Hello, hello, Honors Portfolio!
Wow, I haven’t seen you in a long time. I have to admit, I dropped the ball on carving our time to reflect these past 6 months or so… But I have a few hours. And better late than never, right?
These past 6 months have been life changing to say the least—and in a twisted way, this is not unique to me. We have all been through a global pandemic, a racial reckoning and new civil rights movement, and a wave of elections-- which at this point aren’t over due to the senate run-offs in Georgia (the later of the two specifically the United States). That being said, I truly feel like a different person.
I am excited to return to this space. I need to make written reflection a priority again. In pursuing this, I am happy to share that I’ve been selected for the Husky Leadership Certificate (HLC) cohort. Part of the Husky Leadership Initiative, the HLC focuses on the often forgotten part of leadership: reflection. Now, onto the portfolio prompts...
Monday, December 7: Think/Write about the many ways your college experience this quarter was different from past quarters because of COVID-19, social distancing guidelines, and remote education. If this is your first quarter, you can compare this quarter to your expectations of what starting college would be like. Are there any changes (new ways of thinking, self-care or hobbies, ways of connecting with others, etc.) that occurred because of the pandemic that you want to continue even when we return to ‘normal life’?
In February I was torn between three opportunities for the summer of 2020: an internship through The Washington Center in Washington, D.C., The School of the New York times in Manhattan, and working full-time at Common Power.
But, in February, after attending a Trump rally on the last day of a civic tour with Common Power South Carolina, I knew I had to do more for this election. A longer reflection regarding this decision can be found on my portfolio in the corresponding quarter (Winter 2020). All this to say, I chose Common Power. And shortly after decided to take Autumn quarter off to see the election through. So, in some ways, my college experience this quarter was different for that reason first. My work experience; however, was much different than planned.
Before COVID-19, Common Power volunteers traveled across the country to our states of focus. When CP volunteers arrive, they serve as volunteers for local partner organizations’—we follow their lead. My original job was as a manager of logistics and travel for our 18 teams—at the time were likely to increase (not in states, but in state per Team). Obviously, this all changed, but it definitely didn’t slow.
In June, when I received my job offer and my position went from intern to full-time staff and my official title went from Fieldwork Associate to Admin Coordinator. My work had the following “buckets”: tracking all elements of the organization’s scheduling, administrative leadership of team-based organizational support, general support of CP fieldwork and advocacy, and donor thank you letters and cards.
After a summer of working at home, I was eager for September 1st when it was finally time to move into a house with a group of friends. Although I let some good habits slide (like running every day) I retained many (morning/night routine, practicing Spanish, getting up early to accomplish things before work), and gained skills too (cooking, cleaning, managing my budget). It was great to be around my friends again. The dynamic given that I wasn’t in school was certainly different. I wasn’t all that great at pulling myself out of my own little planet, but have been working on that.
Overall, I’ve certainly gained perspective and become more empathetic thanks to COVID-19. I’ve slowed down, had time to think more about how I am and how I want to be.
Tuesday, December 8: What classes and/or RSOs have you heard about and find intriguing, but not yet tried? Is there anything stopping you from trying it out? Does the idea of joining next quarter make you excited/nervous/scared? How come?
My lack of involvement in RSOs is something I am disappointed in myself for. Freshman year I rushed a sorority and was completely consumed. I took on leadership positions in organizations, but all “Greek” affiliated—Delta Gamma Director of Lectureship, Green Greeks Representative Program Lighting Implementation Leader, and President of the Panhellenic Leadership Council. It wasn’t until my mom introduced me into Common Power and I was rejected from the Panhellenic Association Executive Board that I realized I was going through the motions. Applying for things I thought I should, doing things I thought I should.
When COVID-19 hit I was forced to take a hard look at my life, the things I was part of, the people I was associated with—and thought deeply about how I needed to be better. This Autumn, even though I was off campus, I joined the Honors Community Ambassador Program. I’ve truly enjoyed the Honors program and want to give back. I also would like to look into more RSOs doing organization work, especially those that advocate for black and brown lives such as UW Black Student Union or UW Black Lives Matter. I want to walk the walk.
