I want to change a culture. I’m not talking about pop culture – I’m talking about real culture. Deeply ingrained culture. The kind of culture that is so natural and unassuming that it can be hard to even recognize as part of a culture. How do you change a culture like this? Recognizing it is the first step.

Genocides and humanitarian wrongs are not the kinds of problems we grew up learning about on television. The problems we watched unfold were neat. Difficult? Sure. Violent? Sometimes. Scary? On occasion, but they were always resolved in a convenient 30-minute window. The bad guy was always unmasked, the resolution clearly defined, and the next episode of Scooby-Doo started. Neat. Unfortunately, the word “neat” is used very rarely in discussion about humanitarian issues, and always after the phrase, “this issue is not”.

When issues are complex, and we’re talking downright labyrinthian in many humanitarian cases, good people try to help the people that do understand. Most often, that means donating hard-earned dollars to organizations. We have a “bad” habit of throwing money at problems – we, America as a collective. I put bad in quotations because it isn’t a real problem; generosity is a fantastic trait, and money is a vital tool in the mending of almost any issue. It’s only a bad habit when we think we’ve seen the resolution and move on to the next episode.

How do you change a culture? You can start by simply acting. Don’t get me wrong, diving into some of these issues seems about as attractive as diving into a Nickelback greatest hits album, especially if you have a test on something like vector calc the next day. But you don’t have to understand the difference between the APRD, UFDR, CPJP, FDPC, and FACA to get started. I sure didn’t. I’m still a million miles from being an expert, but I’m making progress.

Every organization like STAND thrives on the human resource, and you can help simply by being an enthusiastic and willing volunteer. If your first volunteer mission is passing out flyers on campus with a partner, you’re making a friend! When you make a friend, you go back! When you go back you accidentally learn a little and then you accidentally learn a lot and all of a sudden you care deeply about the issues you once knew nothing about. All of a sudden, you’re providing something a lot more valuable than a twenty dollar check. Maybe you’re an informed, passionate person with a vested interest in the conflict in the Central African Republic, or an individual that wants to join the Peace Corps, and you’re someone that makes people around you want to do what you’re doing.

So how do you change a culture? Honestly, you probably don’t, at least not in the “Woodstock ‘69” sense. All you can do is act for yourself and hope your domino tips someone else’s. It doesn’t hurt to nudge a domino here or there though. Offer your roommate lunch if they go to a charity festival with you; I can think of maybe three people I’ve met in my collegiate existence that wouldn’t take me up on a free lunch, and people that don’t like free lunch aren’t people you should be associating with anyways.

We don’t live in a utopia, and until someone makes Adam Sandler stop making Grown Ups sequels, we never will. Still, the fact something can’t be perfected is not an excuse to abandon trying to make it better. If that were the case you would still be using t9 texting, and the Cavaliers would have signed Pau Gasol instead of Lebron.

Before my soapbox implodes:

As citizens of the world we have a responsibility to look out for our neighbors abroad just as we would a neighbor next door. We have a responsibility to inconvenience ourselves for the sake of making the world even a slightly better place. We each have a responsibility to shape our personal culture with such care that others are inspired to shape theirs. I’m working on changing my own culture, and I hope you do too.

*soapbox implodes*

Anyways, I’d love to hear any comments or questions you have, and if you like Grown Ups or Nickelback, I apologize. Email me at jramirez@standnow.org.

Or something like that. That’s how I was introduced to STAND, some 6, going on 7 years ago. I was a new student wandering around a chaotic club fair, when someone with a hastily made STAND sign started talking to me. I had never heard of Darfur, and I sure as heck hadn’t heard of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Since that time, STAND has become a second family to me in a variety of ways. From my high school chapter, which defined my experience in high school as well as the person I became, to serving on the national Managing Committee, where I’ve met some of the most incredible people I’ve ever known, STAND has consistently provided me with an environment of curiosity, compassion, and friendship.

