From the president
Owen Schwartz, an Illustration major at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, is a student leader dedicated to social justice, addressing issues such as addiction, access, and well-being. As a PULSE (Peers United for Life Skills Education) Advocate, he forged a relationship with the Grayken Center for Addiction to hold a community harm reduction workshop and has been an advocate for increasing access to Narcan on campus. Owen has also been a sparc! the ArtMobile Team member since 2021, a part of a hardworking team engaging the community through the arts in the local Mission Hill and Roxbury neighborhoods.
Personal Statement
In my life, I’ve had first-hand experiences of how individuals' socio-political identities impact the way they’re treated by others, institutions, and their communities. I’m invested in creating tangible change that centers the voices of marginalized people in the communities I’m a part of. One way we can accomplish this is by addressing problems that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. I want to make resources such as Narcan (naloxone) and safe sex supplies readily available, address accessibility barriers wherever they occur, and continue to challenge institutional injustice even when it is inconvenient. Last year, I was able to connect with the Grayken Center for Addiction to bring educators to campus to lead a harm reduction workshop, which led to an ongoing relationship with our institution, emergency Narcan boxes on campus, and comprehensive training for Resident Advisors. Any work I have done and will continue to do can only be accomplished with the help and support of other community members, who bring with them a wide array of ideas, voices, and experiences. I owe much of what I have accomplished to those who have allowed me to learn from them and who have challenged me and contributed to my ever-expanding worldview.