This outcome assesses the student’s ability to use their academic knowledge to plan, design, implement and evaluate programs and interventions that advance MICA’s mission on campus. The goal was for the COSI to demonstrate ways in which their learning stemming from their active engagement in an academic program of study can be applied to creating inclusive and affirming environments for diverse college students.

Spring 2020:

For my spring semester, I am currently taking a class on multicultural psychology, which I have found has a lot of connections to the work our office does. We examine various types of oppression and aggression that people face based on their gender, race, sexuality, age, ability, etc., and look at what sorts of cultural/political elements of society cause these injustices, and how we can counteract them in our daily life, and on a larger scale. 

This class has been helpful in building my vocabulary around multicultural issues, and putting names to phenomena and techniques I had already been exposed to at the office. It has been very valuable in not only illuminating different experiences, but providing steps to improve the experience of others without overstepping boundaries, etc. 

Fall 2019:

This semester, in one of my major classes, I have had the opportunity to see some really impactful and eye-opening performances throughout the D.C. area that tackle issues of race and intersectionality that are often ignored or overlooked in today's society. Particularly, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company put on two amazing shows: Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Aleshea Harris's ritual What to Send Up When It Goes Down.

Fairview was an excellent commentary on how anti-blackness in America can take many forms, and the different ways these forms cause harm. It addresses the damages of stereotypes on people of color, and the rewriting of narratives to fit generalizing notions. It also focused on a character who was a young, gay woman of color, and how the intersectionality of her identity meant that parts of her were "lost" or overlooked in the story, which is a struggle many LGBTQ people of color face. 

What to Send Up When It Goes Down was a remarkable ritual that dealt with anti-black violence in America, and encourages healing and progress following events of police brutality. Attending the ritual really opened my eyes to new ways of being a good ally to people of color, as I have often struggled with wanting to make a difference, but not wanting to take the space/sound that someone else needs to do so.  

These experiences reminded me of the profound impact art and performance can have on people. It is an entirely unique way of informing people and inspiring change, and can be incredibly useful in promoting inclusivity. I have new ideas of methods that could reach different audiences and teach in new way.