Undergrad Teaching Assistant | CEP 200
In winter quarter of 2020, I was an undergraduate teaching assistant (TA) for the CEP program’s introductory course CEP 200. Alongside the professor and another TA, I educated 50 students on elements of sustainable built environments including racial equity and access in sustainable development processes. I worked to highlight the role of historical and systemic impacts of racism and inequity in the built environment (specifically public health, real estate, displacement, gentrification, government mistrust, etc.) through curated curated workshops and events to innovatively engage students with lecture materials.
This role was very hands on as I mentored students academically through the steps of conducting their own classroom facilitations, and personally to create their own Individualized Study Plan (ISP) to be intentional in their time at the UW. Many of the students in this course went on to join the CEP program the following year. Being a TA for this course is a fond memory of mine due to the fact that I had taken the class with the same professor years prior and it had influenced my academic trajectory towards CEP. I loved working with the other TA and the professor, Chris Campbell; every class time put the biggest smile on my face. This course is also dear to me as it was one of my last in-person courses and experiences before COVID-19 hit and we had to shelter in place. I did not have any classes on campus after that point.
This role was very hands on as I mentored students academically through the steps of conducting their own classroom facilitations, and personally to create their own Individualized Study Plan (ISP) to be intentional in their time at the UW. Many of the students in this course went on to join the CEP program the following year. Being a TA for this course is a fond memory of mine due to the fact that I had taken the class with the same professor years prior and it had influenced my academic trajectory towards CEP. I loved working with the other TA and the professor, Chris Campbell; every class time put the biggest smile on my face. This course is also dear to me as it was one of my last in-person courses and experiences before COVID-19 hit and we had to shelter in place. I did not have any classes on campus after that point.
Outreach & Admissions Committee | CEP Governance
The CEP website outlines governance and its committee structure as follows: “CEP is a participatory major. We believe that much of our learning grows out of being responsible for our education and program. Therefore, everyone takes part in leadership within the major according to his or her individual talents and interests. Governance is where this happens. We develop, discuss, and vote on new proposals in order to keep the program current and innovative; we manage new and on-going events, professional connections, communications, our admissions process and policy revision through committees; and we ensure collaboration and efficiency through an executive committee. CEP makes key decisions by consensus. This ensures that every member has a say in the policies and the future of the program.” You find more information about Governance here.
In my time in CEP, I’ve been a member of various committees ranging from Communications (COM), Community Equity (CEC), & Outreach & Admissions (O&A). The most impactful work for me has been within Outreach & Admissions in collaboration with the Community Equity Committee. In O&A, I reviewed and reformed application processes and interview questions through an equitable lens to reflect the College of Built Environment’s DEI goals and strategic plan. Within this committee, an incredible peer of mine Andrea Sebastian and I designed and facilitated multicultural programming by hosting the first Black, Brown & Indigenous Student and Alumni panel to connect prospective students with current students in a safe environment. Throughout CEP, I served on committees to advocate for and represent the intersection between the built environment and underrepresented populations.
In my time in CEP, I’ve been a member of various committees ranging from Communications (COM), Community Equity (CEC), & Outreach & Admissions (O&A). The most impactful work for me has been within Outreach & Admissions in collaboration with the Community Equity Committee. In O&A, I reviewed and reformed application processes and interview questions through an equitable lens to reflect the College of Built Environment’s DEI goals and strategic plan. Within this committee, an incredible peer of mine Andrea Sebastian and I designed and facilitated multicultural programming by hosting the first Black, Brown & Indigenous Student and Alumni panel to connect prospective students with current students in a safe environment. Throughout CEP, I served on committees to advocate for and represent the intersection between the built environment and underrepresented populations.