A DJS Journey

  Shalom Wundimu (she/her) is a third year student majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Chemistry. On campus, Shalom currently serves as a Residential Assistant and Admissions Ambassador.       During my time at Pacific Lutheran University, one of the most valuable lessons I have learned is what it means to learn, unlearn, and relearn everything I have found to be “true.” However, recently I have accepted that these three concepts must work in unison with one another, as they serve as puzzle pieces. My intellectual curiosity has led me to discover that my identity is beyond my physical attributes or temporary interests but rather my ability to be a lifelong learner.       When this realization became apparent in my life, I started to think of the first houseplant I ever owned. At first, my plant displayed nothing short of perfection. From the pigment of the leaves to the stem of the plant, every inch radiated pure beauty. Through...

        My name is Alissa Ouanesisouk (she/her), double majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in management and Sociology. I’m currently on campus, as the RAAD of Ordal Hall and an Admission Ambassador.      How I stay well, doing anti-racist work is by learning to say “No” and enjoying my own alone time. Being a first-gen student we are constantly working, always needing to plan ahead and know what the future entails. We hold onto building that generational wealth we want for our family and community back at home and the only way we know how to do it is by working hard. Learning to take a step back and say “No” is still something I am constantly trying to achieve. This doesn’t have to be done through saying a complete “No”, but learning to say “I think I’m going to work on this on my own time”, or just not replying to a text sometimes!      Working in a place where I am living can take away my time and energy wit...