Lily Coral

Hi Kevin! I really admire how your work supports rural communities! I also resonate with what you shared about the differences between your LiA and your research experience. I love the long process of basic science research and discovery: the creativity of design, the evolving discussion about variables of study; and it is often markedly different from doing nonprofit work. There is something incredibly special about doing work that has direct community impact, in conjunction with research like what the Laidlaw Program offers. What was the most fulfilling part of your project?

Hi Elaheh! I love how you describe your research coming to life in such a multifaceted way from diving deeper into policy and history, to supporting survivors of domestic violence, to providing education about women's health. I also love your storytelling lunches with your colleagues. That sounds like such a fulfilling and supportive work environment!

Hey Anjelica! Queen, this brought back so many memories! I really resonate with your nervousness on the first day of programming. I felt the exact same way for my first poetry class. I loved making art and music with you and with the kids. This post reminded me of one Friday when we put big pieces of butcher paper on the House 1 tables and made art all together. First it was just the younger kids, then across the hours, the older kids started arriving. It was such a beautiful moment of peace after all the chaos of the day. I got to see the kids express themselves outside of their structured programs and talk to kids I didn't get to see in my usual programming. And at the end, we had this beautiful art assemblage of artwork from ages 3-20 (I contributed a drawing myself). Right next to me in that moment, you were there. I'm so grateful to have shared these experiences with you and hold them in our collective memory. I think you were giving college/career advice to one of the teens at the time, and it shows your commitment to education. I love how we were able to do two very different activities in the same space, both of which created dialogues about the kids' dreams in different ways.

I love your approach to having conversations in your community, by centering active listening. I feel like beyond what you already said, you're supporting the agency of the people you work with by creating a space that emphasizes choice about how they want to present themselves and what they want to share. This work sounds incredibly empowering. 

Hi Audrea! It was so amazing hearing about your first hike ever! That's such a wonderful achievement. It looks so beautiful on the mountain! How long was the hike? I really relate with what you said about New York walking culture, and I love walking around the city. NYC is the most walkable place I've ever been, and I think traveling more has given me a greater appreciation for that. I also love your 'unconventional tourism,' and you've inspired me to look for more unconventional things to do when I get back to the city.

Thank you so much!

Your work sounds really impactful, and I love the way that you serve your community in the Youth Leadership Council by leaning on your own experiences, while still preserving your humility. I especially resonate with the fear that focusing on difficult topics will lead to hopelessness. But I think that the fact you're asking these difficult questions shows how much you care about your students' dreams, and that care is a form of hope. Looking forward to hearing more from you soon.

Thank you so much Elizabeth! So grateful to be here together, you inspire me.