I am filled with emotions as I write this blog post. With gratitude for my blessings, I am excited about the future. To forecast one’s future, it is helpful to understand one’s past and present.
We are in unprecedented times; society is changing, and institutions worldwide are not immune to these reverberations. The Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters had hurdles related to the pandemic, family, and finances. However, because of our Bolz Center community and curriculum, I and my fellow Bolzies continue to prevail and progress. We are resilient, emerging leaders with skills and tools to adapt to circumstances, manifest visions into realities, and solve problems.
The Bolz Center curriculum immerses us in life situations through projects with local organizations. These experiences help me confront and surmount obstacles with grace, confidence, and tact. As a Bolz student, I am involved in internships and service-learning with various organizations, including the Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM). At ULGM, I do marketing, community outreach, public relations, and fundraising.
For the past five years, I have volunteered at a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, Nkemnji Achenjang Foundation (NAF) https://nkemnjiachenjang.com. NAF addresses poverty, preventable diseases, and social issues. The organization does this through publications, social programs, and other charitable works. At NAF, I help with public relations, marketing, and fundraising.
Before joining the Bolz Center, a glass-ceiling hindered my career advancement as I did not have specialized training to serve as an executive leader. However, my Bolz Center experiences have provided that specialized training. I now have the qualifications to uplift communities in a policy-making capacity. After graduation, I look forward to serving humanity with my new training.
To my instructors, classmates, community partners, family, and everyone who helped me along the way, I thank you and ask for your continued support. The future is bright, and we will maintain our spirit of togetherness.
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