"My work at FLIP National as a chapter establishment and development (CED) fellow focused on assisting existing chapters in identifying and addressing issues on their campuses through planning and implementing student-driven solutions that provided real, tangible support for first generation and low-income (FGLI) students. As a CED Fellow, I also assisted its growth by meeting with prospective chapters to discuss the benefits of becoming a chapter.

Founded by a diverse collection of student activists from across Columbia University’s colleges, the heart of FLIP National’s mission remains its advocacy for FGLI students. The importance of this work lies in the fact that the academic success of the millions of FGLI students across the country is threatened by institutions that are well-intended but unfortunately drastically unequipped to cultivate a healthy FGLI learning environment. As a result, addressing institutional barriers such as lack of representation, funding, food insecurity, and housing concerns was the center focus of my work

Through my work, I incorporated the knowledge of America’s most impactful student movements for social justice gained through my African American and African diaspora and political science studies. This knowledge permitted me to integrate the past student movements’ strategies and tactics into assisting chapter initiatives. Together, my team and I established new initiatives and strengthened current initiatives, such as food pantries, meal-sharing programs, textbook lending libraries, laptop lending programs, and other essential wrap-around services, thus cultivating more inclusive and equitable campus communities.

As an FGLI student, the opportunity to build community with like-minded high achieving colleagues while tackling these obstacles was enriching. We chipped away at the ever-present imposter syndrome through the collective acknowledgment of our shared struggles and instilled in us the belief of belonging. As I return to Columbia’s campus this fall, I know I will better be equipped to assist the FGLI community — undoubtedly furthering my impact as a student activist, better preparing me for my future career as a civil rights lawyer."