1.Favorite Quote?
“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.”- Cesar Chavez
2.Why did you join the MYC?
I joined the Multnomah Youth Commission to gain a deeper awareness of social inequalities as well as to grow as a leader, speaker, and worker with multiple youth. To me, the MYC was a place that would help shift my perspective in various ways. I knew I would learn about so many people and issues in my community. I also knew that it’d be a challenge for me to express myself- as a person that is more of a listener at times. However, I wanted to become someone that not only listens, but also acts and expresses their ideas. Due to these goals, I decided to join the MYC my junior year of high school.
In addition, my sister, Erika, was a huge motivation for me to join seeing that she was an MYCer for quite some time. Seeing her in action pushed forth in me a new way of critical thinking that I am very grateful for. If it weren’t for her, I probably wouldn’t have become as passionate about social justice as I am today.
3.What is one goal you have for the next year on the MYC?
The MYC has already done so much to help my development by fostering a welcoming, powerful, and diverse environment. This year I aim to challenge myself as a leader. I aim to serve as one of many examples to my fellow new MYCers and to grow alongside them, learning of their perspectives on issues within our community. Above all I will work towards getting to know more people as we move to address and work towards eliminating problems in the City of Portland and Multnomah County.