Biography

Preferred name: Charlotte

Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major(s): Psychology (Bachelor of Behavioral Science), Criminology and Policing (Bachelor of Justice), and Mental and Behavioral Health Counseling (Master of Health Science)

Class year: Class of 2025 (Bachelors) and Class of 2028 (Master)

Hometown: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Favorite place at URI: Botanical Gardens (so far)

Why you wanted to join DAI: My academic, personal, and professional experiences have fueled my core passion to retaliate against oppressive sociocultural contexts that characterize individuals by their limitations (of which are only limitations in the very specific circumstances we happen to live in) and reestablish these individuals as their strengths (of which are undeniable). I align with the strengths-based approach that strips away subjective ideas of ‘limitation’ (projected onto marginalized individuals by society) and reaffirms the objectivity of the core strengths inherent in these individuals. Becoming a Disability Resource Mentor is not just about guiding the disadvantaged toward advantage; it is about advocating for groups whose power goes unrecognized and unharnessed when it could be creating wonderful change across humanity (which it definitely needs). This work speaks to my core personal values as well as my professional aspirations.

Advice for fellow students: Don’t count yourself out before the world has (or even then for that matter). You might be surprised how successful you can be if you actually try. Go ahead and apply or go ahead and assume you do have something to offer. If you have integrity, aspiration, and dedication, you do. At the end of the day, experience is evidence of capability or a demonstration of promise for the future. There are other ways to show you are capable or have promise.