As you may know, this week is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This Campus Cutie acknowledges how her privilege has benefited her, and uses it to help others. Not only is she super witty and funny, but she also has a heart of gold. Read on to learn more about Cherokee!
Hometown: Newtown, CT
Major: Just approved for an Individualized Major in International Economics
Relationship Status: Taken! *Shout-out to Richard*
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
HCE: Hi Cherokee! So let’s start off with an easy question. What made you choose Emmanuel?
CB: I’m the first person in my family to go to college so the process was definitely difficult. I didn’t really know what to look for. One day I got an email from Emmanuel telling me to apply, so I did. Here I am! I really do love it though, ten out of ten would recommend.
HCE: That’s awesome! Tell us a little bit about your major; what drew you to it?
CB: I just declared my major! I am studying International Economics. I came into college not really knowing what I wanted to do. Thankfully I was placed in a First Year Seminar (#tbt) called Global Poverty & Political Violence. My professor was really engaging and I loved the class and learning about politics, the world, different cultures… Honestly I think we covered just about everything in that class. [Then], I took International Relations and that’s when I really solidified my interest for International Studies. Sophomore year I decided I was going to call myself an International Studies major…until I took an economics course. So…here I am. My “major” is just a label to me though, I just like learning about everything.
HCE: Wow, we’re impressed. You went to Greece this summer, right? Does that have anything to do with your major?
CB: YES! Everone should go. I took political science classes but you don’t have to be a political science major to attend. The course is run by Professor Vamvakas…[and] I could talk about the program all day. It was life changing; if anyone is thinking about spending three weeks in Crete, talk to Professor Vamvakas! He’s awesome and if I haven’t already persuaded you to go, he definitely will.
HCE: We’ve heard you’re involved with the community garden here on campus! How did you get involved with it?
CB: Yes, I am! We call it the Urban Food Project. …There are so many other students involved in the project, including Rachel LeBel, Emily Larkin, and Kiersten Giunco. Deirdre Bradley-Turner is also a huge reason why the project even exists and Professor Silver from the political science department has also contributed greatly. If you’re interested, reach out to any of them!
HCE: That’s so interesting. Could you tell us what the garden is like?
CB: The garden is a beautiful oasis hidden at the living-learning community Emmanuel has in Roxbury. There’s a ton of raised beds filled with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, carrots, radishes, herbs, cabbages, and cucumbers. Students are welcome to reach out to volunteer with the Urban Food Project! I would recommend checking it out; it’s so relaxing.
HCE: It sounds amazing! This being National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, could you tell us about how you’ve been active in the community?
CB: I recently got an off-campus job so I’m not able to volunteer as much as I would like, or as much as I have in the past, but I try and participate whenever I can. I recently went to Daily Table, which is a grocery store in Dorchester [where] all of the items in the store are donated, making the food very inexpensive for consumers. I’ve also participated in Alternative Spring Break Boston for the past three years at Emmanuel. We focus on food justice and access, which is a huge issue that effects so many people, so I’m really proud that Emmanuel focuses on this issue.
HCE: Woohoo, go Emmanuel! Last question: What are your plans for after graduation?
CB: This question is really overwhelming. I’m really interested in helping people. I know I have a lot of privilege and I’ve been given a lot of opportunities in life that aren’t offered to everyone, for unfair reasons. With that said, no matter what my career ends up being after college I hope to always find a way to use my privilege to help others succeed the same way I was and am able to.
Wow! Thank you for this engaging interview, Cherokee! We’re so inspired by all of your hard work.Â