Support my Social Work Dreams: Grad School Fund

My name is Michelle Sophia Salvatierra Peedin, as you probably know if you are here, and I am beginning my journey to Columbia's School of Social Work to get my master's in social work this August 2021. It means the world to me that you have taken the time to read a little bit about me and my story and hopefully consider donating to my fundraiser. 

I have always always wanted to help people. But how do I know how to 'help people'? As I have gotten older and hopefully wiser, I have begun to explore the very real role of prejudice and trauma in the human experience - how does it impact people disproportionately? I have begun to heal from my own shame and fear and increasingly embraced my biracial, bi-cultural, queer, intersectional lens. I am beginning to see my experience as a unique tool that expands my understanding of justice work, especially as healing-centered justice work continues playing an integral part in our vision for a convivial multicultural world. 

As I think about the big issues that face our society at present, two of the biggest issues being systemic racism and climate injustice, I am driven to continue asking questions and facilitating difficult discussions focused on creative solutions. Climate change is happening. It is here. So how can I play my part in mitigating the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable? And how can we change the disconnect and indifference we have towards our Mother Earth AND the suffering of our fellow human siblings?? With my social work degree, I hope to challenge and transform systemic policies and culture. One way to do this is by facilitating authentic story-telling - one of the bravest ways to enact social change in my opinion. Art can also play a part in social change so how can I expand that? I will also be exploring more of my indigenous roots as a means of healing practice. I have seen these practices work through my work at Student Action with Farmworkers, NC Council of Churches, and Lila Latinx LGBTQ+ Initiative over the last five years.

I am grateful to have received a scholarship and work-study but that, unfortunately, does not cover all of my tuition. Your contribution will go towards helping me pay for my tuition.

This quote by Ruby Sales speaks to my social work goals, “The moment you say that you are going to work for justice...you have to imagine the good in people and to figure out a way to call them to their highest selves.”