2018-Rebecca Wai

REBECCA WAI

 

First Major: Policy Studies
Second Major: Economics
Minor: Philosophy

 

300 Word Statement

I truly believe that Lafayette has given me the opportunities that have molded me to who I am today. From the very start, Lafayette made it clear to its students that at Lafayette, students should pursue a holistic education. While I made academics my top priority, which can be seen from my various academic activities and awards – including research and departmental awards  I made sure to pursue my other passions. At Lafayette, I have found my voice for activism and drive to help others. I started out being a participant in student activism and volunteer programs, and slowly found the courage to lead these efforts. Through my leadership of the book club at the local women’s prison and Refugee Action, not only have I gained a deep understanding of criminal justice issues and refugee issues, but I have exposed many to these issues too. The connection I see between the volunteers at the book club and the women inside the prison, convinces me that the program has changed lives on both sides. Everyone who has worked closely with the refugee family Refugee Action is hosting, has said that their mindset on refugees and life in general, will be forever changed. Through both of these activities, Easton community members have gotten to know Lafayette students more closely and become more involved with the mission of Lafayette to provide a holistic education for its students. I also always make sure to give back to the Lafayette community, which has provided me with endless support and opportunities. I deeply enjoyed my positions as Writing Associate, Supplemental Instruction Leader and Resident Advisor. I am especially fulfilled when I am able to help younger students in their journey through Lafayette. I am thankful for Lafayette – a place where I was able to balance my academics with pursuits of the heart.

 

 

Academic Activities/Awards – Total Years Involved

 

  • Senior Thesis, (1)
  • National Conference on Undergraduate Research, (1)
  • EXCEL Scholar, (1)

I was an EXCEL Scholar for Professor Seo-hyun Park for my sophomore summer and junior year.

  • Writing Associate, (3)
  • SI Leader, (1)

I was an SI Leader for Professor Susan Averett for one semester for her Fundamentals of Econometrics course.

  • Pi Sigma Alpha – Political Science Honors Society (1)
  • Omicron Delta Epsilon, Economics Honors Society (1)
  • Recipient of Department of Economics Award for Scholastic Excellence, (1)

Received in 2018.

  • Recipient of Louise M. Olmsted Prize in Ethics, (1)

Received in 2018.

 

  • Campus Services/Activities and Awards – Total Years Involved
  • Resident Advisor, (2)

Sophomore year. Easton Hall Junior year: South College

  • 2016 Election Broadcast with PBS, (1)

Held the position of Production Manager and managed the pre-broadcast production of news segments.

  • Mentor with Lafayette Initiative for Malagasy Education, (2)

Went to Madagascar to teach Malagasy students how to apply for schools in America as part of a program led by professors. Helped malagassy students in their application for Lafayette College and other American Colleges.

  • International Students Association, (4)

As a member of ISA, I performed in Extravaganza, helped to cook for the Food Tasting, volunteered for its community service events.

 

Community Service – Total Years Involved

  • MOSAIC Program Coordinator, (2)

I coordinated a book club at the local county women’s prison. I have been a part of the team that organizes Make a Difference Day, Criminal Justice and reform Awareness Week and Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

  • Volunteer with the Journey Home at the local women’s prison., (3)

I volunteered in the art therapy program in my freshman year and started and coordinated the book club program in my junior and senior year.

  • Co-founder and President of Refugee Action, (2)

Co-founded Refugee Action, a student organization that aims to raise awareness for refugee issues and help local refugee resettlement agencies. Led the effort to convince the College to host a refugee family. We are currently hosting a refugee family.

  • Kids in the Community (KIC) Volunteer, (1)

Volunteered at this after school program in my freshman year.

  • Volunteer with PAWS,

Volunteered at the local animal shelter in my junior year.

  • Friends of Lafayette Initiative for Malagasy Education, (2)

Helped to fundraise for students in Madagascar.

  • Volunteer with Gen Next

Gen Next is a college prep program for first generation students

  • Planned Parenthood/Population Connection Action Fund,

Went to initial meetings of Planned Parenthood when it was starting a chapter at Lafayette. Represented Lafayette at the Population Connection Action Fund Capitol Hills Day where we petitioned senators and representatives to support women’s reproduction rights.

 

Special Interest – Total Years Involved

  • Dance Company, 2
    • Danced in Dance Company showcases my freshman and sophomore year.
  • Social Gaming Network, 1
    • Went to SGN meetings my freshman year.