Community

Community has been central to my personal and academic life at UW, and a concept I often ponder. Community can comfort us, challenge us, hurt us, let us down, inspire us, give us purpose, give us meaning.

Outside of communities I’ve mentioned in the other pages, one of the most impactful communities I’ve been engaged with during my time at UW is the Wesley Club, a queer-affirming campus ministry. The Wesley Club has been a major source of support and joy since I found them in Fall 2021. When I was asked to be a student staff member, it didn’t take much consideration before I said yes.

While the other communities I’ve written above here have a more specific relation to my career and political goals in life, I attend the Wesley Club and support it mainly because it is uplifting and supportive for me. We share values and ask questions about faith and activism together, but much of the value of the space comes from the food and laughter we share. My involvement with the Wesley Club has shown me that it’s not only good but necessary to seek community for no other reason than to share joy with others. This sort of community provides respite, mutual support, and a needed mental break from campaign-focused activism organizations, school, and work.