In all honesty, it’s been hard for me to get excited about much beyond my work with Common Power. I would describe the past year or so as purgatory. If I want to do something I can’t or it's online and it doesn’t feel the same. But, I can’t stand still forever, and am finally kicking myself back into DRIVE.
Course-wise, I am nervous to take my QSR (lol), but am interested in a math class that with a lens of one of my interests: proportional representation—you can read more on my POL S Honors application (see Autumn 2020). A friend of mine, from Action Academy (the 12-week summer program I helped develop as part of my internship with CPFuture), recommended it to me. Next quarter I am excited to continue spending most of my time working; however, I am excited to take part in the HLC (mentioned in portfolio prompts intro) and a government mentorship program. I am excited to develop mentor relationships through both of these programs and intend to use these opportunities wisely.
Wednesday, December 9: Write about the biggest challenges you’ve faced this quarter. Please remember to be gentle with yourself, and take some time to acknowledge your perseverance and resilience. All of us face challenges and we all make mistakes. Now, think about ways that you can prevent these challenges from recurring in the future or mitigate their effects. Jot down what you feel might be some actionable strategies for each challenge.
The biggest challenge this quarter is my sense of hopelessness. It was hard for me to feel happy or excited about things. When I wasn’t working, I spent much of this time inside my head. Sometimes it was beneficial, but other times it was unhealthy. I’ve felt angry, scared, and overall anxious. This drove down my motivation and I found myself, for one of the first times in my life, lost with no direction. I felt as though I was floating in space. Nothing I could do would change much so why do anything?
It’s not easy to get out of those places, and it certainly isn’t linear, but I focused on the small things at first: a good sandwich, a thoughtful text, a pretty tree. I think practicing gratefulness is one of the most important things I can do. I also know that running really helps reduce my anxiety. One big “to-do” I have is establishing a heathy exercise routine at my house
Other challenges + actionable strategies:
Thursday, December 11: Think about the many identities you hold including but not limited to your race/ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, ability, citizenship status, and socioeconomic status. Choose one identity, ideally one you don’t think much about. Click here, and take your time reading through the set of questions that corresponds with the identity you chose. Be honest with yourself, and reflect on how the experience made you feel. What questions stood out to you? How will you continue educating yourself on the identity you chose? How can you better support people within a marginalized group?
After looking at the various sections given by the link I decided to go through “White Race, Ethnicity, and Culture Privilege”. Now if you’ve looked at any of my photos you may be confused. “As an adopted Chinese daughter with two white moms”-- you have no idea how many times I’ve written that sentence. My unconventional background has never been easy, but the past few years and 2020 especially have forced me to think more about it.
White Race, Ethnicity, and Culture Privilege
I’ve never taken a lot of time to learn about my identity. My mom has been pushing me to watch “One Child Nation”. I think that’s a good start. I also want to continue to learn about my privileges.
We can better support people within a marginalized group by listening to them, by supporting them, and by respecting them. That means taking advantage of the resources out there (don’t bother an individual with unwanted questions), support with authors, artists, and restaurants, and know when you need to step back.
Friday, December 12: Make a list of the people in your life who genuinely support you, and who you can genuinely trust. Now, how are you going to make time to show them how much they mean to you (while following social distancing guidelines of course!)?
I write handwritten cards every holiday season to show appreciation for people in my life! I also want to put a lot of extra thought into gifts I purchase for them. Most of all; however, for those that I can I want to spend quality time with.
And now that your reflection skills are all warmed up, take a bit more time and consider the variety of things that you might put in your Honors portfolio from this past quarter!
Did you apply for a new job? Write a personal statement? Apply for a scholarship or research position? Apply for Departmental Honors? All materials from written applications can be wonderful for your portfolio. They often capture goals, accomplishments, and exciting moments in time.
Did you visit a new place in Seattle? Spend your first holiday away from family? Live in a new location? These are all milestones with stories in them and might be wonderful ways to personalize your narrative.
Did you write a paper you were particularly proud of? Complete a tough presentation? Ace or absolutely bomb a test? Academic achievements and challenges are always great pieces to your undergraduate story!
Wow, I haven’t seen you in a long time. I have to admit, I dropped the ball on carving our time to reflect these past 6 months or so… But I have a few hours. And better late than never, right?
