Posted on November 28, 2022
Major: Architecture and Planning
Project: I am hoping to learn how to best give these resources out to local towns and maybe even get a stronger engagement with the people in each neighborhood! I am currently researching how best to engage people to come together, as well as talk with government agencies with a powerful voice.
Inspiration: I was shocked to learn how many people did not know about redlining and the systemic issues that shaped where people live in this state. Many don’t know about the resources they have so they aren’t forced to move, and I want more regulation on the amount of gentrification that has been happening to Coloradans.
Future Plans: I hope to slow the ongoing displacement happening and raise awareness of the devastating impacts it has on the economy and local people.
Posted on November 28, 2022
Major: Music – Recording Arts Emphasis
Minor: Music Industry Studies
Project: My project is centered around psychology and helping incarcerated individuals with self-care and mental health. I plan to introduce Mutual Aid Self/Social Therapy, or MAST, to prison populations. MAST is essentially group therapy without having to pay for a therapist, rather you utilize friends and colleagues. It utilizes methods from psychology such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which explores the intricate relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. MAST was originally developed by social activists as a way for oppressed people to practice self-care and improve mental health. I am developing a training to show to willing participants, and I plan to be the proctor for these MAST sessions for incarcerated individuals.
Inspiration: There are numerous racial disparities in the criminal justice and mental health systems. I hope that MAST will provide a way around these systems and improve incarcerated individuals’ mental health. As a former psychology major and as someone with multiple mental health diagnoses, I know just how helpful learning more about one’s mind can be. I believe that MAST will provide incarcerated people with helpful tools to use during incarceration and reentry alike.
Future Goals: I plan to be a mental health advocate and help break the stigma around mental health in all that I do. Even with my music major, I plan to be a producer and provide artists with a platform to share their stories while promoting their well-being. As for my project, I plan to continue working until MAST is implemented as an integral part of rehabilitation and incarceration.
Posted on November 28, 2022
Major: Construction Management, Minor in Business
Project: Finding a possibility of reusing construction material rather than it just being thrown out. Anything from drywall, and plywood to cabinets, and more, etc. After the material is damaged, just barely or even left over. A lot of times it is thrown out rather than saved or recycled.
Inspiration: I began working construction in September 2021 and was surprised when they’d tell me, “just throw it out”, and it could be material that was still good for a purpose. Maybe not at the time, but eventually it could have been used or rather donated somewhere to be used.
Future Goals: I’d like to reach out to an organization that has begun doing such things already, One I have found in the Denver area is “Perks Deconstruction”, which focuses on salvaging material during demolitions. I’d like to work alongside a group such as theirs to help push the thought of saving material even more.
Posted on November 28, 2022
Major: Studio Art
Project: I hope to develop a project to celebrate, protect, and project the voices, identities, and stories of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC people through the arts and literature. I would also love to explore this with a focus on Arab/Arab American identities.
Inspiration: I have always navigated the world through stories. Whether through books, movies, cartoons, or graphic novels I have been able to make the experience of my world richer by indulging in the creativity and stories of people from all stretches of life even if I was just at home. Art is powerful and it has moved me to care for so much of our world and I hope that I can contribute to that so that our world can be more compassionate, fun, and equitable.
Future Plans: I hope that whatever work I choose to do helps strengthen communities, fights against erasure, and moves LGBTQ+ and BIPOC resistance and pride forward.
Posted on November 28, 2022
Major: Real Estate and Built Environment
Project: This year I truly want to focus on helping incoming first-generation college students with the college process! I am trying to find an internship that will help me connect with these students, I am focusing on the Denver Public School district because of its high rate of first-generation students! I also plan to increase my DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) work here at the University of Denver. I have seen many different situations that have negatively impacted the students of color and latino/a communities and I plan to raise awareness for such an uneducated student body and faculty.
Inspiration: As a first-generation student myself, I want to help others figure out their pathway to/ with college. The whole college process was very difficult for me and I had to go through it alone because it was something new for myself and both of my parents. It was stressful and overwhelming and I hope to take those feelings away for other students in the same circumstance.
