty, and staff reaction to Wake Forest University receiving a Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). In my article, I created a contrast in viewpoints between the university’s administration and students across all grades and disciples. Some students told me that they would strongly consider dropping any course if they found out they had to learn about climate change while other students felt that the school needed to put their money where their mouth is and include climate change and sustainability in all of their classes. Interestingly enough, the same contrast was apparent in faculty. Some thought that the school was pretending as if climate change and sustainability is not something that students should be prepared for; other faculty, especially those who taught in the business school, did not want to include climate change or sustainability in any of their course curriculum.

Latin Alumni Golden Roman Check-In Program Reflection

Spring 2020

My reflection is the first example that reflects a deep engagement in a different discourse community. In the spring of 2020 after Wake Forest University sent their students home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself with a few hours of extra time each day. With additional time, I reached out to the director of the alumni office at my high school to see if they had any opportunities to volunteer. The Alumni Office was in the process of attempting to connect with the oldest alumni, specifically those who graduated between 1937 and 1952. The main objective of the program was to provide personal contact with older and isolated alumni by brightening their days and offer support to those who may be physically or emotionally suffering. 
Throughout the program, I conducted over one-hundred outreach calls. While I was unable to reach many alumni, I was fortunate enough to be able to express comfort and assistance to those who I spoke with. Some of the most enjoyable conversations I had were with the alumni who graduated before the school transitioned into a co-ed environment. In other instances, I spoke with family members and caregivers of older alumni. These conversations were challenging, especially those who mentioned that the alumnus I was trying to reach was sick and suffering greatly.