Mapping Impact

By: Frances Alicea

Myself

• By exercising 2-3 times a week, walking to school, and eating nutritious food are ways that take care of myself. I also enjoy watching TV and body cam footage. I do this as a way to relax and wind down. I go to therapy, and I try to make sure I don’t stretch myself too thin. Journaling is also another way I wind down, as it helps me organize my thoughts and analyze my feelings. I still enjoy being involved in politics and the news because I believe it’s a privilege not to have to worry about the news. Therefore, I try to educate myself about policies and ongoing issues to avoid the ignorant American stereotype.
• I talk with my mom at least once a week. My mom has always been a rock for me, but during college, it has become more apparent. 
• Taking time to sleep and rest. Also, I keep myself accountable with my schoolwork. It’s easy in college to fall behind and distract yourself, so it’s important not to seek instant gratification

My inner circle

• Responding to texts and calls (I used to be bad at that)
• Telling stories and reaching out to just tell my friends that I miss them, or I want to hang out.
• By listening and doing favors for my friends without expecting anything in return
• Respecting and listening to boundaries or problems that a friend may have
• I got a cat in October, and it feels good to care for something and have something to love me. I didn’t expect college to make me ‘motherly,’ but it has. It gives me a sense of routine and a reason to be better

My community

• I try to learn people’s names in my classes and facts about them. I volunteer outside of class, and I am doing research with UROP to determine how AI can benefit undergrads with disabilities. I am also involved in PRSA, and I’m serving as the community service chair for them. This is important to me because I can be a part of something that contributes to my identity and also serves my community. I think I have a strong sense of community since I have always been close with my peers.

The World

• I try to help the world by recycling, educating myself on what is going on throughout it. I have a strong moral compass and I use it to guide me and make decisions about the world around me.
• I love exploring everything Mother Nature has to offer and taking care of her back. I have always been an empathic person, even since I was a child, so I have had to try not to let my emotions guide me all the time, because carrying everyone’s pain will only hurt me.
• I am constantly learning from others, school, and my community about other cultures, people, and other schools of thought. Throughout my learning process, I have learned how to be respectful about others’ ideas and beliefs without sacrificing my own.