I feel a sense of pride looking back at my spring semester self. I was nervous to find a summer experience and wasn’t sure if I would be able to get one that fit my interests or an experience that I was truly excited about. However, as I wrap up my experience and transition into the fall semester I look back on my experience with pride about how much I was able to accomplish through running my Affordable Textbooks campaign as well as all of the skills I’ve learned as a result. In total, 120 students participated in the Civic Leadership Trainings and Bootcamps which I assisted in running throughout the summer. Additionally, I strengthened connections with Senator Durbin’s office and OpenStax to make partnerships that could truly contribute to helping make textbooks more accessible for all students. Leading a team of 15 students has given me the confidence in knowing I can successfully organize and lead a team with a common goal. My original interests in student activism and my feelings towards it have not changed but rather have strengthened. I experienced firsthand how students coming together for a cause can create real change and hope to continue doing this kind of work in the future. For my CapStone and fall plans, I hope to explore my interest in more depth and use the skills I have learned this summer to successfully navigate being a student leader on campus.
Here is my current CapStone Outline. Although I would like to note it is still in its early stages out editing as I am also rewriting my Literature Review as I want it to focus on a different aspect of my fellowship.
Introduction
This past summer I volunteered as a fellow for Student PIRGs, a nonprofit advocacy group that works to solve issues that are especially important to students. As a fellow, I ran the Affordable Textbooks campaign, where I employed a variety of tactics to raise awareness and support for the Affordable College Textbooks Act. My fellowship duties included identifying students who would be helpful to have on our campaign team and recruiting them, running weekly campaign, leadership, and fellows meetings, and working in partnership with various organizations such as Senator Durbin’s office and OpenStax, the largest contributor to Open Educational Resources in America. Additionally, I organized events that helped students begin participating in student advocacy, such as hosting lobbying workshops, civic leadership training courses covering a variety of subjects, and trainings on how to become an activist on campus for students who want to take action going into the new school year.
Literature Review: Currently Editing
Methods
I explored my interest of student activism through direct participation. I spearheaded various tactics, from organizing events and workshops to collaborating with influential organizations, thereby gaining practical insights into the mechanisms of enacting change within a student community. These efforts allowed me to harness my passion for education and equitable access to resources, channeling them into actionable steps. Interacting with like-minded peers and seasoned activists, I gleaned diverse perspectives and strategies that enriched my approach to activism. Regular meetings and networking events facilitated knowledge-sharing and empowered me to refine my leadership and communication skills, pivotal aspects of effective activism.
Discussion
Participating in a civic leadership fellowship has been an enlightening journey that has reshaped my perception of student activism. Initially, I held the misconception that becoming a student activist required an overwhelming level of expertise and resources. However, through my fellowship experience, I’ve come to realize that the path to effective activism is accessible and achievable. Engaging in hands-on initiatives, such as collaborating with diverse organizations and spearheading advocacy campaigns, has shown me that passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn are the true cornerstones of impactful activism.
Conclusion
My involvement in the civic leadership fellowship has left an indelible mark on my perspective, igniting a fervent desire to sustain my activism journey throughout college. Witnessing the tangible impact of my efforts during the fellowship, I’ve developed an unwavering belief in the power of collective action to bring about meaningful change. This experience has illuminated the potential for me, as a student activist, to contribute to the betterment of my college community and beyond. The fellowship has not only deepened my understanding of the issues I care about but has also equipped me with invaluable skills in communication, networking, and strategic planning. These tools, coupled with the camaraderie and shared purpose among fellow activists, have solidified my commitment to continue this work.
HSF House Blogs 