Video Reflection Compilation
During the second two months of the program, one of our assignments was to complete video reflections based on that week's questions and topic. Here, I put together a compilation of those reflections, highlighting some of the quotes I thought as noteworthy and gave a great sense of what the program meant to me.
One thing that I’ve learned that has really stuck with me is that as researchers, we need to be allies to these communities, not leaders. We need to be in support of their work and continually support them along the way.
I think this idea also includes the importance of simple things such as kindness, positivity, and good will in community engagement. Although the work is essential, the relationships and connections are what are far-reaching and meaningful.
This program has taught me that while being an engaged citizen can be time and effort consuming, it is important to be present at community meetings and events to offer your own inputs, knowledge, and skills to become a part of that positive change yourself.
I hope that I will leave behind an impact on the communities and individuals that I’ve been in contact and grown a connection with. I hope that I left behind some of my knowledge about sustainability and civic engagement that the community and MSU students can work with in the future.
When I get back to the States, I want to use this knowledge and experience to work with more groups at home that could use my support. I want to use it to fuel my passion in my studies and future experiences with community-based work.