Future Plans: I hope to help as many students as I can figure out how to fill out all different kinds of college documents, apply to colleges, sign up for campus tours, and ultimately help them figure out their next steps after high school.
Posted on November 28, 2022
Major: Finance
Project: My goal is to ensure that youth from all backgrounds have equal access to physical and outdoor education. Inspired by the principles instilled in me at the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (RMSEL), which places a strong emphasis on outdoor education, I aim to partner with organizations to expand access to such programs. By collaborating with institutions like RMSEL and advocating for resources, including scholarships and inclusive programming, I strive to make outdoor education more accessible to underserved communities.
Inspiration: Growing up attending RMSEL, I developed a profound appreciation for the transformative power of outdoor education. From hiking to environmental stewardship, these experiences not only shaped my worldview but also fostered invaluable skills and connections to nature. I am motivated to extend these opportunities to all youth, regardless of their background, ensuring that every child can benefit from the joys and lessons of outdoor education.
Future Goals: My vision involves working closely with organizations and schools, leveraging my financial background to secure funding and support for initiatives that promote equitable access to physical and outdoor education. By advocating for policies and partnerships that prioritize inclusivity and affordability, I aspire to pave the way for a future where every young person has the chance to explore, learn, and grow in the great outdoors.
Posted on November 28, 2022
Major: Psychology & Gender and Sexuality Studies
Project: I am currently working with a few different organizations in Colorado to create safe spaces for LGBT and BIPOC youth and allies to learn and gain access to resources. I’ve also started my own art business where I donate proceeds to local organizations that amplify QTBIPOC voices and share resources like transition funds and clothing swaps that are helpful for those in need. Here is my website for my art business that supports local orgs! artloveshard.square.site
Inspiration: I grew up with my grandparents who immigrated to the US during the Vietnam War. Because of this, I didn’t have access to the education and support that I needed as a queer transgender man and it made growing up really hard for me. Through an online community of Trans and queer individuals, I was able to get the support I needed to be able to be the most authentic version of myself and knew I wanted to do the same for others.
Future Plans: I hope to create safe places for youth to gain the knowledge and support they need to be the best versions of themselves. Finding ways to make healthcare (both mental and physical) more accessible, connecting with the community, and sharing resources that are helpful, but hidden, are my big goals
Posted on December 31, 2021
Major: Social Work, Spanish
Project: Spreading awareness of various issues and resources in the Denver area through social media while sparking conversations of critical reflection.
Inspiration: Volunteering at food banks has allowed me to see the different kinds of people that are struggling, even within the small town where I come from where I thought everybody was financially stable. It makes me want to help these people live comfortably and safely.
Future Goals: I want to get more funding put towards homeless shelters in Denver or other major resources that they could use day-to-day.
Posted on December 31, 2021
Major: Social Work
Project: I would like to maintain and expand my non-profit, JWB Recovery, which provides free support, treatment, and field trips for anyone struggling with addiction as well as their friends and family.
Inspiration: I have lost two uncles to addiction and have several other family members who have struggled.
Future Goals: I hope to educate the community and work to de-stigmatize addiction while providing accessible, successful treatment options.
Please visit jwbrecovery.com for more information
Posted on December 31, 2021
Major: Computer Science and Minors in Math and Marketing
Project: Currently, I am an IT-Coordinator at a non profit organization- College Track. As the co-facilitator of Apple Bites, I work with high-school freshman in planning, designing, coding, prototyping, and marketing their mobile apps. I am also involved in the STEM Mentorship program that partners with WHS to provide highschool seniors resources, support, and mentorship in their desired career goals, throughout the year.
Inspiration: What inspired me was seeing how different someone else’s life is because of circumstances they cannot change. I would like to see everyone given the chance to succeed in a way where people aren’t already set up to fail.
Future Goals: With my community engagement work, I hope to see more students of color or students who want to be given a chance, in higher education. Also, I hope to see more students venturing out into career fields they never thought existed.