As I wrap up my term as National Student Director, I couldn’t be more excited to be passing on the reins to one of the most capable, insightful, and hilarious people I know, Natasha Kieval. She’s also probably better at coming up with apt adjectives than I am. Natasha has a wealth of experience in the atrocity prevention world as an integral part of Tufts Against Genocide, is a former STAND intern, and has spent extensive time abroad.  STAND has never been the kind of organization where you know what the next day will bring. One thing’s for sure, though: the #STANDFam will be in extremely capable hands with Natasha.

To all of the members of STAND who have made this experience so memorable, I just want to say thank you. The chapter leaders, the members of the student leadership team, the people who have just been introduced to STAND at their very own club fairs, and anyone else who in some way identifies with STAND helps make us who we are. And for all of your efforts this year (and beyond!) toward reducing genocide and mass atrocities, thank you thank you thank you.

Thank you.

– Hannah Finnie

Hannah, Danny, Sean, Katy, Sonia, Jack, and Jake: we can’t imagine STAND without you. You have all left your mark on STAND and have shaped our organization’s direction. We have no doubt that you will all continue to be influential change-makers, but most importantly, we’re just lucky to call you our friends. From STAND students across the country and from the entire genocide prevention movement, thank you!

Hannah Finnie, Student Director

What can I say about Hannah? Something about puffins is probably a good start. She loves puffins… and she is hands-down one of my favorite people in the world! She is also the youngest Student Director in STAND’s nine-year history, and she has met every challenge (and there have been many, many, MANY challenges) with capability and confidence. She has been the glue holding STAND and the MC together this year, making sure that everyone laughs, feels included, and works together around our mission. Hannah is someone who you’ll remember- probably at first because she’s hilarious, but then because she is remarkably humble, reflective, and insightful. She is an empowering leader and a mediator- Hannah has brought people together, encouraged them to keep going, and made everyone laugh along the way. This movement is lucky for her leadership and contributions- Hannah is one of the people who “just get it” like no other. More than that, we’re all so freaking lucky to call you a friend. I know that I couldn’t have gotten through this year without you (but fo real), and there is no one else that I would rather have 3 hour HAT calls with. Love you, #HAT4ever (Stanford?), and c u in DC!

– Kat Fallon, Senior Manager

Words cannot describe how much I love, respect, admire, and adore Hannah. First of all, she is hands-down the most amazing Student Director that STAND could ever imagine. Hannah would always work as hard as she possibly could, to the best of her ability, to make sure that STAND was operating smoothly. From doing an incredible job leading our team, to running MC calls, leading workshops, to being an outright hilarious person, working with her is always a joy. Her passion and dedication to STAND is inspirational; however, what is equally inspirational is her kindness to all of those in STAND. Hannah never failed to put others first, make sure the entire MC was in a happy / strong emotional state, and just be an incredible friend. I cannot begin to describe how lucky and fortunate I am to have gotten to work with her, gotten to know her, and to call her my friend. I love you Hannah, and thank you for a wonderful year! #YGG

– Ashley Jowell, Southwest Regional Organizer

Danny Hirschel-Burns, Policy Coordinator

I can never forget the first time I met Danny — it was three years ago now at STAND Camp, and I remember being blown away by how brilliant he was. His insightful comments, opinions, and thoughts on all that we were discussing at STAND immediately struck me… little did I know that I would be fortunate enough to continue to engage with him for many more years. Danny has always been an incredible part of my STAND experience – he is one of the most hardworking, passionate, and dedicated individuals that I know, and never fails to put his absolute best effort (which is always outstanding!) into all that he does. He has transformed and shaped our policy and understanding of all of the conflicts at STAND, and always makes sure to present multiple perspectives. Further, Danny is a wonderful friend – I have so enjoyed getting to know him over the past few years, and STAND Conferences, retreats, and camps would never have been the same without him (whether it was due to mass atrocity prevention discussions, bonding over being injured #datcastlife, or just having a wonderful friend to talk to). Thank you Danny for all that you have done for STAND, and for being such a magnificent person. I will miss you so much next year!