These past 6 months have been life changing to say the least—and in a twisted way, this is not unique to me. We have all been through a global pandemic, a racial reckoning and new civil rights movement, and a wave of elections-- which at this point aren’t over due to the senate run-offs in Georgia (the later of the two specifically the United States). That being said, I truly feel like a different person.
- Physically: my fake lashes are gone, I’ve been growing out a bob that was fresh pre our first shutdown in Seattle
- Mentally: I have thought deeply about my place in this world, how I treat others, what I enjoy doing,
- Spiritually: Even though my rediscovery of my love for yoga was curtailed by the shutdown, I’ve felt more spiritual than ever—I’ve been working on my gratefulness
I am excited to return to this space. I need to make written reflection a priority again. In pursuing this, I am happy to share that I’ve been selected for the Husky Leadership Certificate (HLC) cohort. Part of the Husky Leadership Initiative, the HLC focuses on the often forgotten part of leadership: reflection. Now, onto the portfolio prompts...
Monday, December 7: Think/Write about the many ways your college experience this quarter was different from past quarters because of COVID-19, social distancing guidelines, and remote education. If this is your first quarter, you can compare this quarter to your expectations of what starting college would be like. Are there any changes (new ways of thinking, self-care or hobbies, ways of connecting with others, etc.) that occurred because of the pandemic that you want to continue even when we return to ‘normal life’?
In February I was torn between three opportunities for the summer of 2020: an internship through The Washington Center in Washington, D.C., The School of the New York times in Manhattan, and working full-time at Common Power.
- The Washington Center Internship:
- Nation’s capital—have been wanting to experience D.C., visited area before through Leadership Summit and Georgetown admitted students’ weekend
- Multiple opportunities—exciting
- EXPENSIVE
- The School of the New York Times:
- Journalism? Want to explore
- New York (enough said.)
- Also, expensive
- Common Power:
- Know and love organization
- Wonderful, DIVERSE Team
- Election year
But, in February, after attending a Trump rally on the last day of a civic tour with Common Power South Carolina, I knew I had to do more for this election. A longer reflection regarding this decision can be found on my portfolio in the corresponding quarter (Winter 2020). All this to say, I chose Common Power. And shortly after decided to take Autumn quarter off to see the election through. So, in some ways, my college experience this quarter was different for that reason first. My work experience; however, was much different than planned.
Before COVID-19, Common Power volunteers traveled across the country to our states of focus. When CP volunteers arrive, they serve as volunteers for local partner organizations’—we follow their lead. My original job was as a manager of logistics and travel for our 18 teams—at the time were likely to increase (not in states, but in state per Team). Obviously, this all changed, but it definitely didn’t slow.
In June, when I received my job offer and my position went from intern to full-time staff and my official title went from Fieldwork Associate to Admin Coordinator. My work had the following “buckets”: tracking all elements of the organization’s scheduling, administrative leadership of team-based organizational support, general support of CP fieldwork and advocacy, and donor thank you letters and cards.
After a summer of working at home, I was eager for September 1st when it was finally time to move into a house with a group of friends. Although I let some good habits slide (like running every day) I retained many (morning/night routine, practicing Spanish, getting up early to accomplish things before work), and gained skills too (cooking, cleaning, managing my budget). It was great to be around my friends again. The dynamic given that I wasn’t in school was certainly different. I wasn’t all that great at pulling myself out of my own little planet, but have been working on that.
Overall, I’ve certainly gained perspective and become more empathetic thanks to COVID-19. I’ve slowed down, had time to think more about how I am and how I want to be.
Tuesday, December 8: What classes and/or RSOs have you heard about and find intriguing, but not yet tried? Is there anything stopping you from trying it out? Does the idea of joining next quarter make you excited/nervous/scared? How come?
My lack of involvement in RSOs is something I am disappointed in myself for. Freshman year I rushed a sorority and was completely consumed. I took on leadership positions in organizations, but all “Greek” affiliated—Delta Gamma Director of Lectureship, Green Greeks Representative Program Lighting Implementation Leader, and President of the Panhellenic Leadership Council. It wasn’t until my mom introduced me into Common Power and I was rejected from the Panhellenic Association Executive Board that I realized I was going through the motions. Applying for things I thought I should, doing things I thought I should.
