UCLA Amsterdam Summer Program
Donation protected
About the program:
I have been granted this amazing opportunity to pursue my passion for my culture, and how it relates to psychology on a global perspective. I am 1 of 4 students that UCLA has accepted to Study Black Culture in Amsterdam!!!!!
The first half of the program is titled "The Summer on Black Europe" and the overall goal of this course is to examine the contemporary circumstances of the African Diaspora in Europe.
The second half of the program is titled "The Summer School Decolonizing Europe", and focuses on the works of Caribbean and African diasporic thinkers who have engaged critically with European intellectual traditions.
My reason for applying:
Investigating Intersectionality within European Queer People of Color Communities
The Eurocentric ideal of beauty, morality, gender, family structure, and sexuality has infiltrated every continent on the planet. This global colonization negatively affects anyone who exists outside of this Eurocentric ideal. Queer People of Color (QPOC) especially feel its discriminatory effects on a multitude of levels. Whether a person has a darker hue, is gender non-conforming, accepts different spiritual beliefs, or just exist outside of this heteronormative protestant foundation, these individuals will experience some level of oppression and social othering.
I would like to research how the European intersectionality of being Queer and Black, differs from, or resembles, the American experience of existing within the QPOC community? Specifically, a liberal Southern Californian Queer Black Experience.
About Me:
3 years ago, I left my 11-year career in transportation to pursue a career in psychology. I have exceeded my academic expectations and I continue to set higher goals. I am preparing for the next step in my journey, and I am fully dedicated to continuing to pursue my passion and purpose on this planet/realm, so I can be better suited to heal the hearts and minds of those who are hurting.
Psychological pain and struggle can hurt and torment a human deeper than a broken bone or any other physical injury. It can be a much more insidious affliction. But there is so much beauty in the healing and recovery process.
We all will have our battles, but love each other, and above all, love yourself. Have self-compassion when you slide back, and acknowledge your strength when you pull up. Be grateful for those around you. Hug your friends, kiss your family, tell your loved ones... You love them, and spread kindness to your fellow human. And please understand, it is ok... to not be ok.
I am truly blessed, and thankful for the opportunities I that have been presented to me because of my academic reentry. I am not without struggles, but I look forward to being a vessel of healing, love, and motivation.
"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present."
-Marianne Williamson
How you can help:
Since I will not be able to work while I am in the program. Your donation will help me maintain my financial responsibilities here, while I am studying abroad.
I am looking to visit, and research community LGBTQ organizations on my free time. Your donations will allow me to travel and expand my research opportunities while I am there.
I would like to be able to fully take advantage of this life changing opportunity that I have been given, and be able to freely attend museums, social and cultural functions, and of course be able to bring back a piece of Amsterdam to my family and friends. Your donation will assist me in being able to experience this opportunity to its full potential.
Thank you for your support. Every little bit will help me immensely! Those who may not be able to donate, please send your prayers and positive vibes!!!
Be blessed, be loved, be kind.
Sequoia Thompson
Psychology Major
LGBTQ Studies Minor
University California Los Angeles
I have been granted this amazing opportunity to pursue my passion for my culture, and how it relates to psychology on a global perspective. I am 1 of 4 students that UCLA has accepted to Study Black Culture in Amsterdam!!!!!
The first half of the program is titled "The Summer on Black Europe" and the overall goal of this course is to examine the contemporary circumstances of the African Diaspora in Europe.
The second half of the program is titled "The Summer School Decolonizing Europe", and focuses on the works of Caribbean and African diasporic thinkers who have engaged critically with European intellectual traditions.
My reason for applying:
Investigating Intersectionality within European Queer People of Color Communities
The Eurocentric ideal of beauty, morality, gender, family structure, and sexuality has infiltrated every continent on the planet. This global colonization negatively affects anyone who exists outside of this Eurocentric ideal. Queer People of Color (QPOC) especially feel its discriminatory effects on a multitude of levels. Whether a person has a darker hue, is gender non-conforming, accepts different spiritual beliefs, or just exist outside of this heteronormative protestant foundation, these individuals will experience some level of oppression and social othering.
I would like to research how the European intersectionality of being Queer and Black, differs from, or resembles, the American experience of existing within the QPOC community? Specifically, a liberal Southern Californian Queer Black Experience.
About Me:
3 years ago, I left my 11-year career in transportation to pursue a career in psychology. I have exceeded my academic expectations and I continue to set higher goals. I am preparing for the next step in my journey, and I am fully dedicated to continuing to pursue my passion and purpose on this planet/realm, so I can be better suited to heal the hearts and minds of those who are hurting.
Psychological pain and struggle can hurt and torment a human deeper than a broken bone or any other physical injury. It can be a much more insidious affliction. But there is so much beauty in the healing and recovery process.
We all will have our battles, but love each other, and above all, love yourself. Have self-compassion when you slide back, and acknowledge your strength when you pull up. Be grateful for those around you. Hug your friends, kiss your family, tell your loved ones... You love them, and spread kindness to your fellow human. And please understand, it is ok... to not be ok.
I am truly blessed, and thankful for the opportunities I that have been presented to me because of my academic reentry. I am not without struggles, but I look forward to being a vessel of healing, love, and motivation.
"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present."
-Marianne Williamson
How you can help:
Since I will not be able to work while I am in the program. Your donation will help me maintain my financial responsibilities here, while I am studying abroad.
I am looking to visit, and research community LGBTQ organizations on my free time. Your donations will allow me to travel and expand my research opportunities while I am there.
I would like to be able to fully take advantage of this life changing opportunity that I have been given, and be able to freely attend museums, social and cultural functions, and of course be able to bring back a piece of Amsterdam to my family and friends. Your donation will assist me in being able to experience this opportunity to its full potential.
Thank you for your support. Every little bit will help me immensely! Those who may not be able to donate, please send your prayers and positive vibes!!!
Be blessed, be loved, be kind.
Sequoia Thompson
Psychology Major
LGBTQ Studies Minor
University California Los Angeles
Organizer
Sequoia Thompson
Organizer
Pasadena, CA