– Ashley Jowell, Southwest Regional Organizer

When I first met Danny, I was struck by how friendly and easy going he was. Pretty soon, I realized that this guy really knew his stuff. Danny has such a vast knowledge and understanding about mass atrocities and an incredibly comprehensive, thought-out approach to social and international issues. He has undertaken so much work and research around atrocities, and has such strong beliefs in nonviolent responses. Danny takes a scholarly and progressive approach to STAND’s conflicts, and is always analytical and enthusiastic. Most importantly, I greatly admire Danny’s eagerness and willingness to keep on learning about and debating these issues. Danny’s intelligence is matched by his friendliness, and he’s been an invaluable part of STAND this year! You have a perspective and intelligence that is going to take you places- I’m so glad I’ve gotten to know you, and can’t wait to see you in DC!

– Kat Fallon, Senior Manager

Sean Langberg, Education Coordinator

I’ve probably erased and rewrote the intro to this paragraph about five times now. Because there are no words (or enough) to describe what Sean brings to the table. He is critical. He is intelligent. He is humble. He is goofy and so wonderfully strange. He is thoughtful. He is self-critical. He is a leader, but he is a follower when he needs to be. Those fortunate enough to know him, are consistently challenged by his resistance to the status quo, motivated by his commitment to change in and outside of the atrocity prevention movement, and inspired by his belief in the power of student voices and ideas. As a friend, he has made me a better thinker, a better advocate, and a better version of myself. How did STAND get so lucky as to have someone like Sean? Someone that constantly strives to make it better, to reimagine it, to recreate it? And how did I get so lucky to have a friend like Sean? Someone with who I can laugh endlessly, learn endlessly and…drink endlessly? Are we even allowed to say that on the STAND blog? Well I just did, and on that note, cheers to my buddy Sean!

– Shomya Tripathy, former Community Manager

Sean has a perspective that I deeply trust and admire. During his years with STAND, he has been one of our most proactive, insightful, and humble leaders. Sean has found the perfect balance between speaking up in ways that further conversations and build strong ideas, and reflecting in order to empower his peers. His opinions and thoughts on social justice issues are always forward-looking and on point, and he consistently shows sensitivity, awareness, and an acute cross-cultural understanding. I feel so lucky to have met and worked with Sean this year- his ideas have challenged all of us, helped make STAND a stronger organization, and helped make dialogue around mass atrocity prevention more progressive, inclusive, and powerful. He’s also just an incredibly kind and witty person who has brought a great energy to the STAND team! Sean, you’re gonna do big things!

– Kat Fallon, Senior Manager

Katy Lindquist, Northeast Regional Organizer

I met Katy at the summer retreat. I immediately was impressed by her breadth of knowledge about recent conflicts. Not only is she well-versed in genocide prevention, she is also amazingly sweet and hard-working. She would always keep me up-to-date if I was unable to make our weekly call. I am so glad to have met her, and I wish her the best of luck!

– Siri Machiraju, Northwest Regional Organizer

I have adored Katy since I began working with her in 2012. Katy had an incredible interview for the position of Conflict Education Coordinator for Central Africa on the Education Task Force–so good, in fact, that I hired her right on the spot! She was, and is, incredibly intelligent, perceptive, kind, and fun. While I was sad to see her go for the second semester, I was also so so happy that she was studying abroad in Rwanda, a country I hold close to my heart. Since then, I have watched her rock the MC, working closely with her to mobilize the northeast for the 20th commemoration of the Rwandan genocide. I know that she’s going to continue to observe, question, and travel the world… I just hope she’ll let me tag along!