When COVID-19 hit I was forced to take a hard look at my life, the things I was part of, the people I was associated with—and thought deeply about how I needed to be better. This Autumn, even though I was off campus, I joined the Honors Community Ambassador Program. I’ve truly enjoyed the Honors program and want to give back. I also would like to look into more RSOs doing organization work, especially those that advocate for black and brown lives such as UW Black Student Union or UW Black Lives Matter. I want to walk the walk.
In all honesty, it’s been hard for me to get excited about much beyond my work with Common Power. I would describe the past year or so as purgatory. If I want to do something I can’t or it's online and it doesn’t feel the same. But, I can’t stand still forever, and am finally kicking myself back into DRIVE.
Course-wise, I am nervous to take my QSR (lol), but am interested in a math class that with a lens of one of my interests: proportional representation—you can read more on my POL S Honors application (see Autumn 2020). A friend of mine, from Action Academy (the 12-week summer program I helped develop as part of my internship with CPFuture), recommended it to me. Next quarter I am excited to continue spending most of my time working; however, I am excited to take part in the HLC (mentioned in portfolio prompts intro) and a government mentorship program. I am excited to develop mentor relationships through both of these programs and intend to use these opportunities wisely.
Wednesday, December 9: Write about the biggest challenges you’ve faced this quarter. Please remember to be gentle with yourself, and take some time to acknowledge your perseverance and resilience. All of us face challenges and we all make mistakes. Now, think about ways that you can prevent these challenges from recurring in the future or mitigate their effects. Jot down what you feel might be some actionable strategies for each challenge.
The biggest challenge this quarter is my sense of hopelessness. It was hard for me to feel happy or excited about things. When I wasn’t working, I spent much of this time inside my head. Sometimes it was beneficial, but other times it was unhealthy. I’ve felt angry, scared, and overall anxious. This drove down my motivation and I found myself, for one of the first times in my life, lost with no direction. I felt as though I was floating in space. Nothing I could do would change much so why do anything?
It’s not easy to get out of those places, and it certainly isn’t linear, but I focused on the small things at first: a good sandwich, a thoughtful text, a pretty tree. I think practicing gratefulness is one of the most important things I can do. I also know that running really helps reduce my anxiety. One big “to-do” I have is establishing a heathy exercise routine at my house
Other challenges + actionable strategies:
- Spending time with my friends—leave my room, reach out
- Checking in with my parents—try to call daily or every two days, text too
- Being present—put phone and/or other devices down
- @work: focus on the task in front of me—don’t have a million tabs open or things always playing in the background. You aren’t maximizing time if you aren’t even paying attention!
Thursday, December 11: Think about the many identities you hold including but not limited to your race/ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, ability, citizenship status, and socioeconomic status. Choose one identity, ideally one you don’t think much about. Click here, and take your time reading through the set of questions that corresponds with the identity you chose. Be honest with yourself, and reflect on how the experience made you feel. What questions stood out to you? How will you continue educating yourself on the identity you chose? How can you better support people within a marginalized group?
After looking at the various sections given by the link I decided to go through “White Race, Ethnicity, and Culture Privilege”. Now if you’ve looked at any of my photos you may be confused. “As an adopted Chinese daughter with two white moms”-- you have no idea how many times I’ve written that sentence. My unconventional background has never been easy, but the past few years and 2020 especially have forced me to think more about it.
White Race, Ethnicity, and Culture Privilege
- I can expect that I’ll receive days off from work for holidays that matter to me.
- Yes-- here my white culture is a privilege
- People know how to pronounce my name; I am never mocked or perceived as a threat because of my name.
- Yes-- I’ve often thought about this privilege as well as my American accent.
- I know that the police and other state authorities are there to protect me.
- Obviously I am more privileged than BIPOC, but I do not trust the police.
- People of my race are widely represented in the media, positively as well as negatively.
- I think that Asian stereotypes tend to resemble a “model minority-- smart, quiet, hard -working. Of course negative stereotypes exist as well. But overall, no, I do not see myself widely represented.
- When I am told about our national heritage or about ‘civilization’, I am shown that people of my color made it what it is.
- American history is completely white washed.
- I can expect to see many students and professors of my race on campus.
- Students, yes. Faculty-wise I am sure there are more Asian professors than other minorities are present, but my one Asian American professor taught my Okinawan literature class.
