After thirteen years of schooling, I was able to use a critical lens to look at the world of academia. This has included looking at the dynamics of being a volunteer in high schools, the intent I have compared to the impact I have, especially reflecting on the use of privilege I have as someone in academia. These reflections helped me realize that to make an intentional impact, I need to serve where there is actual need then assuming so. This also means opening up conversations with communities to identify need and the role I can assume. Reflecting on my identity as a student in higher education, I have to be conscious of the rights I believe I have due to my degree such as offering support or entering communities as an outsider. This responsibility also includes not devaluing the knowledge of others that learned in a non-academic setting. It is my responsibility to empower those around me through recognizing their voice and being aware of the impact I have through the roles I have in communities.
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