– Mac Hamilton, Campaign & Youth Outreach Coordinator

Sonia Sen, Communications Coordinator

If I had to describe Sonia in one word, it would be…well, I guess you can’t really describe her in one word. When I met Sonia at last year’s summer MC retreat, we kind of hit it off immediately, like she seems to do with everyone. Her quirky sense of humor and fun-loving personality are just some of the things that make her SOOOO awesome. I’m ultra jealous of her super cool dog named Teddy and wish my dog was cool enough to have its own Facebook profile, or even be social media famous. Props to Sonia for raising her dog to be a star. But aside from her pets, Sonia showcases her talents through STAND’s webpage (which looks amazing) and social media accounts, and is incredibly dedicated to the organization and her passion for genocide prevention. Her consistent hard work will no doubt lead her to more amazing opportunities in the future and I’m excited to see where she ends up. As DSol says, YGG.

– Ashley Legg, Central Regional Organizer

We’ve all encountered those people that just have a quality that makes you want to be best friends with them within five minutes of meeting them. Sonia is that person. At least, I not-so-secretly want to be best friends with her. She carries a positivity, light-heartedness, and confidence with her that is hard to dismiss and especially valued in a field like this. Not only is the subject of our work difficult and tragic, but our wins are rare, and our mission is lofty. But folks like Sonia remind us that while being committed advocates, we can still laugh and be young in the midst of it all. And, man, is she committed. Homegirl has given eight years of her life – pretty much her entire youth – to this cause, and done so with laughter (and probably some tears) and passion. Sonia, thank you not only for your infectious happiness, but thank you for sticking with STAND and this movement when it was often hard to. No matter how much you love STAND, I promise it loves you more.

– Shomya Tripathy, former Community Manager

Jack Spicer, Campaigns Coordinator

I met Jack two years ago at STAND Camp in Washington DC. I first got to know him by way of email communication since he served as the Regional Organizer for my state, and I was impressed by how willing he was to reach out and help his chapters. I definitely admire Jack and his passion for STAND and other campaigns he takes part in on his campus. He’s driven and motivated to do whatever it takes to reach his goals and is always searching for new ways to improve his community and the world around him. I have no doubt that he will excel in law school and go on to continue to help people and better his community. And if you’re ever in need of a lawyer…well, you’ll know who to call.

– Ashley Legg, Central Regional Organizer

Jackattack!! I had the distinct pleasure of serving on the MC with Mr. Spicer in 2012-2013 and feel very #blessed to know such a thoughtful, passionate, and radical activist. Jack is always looking beyond himself and into the world around him to see what he can do to make both small and large scale change. He’s also our appointed heartthrob. As DSol so eloquently put it, “is that Jack, or Ryan Gosling?” Jack, thank you for making me think and feel more deeply. I look forward to seeing you tear it up in the courtroom!

– Mac Hamilton, Campaign & Youth Outreach Coordinator

Jake Sprang, Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizer

I also met Jake at the summer retreat. Though he was a newcomer like me, I was impressed by how quickly he became a defining force on our team. He is always on top of emailing all of us before our regional organizer calls and was quick to answer any questions I had. I am so glad to have had a chance to meet him this year!

– Siri Machiraju, Northwest Regional Organizer

Jake has been a remarkable Regional Organizer over the past year, but perhaps what I value most about him (aside from his awesome one liners and the Screamin’ Eagle- his PT Cruiser with an Amurrica eagle decal) is his consistent and insightful thought leadership. From policy discussions to strategic planning sessions, Jake has always brought intelligence, thoughtfulness, and a global understanding to the table. From the time he has spent in South Africa, to the amount of intensive research and energy he has put into the complex issues that face eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, he takes initiative around his passions. He has also been one of the kindest, warmest, and most hilarious members of our MC- retreats would not have been the same without ya! Jake, we’ve been SO lucky to have you as a part of STAND this past year, and can’t wait to see what you do next!

