Name: Dwyer Freeman
Hometown: Haddonfield, New Jersey
Major: German Language & Literature
FavoriteĀ book:Ā In the Shadow of Selma by Cynthia Griggs Fleming Favorite place to study on campus: Center for Service and Leadership office!Ā
What clubs are you involved in? “Southern Poverty Law Center on Campus and We Are Done!”
What is your favorite part about your major? “I really appreciate what a German major has taught me about intercultural communication. Because of the different rules of etiquette and social practices, Iāve learned to be a lot more cognizant of my āAmericanismsā and how they work against me by centering myself and my experiences as the āstandard.'”
What has been the best class you have taken at UA so far? “SW 355: Oppression and Social Injustice (then taught by Dr. Jennifer Kenney). It was my first social work class and introduced me to an entirely new level of understanding systems, advantages, and disadvantages. Without that class, I think I would not have been as open minded when taking on new opportunities. The course material has influenced how I lead, what language I use, the research I do, and so much else on a day-to-day basis. Itās definitely an introduction, but offered me a really solid basis to build upon.”
What is the best part about being involved in the CSL? The community! “The CSL is a family- they really are my āplaceā on campus. Iām so lucky to be able to have found an organization that shares similar values as me.”
Who is your celebrity crush? “Chance the Rapper by far. Can I also say Beyonce? Michael Phelps would do, too.”
What is the best concert you have ever gone to? “I saw Remy Banks, Anderson .Paak, and Earl Sweatshirt at Iron City last year for $15 and it was the best $15 I ever spent.”
What do you like to do in your free time? “Wait what is free time? I love to read anything from theory to the back of a cereal box. Also, anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I spend as much time on Buzzfeed as most people do on Netflix.”
What do you think is your best quality? “Some people would describe me as angry, but I think thatās a positive. Maybe fiery is a better word? I truly believe in a better reality and I wonāt stop fighting until we get there. Iāll probably turn people off on my way, but thatās not really something I stay awake worrying about.”
What’s the best advice you have ever gotten? “Someone once told me to engage in self-care. Whether it be reading a trashy novel or watching a bunch of dog videos, sometimes you need to turn your brain off. Iāve taken on going on runs, trying free yoga classes at the rec, and generally trying to stay active. It helps keep my head clear and my mood positive. However, I know that doesnāt work for everybody (itād be ableist and classist, among other things, to assume otherwise).”