Major
I’m a political science major with a minor in legal studies, and I’m also working toward a second major in philosophy with a concentration in law and policy.
Year
Class of 2027
Where are you from?
I’m from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Explain your involvement with Dialogue Across Difference.
I’ve taken every DxD course except one, so it’s been a big part of my time at WashU. Honestly, I first signed up because I saw it involved politics, and I love politics. After my first class, my professor, who’s now my advisor, encouraged me to keep going, and I’m really glad I did. I ended up loving it, and it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience.
Can you tell me about a moment in DxD when you heard a perspective that challenged your own assumptions?
The moment that stands out most was in my interfaith class. I’ve always avoided talking about faith because, in my experience, it usually leads to conflict. But in that class, when I actually sat down and focused on understanding what the other person was trying to say instead of bracing for disagreement, it really opened up my mind. What I took away is that a lot of the conflict I expected came from not really listening, not from the beliefs themselves.
What’s one lesson or skill from DxD that you now use in your daily life?
The biggest skill I use is listening to understand rather than to respond. Before, I’d be thinking about how to defend myself or how to get out of the conversation. Now I try to figure out what the other person actually means first, whether that’s in class, with friends or with family.