– Kat Fallon, Senior Manager

Over the past several years, international human rights abuses have been given more and more media attention. The events that have taken place in Egypt, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, and more have compelled more Americans to think about foreign intervention for humanitarian purposes. Within the anti-genocide movement in particular, as the picture has gotten more complex, consciousness of our role in “stopping” genocide has expanded. As anti-genocide activists, many of us no longer entertain the notion that we can “stop” genocide, and we accept that most of our activism has no effect on those that are affected by genocide.

It is good that we are acknowledging the complexity of the contexts we are working with, but this rising consciousness has contributed to a decline in participation. The picture has become so complex that it has become harder to recruit people to participate in anti-genocide activism. The anti-genocide movement is not as immediately inspiring, and as a result, the movement is not as strong as it once was. An aura of resignation in response to the fact that there is very little we can do is spreading at an alarming rate.

At the risk of going back to the black-and-white rhetoric used so frequently a decade ago, I want to insist this is something that we as anti-genocide activists – indeed, as citizens and as humans – cannot let happen. I say this as someone of Armenian descent in the anti-genocide movement. The Armenian Genocide of 1915, or, as we say in Armenian, Medz Yeghern (“Great Crime”), is approaching its hundredth anniversary next year, and my ties to the Armenian Genocide are a constant motivation for my involvement within anti-genocide work. Over the past few weeks, however, it is not the past that has been the main source of my anxieties surrounding the persecution of Armenians, but the present. Currently, Christian minorities, including Armenians, are being targeted in Kessab, Syria. Kessab is a hub of Armenian culture near the border of Turkey and Syria, and over the past few weeks, rebel groups such as al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front have invaded Kessab after crossing into Syria through the Turkish border. Homes and churches have been destroyed, private property has been pillaged, and families have been forced to flee their homes. Getting credible information has been very difficult, and as a result, while many Armenians are attempting to raise awareness of what is happening to our people in Kessab, we are more often than not trying to determine what exactly is happening.

I do not know what, if anything, I can do. I teach a class of sixth and seventh-graders at my local Armenian church’s Sunday school, and when they ask me if there is anything we can do, I am at a loss for words. I see adults fretting about how Armenians are still not safe, and I experience microaggressions against Armenians who are “just crying genocide again” on the Internet. The complexity of the issue has become more personal, and it is very scary.

My confusion and the confusion of many of those who do anti-genocide work is especially relevant as we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. Reminders of the untold human suffering that engulfed the country over the hundred days during which the genocide took place has strong potential to heighten the defeating sentiments that have taken a strong position within the anti-genocide movement. But with international human rights abuses continuing to occur, with survivors of the Rwandan Genocide still bravely speaking about their experiences, and with so many people in the world that have been affected by genocide in some way, we as anti-genocide activists must find ways to work through the complexity that we are faced with.

We must reflect on our privileges, and how they affect our views about genocide and the work that we do. Many of us are white, middle-class students, and we must recognize the privileges that these social identities afford us. We cannot know the detrimental effects of racism and poverty, societal problems that can influence the causes of genocide and mass atrocities, from personal experience. Many of us also work in contexts that have been heavily influenced by western media and western images of so-called “third-world countries” that promote the idea that those who live in Africa (a continent consisting of fifty-four nations!) just need to be “saved” by white westerners. We cannot shy away from difficult conversations that delve deeper into these ideas, and we must embrace the constant evolution of the anti-genocide movement.

Most importantly, however, we must listen to and support survivors, for any effective anti-genocide movement must prioritize the voices of those directly affected by genocide. With many instances of genocide and mass atrocities, such as the Rwandan Genocide, we have the privilege of survivors who are still living and are willing to share their experiences. With many other instances of genocide and mass atrocities, this is no longer the case. When I was very small, there were always a few survivors at commemoration events for the Armenian Genocide. Now that the genocide was a century ago, however, there are almost no survivors left, and so many of their perspectives are lost forever. The most important thing we can do as anti-genocide activists is listen to survivors whenever we can for as long as we can, for they are ultimately the only ones who can determine how to remember and pay honor to those who did not survive – regardless of how low or high our consciousness of our role is and how defeated we may sometimes feel.

