‘Imaginative and Catalytic Leadership’
Ohio Wesleyan Students Attend Values in Action Conference in NYC
Name: Cara Harris ’18
Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Experience: Trinity Institute 2018: Values in Action Conference
Harris traveled to New York City with Associate Chaplain Lisa Ho and fellow OWU students Adedayo Akinmadeyemi ’19, Daniel Delatte ’20, and HannahJo Grimes ’20 to attend the two-day Trinity Institute 2018: Values in Action Conference. Now in its 47th year, the conference seeks to equip “clergy and laypersons for imaginative and catalytic leadership.” This OWU Connection experience was sponsored by the OWU Faith & Justice student organization and funded by the Wesleyan Council on Student Affairs (WCSA).
This group also will use a Theory-to-Practice Grant to travel to Belfast in May to explore “Racism and Sectarianism: A Comparison Between America and Northern Ireland.”
Lessons Learned
“I chose this experience because it had a faith component to it. There were people of color who presented and spoke. That reminded me that there is true diversity in the real world, even if we don’t always see it at the forefront. Also, that we need to value those diverse perspectives and experiences just as we do for what is considered the archetype.
“My favorite moment of the experience was hearing the story of Jose Antonio Vargas. He is an undocumented American, entrepreneur, and advocate. This was a favorite moment for me because we don’t get to hear stories like his very often.
“We hear of undocumented Americans in political spheres, but not enough in personal contexts. Vargas reminded me to humanize all experiences, even if they are usually unspoken.
“I learned how to be a more effective advocate for folks when I don’t share their particular oppression. I also learned how to approach having difficult conversations, knowing that there is value in gaining knowledge from varying frames of reference.”
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan
“I chose to attend here because of the Branch Rickey Scholarship, as well as the offered Neuroscience major.”
My Plans After Graduation
“I plan to further my studies in medical school.”
