My social justice courses taught me to look at the world with a critical but compassionate eye. Before joining the program, I often saw social problems as issues that needed charity or help. Now, I see them as results of deeper systems such as poverty, racism, patriarchy, and colonialism that must be challenged for real change to happen.
One of the first lessons I learned in social justice classes was the importance of intersectionality. This is how people’s identities (like gender, race, and class) overlap and affect how they experience inequality. In one assignment, I wrote about the intersection of gender and race in social movements. This helped me understand why some groups are more affected by injustice than others and why solutions must consider all these layers.
The course Contemporary Capitalism also helped me connect social justice with economic systems. I learned how global capitalism affects people’s rights, especially in developing countries. Through discussions and readings, I saw how profit-driven policies can lead to poverty, environmental harm, and the exploitation of workers. For my class project, I created a presentation about how capitalism influences inequality in Africa. This project helped me see that economic justice is also human rights work because financial systems directly affect how people live and survive.
Another important part of my social justice learning was the Food, Art, and Community Empowerment course. It was a creative class that showed how food can be a tool for connection and change. I made and presented Ghana jollof rice to share my culture with classmates. Through this activity, I realized that food is more than nourishment, it is also identity, history, and storytelling. Sharing my dish opened space for conversations about culture, migration, and belonging. This experience made me proud of my roots and reminded me that social justice includes celebrating culture, not just fighting against injustice.
Overall, the social justice courses have made me more aware, confident, and active. I learned to question why things are the way they are and to think about how I can help make them fairer. I no longer see social justice as something that only happens in governments or organizations. It starts in small acts like how we treat others, how we listen, and how we stand up for what is right in our daily lives.