Why did you first get involved in STAND and how have you been involved since then? 

I first became involved with STAND because I had seen a really cool flyer on my campus freshman year, and was looking for ways to get involved on campus. I knew that genocide and mass atrocities were happening around the world, but didn’t really know why. Since that first meeting I became Secretary and then President of my chapter at St. John’s. Also this past year I was selected to be an Emerging Conflict Analyst for STAND national.

Name a favorite STAND memory! 

By far my favorite STAND memory was in my second year with STAND, when the chapter President had established a partnership between our members and the International Rescue Committee. On one of my days at the IRC I was working with a newcomer from Iraq who grew flustered and annoyed with me having him practice in English. He challenged me to write my name in Arabic, so I did it and he laughed at how absolutely horrible it looked. From then on, in addition to his homework I was expected to practice my Arabic until it became somewhat legible. It was a great STAND memory because too often working on these issues in the States we feel detached, and don’t get the immediate satisfaction of seeing the benefits of our work. This was a unique opportunity to be one on one with someone who had endured the same issues I was interested in and reading about, but just as a normal 9 year old boy laughing at my abysmal Arabic skills.

What has your experience being on a Task Force been like? 

Way better than I expected! I feel more articulate when I’m talking about issues, and have had a great opportunity to check out what some other people are up to and researching about. Never in a million years would I have ever expected that I would be interested in another region beyond the DRC, but I was able to really immerse myself in other conflicts and the intricacies of them in each individual country.

Can you tell us a little about what you do in your role as an Emerging Conflict Analyst? 

Essentially what I do is keep up to date on conflicts that are “emerging,” and that can take a lot of different terms since each conflict and country/region is different. Each week I provide an update of what’s been happening in the international community that has the potential to result in a conflict. This update can happen via a blog post, storify, video, or a series of relevant tweets. Tapping into different forms of social media and news outlets I’m able to summarize the week in a neat little package for members to read up on.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from your time in STAND, whether as a result of your experiences with your chapter, or being involved on the national level?  

With STAND National, I’ve especially learned the importance of individuals in this realm of work. With conflict and mass atrocities typically we see people as numbers. For example, according to Reuters currently 140,000 Syrians have been killed as a result of the uprising-turned- civil war. When we see that 140k we automatically think, “Wow that is a lot of people.” It’s once you really see the value of each person individually that you really witness just how truly devastating these conflicts are. Instead of just 140k people being murdered as a result of conflict, we know that Zayir who drives around his neighborhood dropping off kids at school was murdered and now those kids won’t go to school anymore. It’s really when we see those who endure these volatile times as individuals, that we get “the bigger picture.”

Interested in joining one of our Task Forces next year? Apply today!

Why did you first get involved in STAND and how have you been involved since then?
I first got heavily involved in STAND two years ago after an internship with the Enough Project. Through the internship, I became involved in the Conflict Free Campus Initiative, and then branched out to STAND’s other initiatives and actions.

Name a favorite STAND memory! 
My favorite STAND memory has to be the MC retreats. A moment that sticks out to me the most was when Jack, our campaigns coordinator, Sonia, our communications coordinator, and myself were hanging out on the roof of STAND’s office building after our January retreat had finished. I remember really struggling to leave DC because the retreat had been so much fun. Luckily my car battery died so I got to stay with some of the other MC members in DC for an extra hour or two.

What has your experience being on the MC been like?
My experience in the MC has been amazing. Everyone in the MC is so intelligent, passionate and talented. I’m honestly inspired by all of them, and I’m constantly learning things from them.

