From the president
Summa Slater is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Childhood Studies at Bridgewater State University. As a student leader, she actively builds community and facilitates learning for her peers and local youth. For the last two years, she has served as a Team Leader with BSU’s Alternative Break program through the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice, where she developed skills in leadership, advocacy, and storytelling and explored issues including the cost of higher education, food justice, and housing insecurity. She is involved in direct service, research, reflective dialogue, building community, and advocacy efforts focused on issues that are important to her, such as positive youth development, racial justice, and access to higher education. Summa is eager to become more politically engaged so she can amplify the importance of the issues that matter most to her and her peers. As a changemaker, she aims to mobilize and influence her peers to think critically, share their stories with people in positions of power, and get actively involved in voting.
Personal Statement
Becoming a Girl Scout in elementary school laid the foundation of passion in my heart for civic engagement, volunteering, and community. Being involved in hands-on service at a young age deepened my understanding of direct service's importance. Now, at BSU, I am eager to become involved in leadership roles where I can guide my peers and inspire the next generation. As an African American woman attending a predominantly white institution, I am motivated to learn how to be the strongest advocate possible for my community. I have held various positions on campus, including Team Leader for Alternative Break and a Mentor for high school students. I have developed my facilitation skills in these roles, built community, and organized and led workshops. I have advocated for issues that matter to me, by sharing my personal experiences with legislators during a visit to the Massachusetts State House. My interests also led me to pursue a research opportunity exploring the intersection of white supremacy and mental health. Participating in these various opportunities at BSU has broadened my perspective, understanding, and skills that I will continue to apply in my daily life and service to enact long-term social change.