I post weekly resources on a weekly basis.
Equipping Black Students: Sharing Resources and Media Content in UW
I created a new social media page this February for Black History Month. My role as a facilitator for sharing resources and media content with black students on campus is to provide a platform for black students to gain access to information and resources that will help them succeed academically and personally. By curating and sharing a database of resources and media content, I hope to empower and equip black students with the tools they need to thrive in their university experience. To that end, I plan to post these resources on the BlackatUW Instagram page weekly. By doing so, I hope to reach as many black students as possible and create a learning community where students can share their experiences and support one another in their academic
endeavors.
I want to help amplify black students' voices and experiences on campus, fostering a sense of community and belonging. I want to make a difference in the lives of black students on campus while also fostering community unity. My efforts benefit not only individual students, but also a larger movement promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on college campuses. This could also contribute to closing the resource gap that often exists for black students in predominantly white universities. Finally, as a facilitator for resource sharing, this is an opportunity to put my skills and knowledge to use to improve the lives of others. It enables me to contribute to my community and contribute to the success of others, which can be personally fulfilling and rewarding.
As a facilitator for black students on campus, I have the privilege of helping students navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with college life. My role requires a constant search for the best resources available, which includes tapping into the wisdom of colleagues who have been on campus longer than I have. Together, we work to curate a wealth of resources that address the unique needs of black students, from academic support to mental health resources and beyond.
One of my current projects is expanding our Instagram page, where we share resources, events, and community highlights that showcase the vibrant and diverse voices of our black student body. By raising awareness about our presence on campus, I hope to empower more students to access the support and connections they need to thrive. It's been rewarding to see the impact of our work firsthand, as more and more students reach out to us for guidance and support.
Overall, being a facilitator for black students has taught me the importance of empathy, resourcefulness, and community building. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my fellow students and contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming campus culture.
I. Research
I have improved on how to be able to effectively identify and evaluate sources of information, whether they be books, articles, or online resources. I have also improved to know how to critically analyze and interpret information to determine its credibility and relevance to the target audience. I have also learned to be able to evaluate and select appropriate media content for the target audience. This includes understanding how to analyze and interpret different forms of media, such as images, videos, and social media posts. Finally, I learned to know how to properly cite sources to give credit to the original authors and to avoid plagiarism.
II. Functioning Independently
I've gotten better at working independently, and as a facilitator, I have specific tasks to complete. This has assisted me in understanding my responsibilities and in prioritizing tasks. I also needed to identify the resources that were available to me, such as technology, a resource hub, and social accounts that I could use. This has assisted me in organizing my work and ensuring that I have everything I need to succeed. I devised a strategy for carrying out my responsibilities. This plan includes specific goals, deadlines, and a timeline for achieving them, as well as keeping up to date on trends and issues affecting black students. This includes going to conferences and workshops, reading academic journals and reports, and keeping up with relevant social media.
III. Plan Making
A plan for how I will carry out my duties has made them easier to complete. This strategy includes specific objectives, deadlines, and a timetable for achieving them. I also identify potential obstacles or challenges and devise solutions to overcome them. Helping to organize events, developing the social media platform, collaborating with student groups, and much more are all examples of additional planning. I also learned how to make a plan for sharing resources and media content with black students. To build trust and engagement, I needed to consider the frequency and timing of the sharing and stick to the schedule.
IV. Writing
I've learned to take the time to thoroughly research topics. This has assisted me in improving my understanding of the subject matter and improving my writing; additionally, selecting and organizing the resources and media content thoughtfully and deliberately has assisted me in better understanding the connections between different topics and communicating my ideas more effectively. I also make sure to use clear and concise language and that the message is understandable. I've also realized that as I write more and share more resources, I'm becoming more at ease with the process and better able to communicate my ideas.
V. Helping others
I get to collaborate with other students and organizations on campus to build a community that supports black students. This includes organizing events and workshops, forming social media groups, and establishing a space for students to share their knowledge and resources. The resources I provide assist black students in achieving success in their studies, careers, and personal lives. This includes academic resources, mental health resources, job opportunities, and other useful information. I also highlight the achievements and voices of black students on campus and in the larger community, and I create a space for dialogue and discussion about issues affecting black students on campus and in the larger community.
VI. Social Responsibility
I am promoting equity and diversity on campus by sharing resources and media content that are specifically tailored to the needs of black students. This can contribute to the creation of a more inclusive environment in which all students feel valued and supported. Sharing resources and media content can help to bring together black students and encourage community involvement. This can help to foster a sense of community and allow students to connect and support one another. Sharing resources and media content about social justice issues with black students can help to raise awareness and inspire action. This can contribute to a more just and equitable society.
VII. Non-Verbal Communication
It is critical to understand the audience with whom I am communicating in order to communicate effectively nonverbally. I've gained a better understanding of black students' needs, concerns, and preferences by running an Instagram page for them. Through the use of images and captions, I try to maintain a consistent brand image and tone, which can help to build trust and credibility with my audience. Images and videos can be a powerful tools for nonverbal communication. It's critical that I pay attention to the tone and body language I use in my captions and interactions with followers. I try to be aware of how others may interpret my words and actions.
Moon Warren, UW Alumni.
As I took on the role of a facilitator, I quickly realized that it required much more than just sharing resources and information. I had to critically analyze the information and make sure it was relevant and authentic for the target audience. This involved staying current on trends and challenges facing black students and creating a plan with clear targets, deadlines, and schedules to achieve my obligations.
As I continued to work on this, I found that I am getting better at articulating my views and cooperating with other students and groups on campus to build a supportive community. I even discovered new ways to communicate nonverbally by focusing on building trust and credibility with my audience, using visual aids to communicate essential information, and being mindful of my tone and body language.
Through this journey, I've also learned that not all feedback is useful, but taking the time to listen and reflect can result in valuable insights and improvements. Overall, my role as a facilitator is critical in supporting the success and well-being of black students on campus. By providing access to resources and creating a supportive community of learners, I'm equipping black students with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve their academic and personal goals.