Changemaking Student Profile

Sofia Vizcarra

Sofia Vizcarra

Area of Study at MDC: Political Science

Campus: Kendall

UN SDGs of Interest: Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, Goal16: Peace and Justice, Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Essence Words: Empathy, Determination, and Unique

What does changemaking mean to you? How do you define what changemaking is to someone who's never heard the term?

To me, Changemaking means harnessing your strengths, curiosity, and compassion to contribute to something larger than yourself. Big or small, changemaking takes on many forms and is unique to each Changemaker. Leaving your community, country, or the world just a little better than you found it is the essence of Changemaking.

Why do you consider yourself a changemaker? What issues are at the center of your changemaking work?

Voter education and quality civic education have always been the impelling force of my Changemaking efforts. As someone who is passionate about a myriad of social justice issues, I've recognized that my service footprint must be dedicated to mobilizing young people to the polls. Our vote is the vessel with the power to enact social change: along my Changemaking journey, I've empowered students by equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

To be a changemaker, it is important to...

stay compassionate, creative, and curious.

What would you tell a student who would like to start their journey as a changemaker?

Everyone is a Changemaker at their core; unlocking your inner Changemaker is the most important step in embarking on your Changemaking journey. The hardest part is getting started: find what you are passionate about, and your path will become clear.