Last night, I had the honor of attending the 38th Annual University Awards Program as a finalist for the Mildred and Richard Loving Awards. I feel really blessed to be a finalist for a University award in only my sophomore year. At the award ceremony, I was simply surrounded by amazing students doing amazing things on campus. Here is the description of the award I was a finalist for:
The Loving Award, named in honor of Mildred and Richard Loving, for their bravery and perseverance in invalidating miscegenation laws via the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, is presented to a member of the undergraduate community who has demonstrated a significant and ongoing commitment to multiracial and cross-cultural causes and communities.
As an immigrant from Saint Martin, I really believe that diversity is something that should be encouraged and appreciated and I try my best to improve this in my communities. Being a finalist for this award has encouraged me to work even harder to make a change in my communities and the University as a whole.
When I came to the University of Maryland, a school with over 40,000 student, I never thought that I could make change or that I could be recognized like this. But I have learned that small changes can really make a difference on a larger scale, especially when all student leaders are working together in their respective communities. I encourage you to go out today, and advocate, join clubs, run for positions, and make a change on something you feel passionate about!
I am excited to also announce that I will be the Vice-President of Charles R Drew Pre-Health Society, an organization that encourages minority students pursuing health fields and provides resources. Through this role I hope to play a small part in helping to increase the amount of minorities in the health fields by encouraging students when they doubt themselves, help build a support system, and provide necessary resources for success.
Thank you all for always supporting me and following me on my journey. This year has been simply amazing and I am excited for what next year will bring.
Thanks to Marquiss and my mom for attending the award ceremony with me!