Can you tell us a little about what you do in your role as Regional Organizer?
As Regional Organizer, I am responsible for outreach and chapter organization. I spend my time reaching out to potential new chapters, while also working with and supporting existing chapters in my region. I work with other regional organizers to develop weekly outreach strategies. Finally, I act as a link between our chapters and our programmatic operations, providing feedback from chapters regarding our campaigns and events.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from your time in STAND, whether as a result of your experiences with your chapter, or being involved on the national level?
From my time in STAND, I’ve learned a lot. But what sticks out the most is that there are so many amazing and passionate students and young people around the country working to make an impact in the name of genocide and atrocity prevention. To me, that’s awesome and it warms my heart every time I get overwhelmed by the negativity associated with genocide and atrocity prevention work.

Interested in joining our Student Leadership Team next year? Apply today!

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world” –Anne Frank

The busyness of life often prevents reflection. As I began my drive back to Christopher Newport University this busyness stilled and perspective filled my rear view mirror. The past five years of my life I had met thousands of people, became strongly involved with a student activism group through STAND, joined the non-profit Liberty in North Korea, traveled across the country, and formed lifelong friendships. One lesson however, seemed to form the epicenter of all my experiences; the power of student activism, of the ability of a concerned group of individuals to make a real impact in the world. I have been blessed to witness students across the country who not only refuse to be labeled as uncaring or selfish but who actively campaign to create a new label. To create a generation that does not stand by but stands together.

Student activism is contagious and passion speaks. This Friday, I was blessed to see this power firsthand and to relearn this lesson. I was able to return to the home I had created at CNU and to meet some extended family. The current STAND club at CNU was able to contact my former employer, the non-profit Liberty in North Korea, to bring out the southeast nomad team for a presentation. The southeast nomads are a team of three concerned and dedicated individuals from different backgrounds brought together by their common concern for the North Korean people. The nomads spend over 10 weeks driving by van across the country engaging students in creative ways. As the two activism teams met it was non-profit love at first sight, and I had the joy of being the bridesmaid.

I couldn’t hide the smile on my face as I arrived on campus and made my way to the student union to meet both groups during a tabling session. Two kind faces greeted me at the table, David; the STAND@CNU research officer with a goliath sized heart, and Ashton; who has a contagious giddiness about her. The two sophomores had just joined STAND and showed no lack of enthusiasm. They had brought their own dry erase boards with them and asked students to share what they were thankful for in order to bring awareness to the plight of the North Korea people. It was my involvement with STAND that lit the fire in me to get involved and I got to see that same passion in both of them. They were joined by the southeast nomad team, Brian; a man who both looks like, and has all the energy and enthusiasm of, a high schooler, Yoona; a Maryland native with the kind of warm spirit that draws people together, and Bernadette; a gentle soul who is the heart of the team.

The two teams became fast friends as we got lunch and decided to drive to a local nature trail. All six of us packed our way into the LiNK van and headed to the trail. While walking with Brian and David, we were stopped by two older ladies who were taking in some of the trail’s fresh air before their trip to the synagogue. This is a common occurrence when you drive a van with the words “Liberty in North Korea” on it. When we described the non-profit to them, surprise surfaced on their faces. One of them stated, “I had no idea students still did this kind of thing.” As we passed the time, she described her past as a leftover from the Vietnam protests. It was eye-opening to think of how her actions served as a foundation for the current wave of student activists. As we made our way back to campus we had a new source of inspiration.

The presentation took place in a medium-sized theatre in one of the newer buildings on campus. Around 40 concerned students showed up to the event to learn about the North Korean people and the change they are driving within the country. The STAND team was super enthusiastic afterwards and couldn’t wait to plan more events on campus. As the nomads packed back into their vans and said their goodbyes we all took a couple final photos to save the strong friendship we were able to form in only a day.I began my interest with international human rights during my time as vice president of STAND@CNU during college. It was during that time that I learned of the power of student activism. After graduating I spent a semester traveling the country talking about the grassroots driven changes happening in North Korea. I spent time as a programs intern for STAND and am now currently awaiting to hear back from graduate school.