- I do not often have to think about my race or ethnicity--in fact, I don’t really notice it.
- I hadn’t always. As a kid, having two white moms didn’t seem that weird. It was my normal, my world. It wasn’t until I switched the school my white cousins attended that it was rudely pointed out. “No, you can’t be cousins you don’t look like them”. High school wasn’t necessarily better, but at least it was bigger. Dating a white boy drew comments. My counter Asianness earned me a reputation. Outside of the Greek system, college was an improvement mostly because people mature and learn to mind their own business. Inside it was hell. During Formal Fall Recruitment, I was asked me where I was from and after responding “Here, Seattle” the follow up question was “No, where were you born?”. At ΠΚΑ’s “Around the World Party” I was called “yellow” and asked to “speak for my people”.
- I do not have to worry about incarceration unless I commit a very serious crime.
- Yes-- certainly because of my family’s resources.
- People do not assume that I am unintelligent or lazy based on my race.
- Yes
- There have never been attempts to scientifically or socially eliminate people of my race or ethnicity.
- The Chinese Exclusion Act
- Other people attribute my successes to my personal merit.
- My freshman year of high school, in Intro to Physics, as I was helping my lab partner, a scruffy haired boy said the following: “Kylie’s so smart because she's Asian”. I was confused. Why? Because of my tiger mom? I thought about my mom who didn’t go to college or the other one who almost dropped out because Super Mario Bros. came out. And even though he wasn’t worth it, the comment haunted me. All they see is another smart Asian girl. They don’t know me at all.
- My race or ethnicity will not make people around me uncomfortable.
- Generally no, but I have experienced an increase in hostility since COVID-19
- I do not have to worry about being chosen last for a job or housing due to my race or ethnicity.
- Definitely less likely in Seattle and for an Asian womxn than other elsewhere
- I can move into a new neighborhood, start a new job, or enter a new school or class and know that the people around me will generally respect and feel safe around me.
- Yes
- I can go to a store or spend money knowing that no one will be suspicious of me.
- Yes
- I am seen as an individual; I am never held personally responsible for the actions of other people of my race or ethnicity.
- No, and I’ve never noticed this more than I started dating an Asian man. We suddenly become another one of those “Asian couples”. For example, my boyfriend and I went out to a fancy restaurant and we were completely dismissed. We watched every table around us have proper service, the manager even stopped by every table except ours. The table by the bathroom. So I did what any white womxn would do: I wrote something on Google Review (after noticing that the manager responded to posts). I talked about the way we were disrespected and he reached out with an offer of a complimentary dinner. The second time was a completely different experience. Our waiter was engaging, the food came fast, our drinks were regularly refilled. I think it was a lesson for both my boyfriend + I and the manager + restaurant.
I’ve never taken a lot of time to learn about my identity. My mom has been pushing me to watch “One Child Nation”. I think that’s a good start. I also want to continue to learn about my privileges.
We can better support people within a marginalized group by listening to them, by supporting them, and by respecting them. That means taking advantage of the resources out there (don’t bother an individual with unwanted questions), support with authors, artists, and restaurants, and know when you need to step back.
Friday, December 12: Make a list of the people in your life who genuinely support you, and who you can genuinely trust. Now, how are you going to make time to show them how much they mean to you (while following social distancing guidelines of course!)?
- My mothers
- Handwritten cards
- My best friends
- My boyfriend
I write handwritten cards every holiday season to show appreciation for people in my life! I also want to put a lot of extra thought into gifts I purchase for them. Most of all; however, for those that I can I want to spend quality time with.
And now that your reflection skills are all warmed up, take a bit more time and consider the variety of things that you might put in your Honors portfolio from this past quarter!
Did you apply for a new job? Write a personal statement? Apply for a scholarship or research position? Apply for Departmental Honors? All materials from written applications can be wonderful for your portfolio. They often capture goals, accomplishments, and exciting moments in time.
Did you visit a new place in Seattle? Spend your first holiday away from family? Live in a new location? These are all milestones with stories in them and might be wonderful ways to personalize your narrative.
Did you write a paper you were particularly proud of? Complete a tough presentation? Ace or absolutely bomb a test? Academic achievements and challenges are always great pieces to your undergraduate story!