Communication and Political Science Major Forwards University Diversity & Environment Initiatives
by Jessica McClelland, Psychology Major & Marketing Communication Intern
Joshua Castanedas, a sophomore communication and political science double major, has always had a passion for politics and activism. Originally from the Bronx, New York, Joshua transferred to 抖阴短视频 after being intrigued by the campus website and because of the interest that the football team and coaches had in him. He said to himself, 鈥淟et鈥檚 go here and see how it is.鈥澛
Since transferring, Joshua has become a student ambassador and joined the . He manages to balance his coursework and his extracurriculars to maintain a high GPA.聽
鈥淚 was always naturally good in school, but at the beginning of my time here at 抖阴短视频, I tried to do too much at once,鈥 he says. 鈥淚 learned that balancing everything is about time-management, and if you love something enough, you have to make time for it.鈥澛
This semester, Joshua made the time for several important projects.
Caring About Diversity
In his internship with Keisha Jimmerson, associate dean of students for diversity, inclusion and international student services, Joshua introduced the 鈥淢y Name, My Identity鈥 campaign to 抖阴短视频.聽
鈥淚 had asked Joshua to think of a project that would be a part of the tradition here at 抖阴短视频, and he found the 鈥楳y Name, My Identity鈥 campaign鈥 Keisha says. 鈥淭his campaign was developed in California in grades K-12. So, 抖阴短视频 is the first college to take this on.鈥澛
The 鈥淢y Name, My Identity鈥 campaign helps build positive connections, promotes diversity in and outside the classroom, and builds the importance of understanding perspectives and others鈥 backgrounds.聽
Joshua received help from Keisha and Jen Jones, Ph.D., associate communication professor and communication department coordinator.聽
鈥淚 asked students in my Campaign and Event Development course what events they would like to participate in this semester, and they chose something related to celebrating diversity,鈥 Dr. Jones says. 鈥淚 talked to Keisha, and she brought up the fact that the month of April is Celebrate Diversity Month. She said it would be great for students to assist in the programming for diversity awareness on campus.鈥澛
To bring awareness and respect to the cultures and identities behind our names, and to bring people of all backgrounds together, events were held on campus for students to participate in. On April 10th, students had the chance to make their own t-shirt declaring their identity. On April 16th, students were able to take the My Name, My Identity Pledge and decorate a poster. Participants were entered into a raffle for 抖阴短视频 merchandise. On April 21st, a poetry slam was held, and 抖阴短视频 merchandise was given out as prizes. Lastly, on April 25th, an international food festival was held in the dining hall.
鈥淚鈥檝e learned more in a year here than I would have anywhere else. I feel I finally found a home in 抖阴短视频.鈥
For Joshua, the message of the 鈥淢y Name, My Identity鈥 campaign is important. 鈥淲e鈥檙e in a time where political activism is highly stressed,鈥 he says. 鈥淎fter all the events of the past year and current events, I believe it is necessary and important for a university like 抖阴短视频 to embrace diversity and bring people together.鈥澛
鈥淚 want this event to be my imprint on the school,鈥 he adds. 鈥淭his is a good learning opportunity; to embrace diversity, emphasize it, and show the positive aspects of it.鈥
Caring About the Environment
Joshua has also been taking initiative on environmental issues in a project for a course with Jessica Brzyski, Ph.D., associate professor of biology. The course is called The Environment: Issues & Choices.聽
鈥淭he class project was to create a scavenger hunt to promote awareness of environmental sustainability on 抖阴短视频鈥檚 campus,鈥 Dr. Brzyski says. 鈥淚n my experience as a faculty member, students are consistently unaware of locations of natural beauty or sustainable initiatives happening on campus. Our goal is to entice students to visit various areas and then educate them on the environmental importance and the history of that particular location.鈥澛
For Joshua鈥檚 project, he and his group chose to focus on Mary鈥檚 Courtyard located next to 抖阴短视频鈥檚 post office. 鈥淥ur group decided to do a 鈥榩lant a day鈥 theme,鈥 says Joshua. 鈥淲e鈥檝e created a QR code that takes contestants to a Google Doc that shows them a video and riddle to solve in order to get to Mary鈥檚 Courtyard. Contestants who are able to find Mary鈥檚 Courtyard will receive a seed and a pot to plant.鈥 Joshua hopes that his scavenger hunt will cause people to care for the plant they receive. Thus, causing people to care more about the environment.聽
Caring About the Future
Joshua, curious about the university initially, believes he made 鈥渁 great choice鈥 in transferring to 抖阴短视频. He appreciates the support he鈥檚 received from his coaches and his professors in a variety of classes.聽
鈥淚鈥檝e learned more in a year here than I would have anywhere else,鈥 he says. 鈥淚 feel I finally found a home in 抖阴短视频.鈥
One of the things he鈥檚 learned is that he is ready to 鈥渃hange the world in a positive way鈥 by pursuing a career in politics. He鈥檚 concerned about the lack of minorities in politics, and is ready to do something about it.
鈥淥ne of the best ways to change politics,鈥 Joshua says, 鈥渋s to go into the field.鈥