Happy summer everyone! Hard to believe August is almost here already! Check out our latest Humans of IDP: Luiza Baroni '21 and Owen MacDonnell '20! Here's what they have to say about IDP and each other:
Why IDP?
Luiza:
IDP has challenged me in a way no other class has at Cornell. It pushes me to analyze the way I view the world, interact with others, and conceptualize my identities. I love how it is an academic course that makes space for me to reflect on my socialization and how it impacts me right now. I have grown so much through taking the class and facilitating.
Owen:
For me, IDP has been many things. First and foremost it has opened my eyes to the many injustices present in our society. It has not only made me aware but given me the opportunity to take action and make change that is visible. IDP has taught me more about myself than any other class at Cornell. The program has provided me with the skills to talk about social justice issues beyond the classroom into everyday life. As someone who comes from a privileged background, I once thought this work had nothing to do with me. After taking the class for a semester I finally understood it has everything to do with me. IDP has truly changed my life in so many ways and it is an honor and privilege to continue to hear the perspectives of my peers and to share my own in an attempt to build a more just and loving society.
What is your favorite thing about your co-facilitator?
Luiza:
My favorite thing about Owen is how honest he is. He is so passionate about this program and his own growth. I appreciate the way he is open to have difficult conversations about identity and power. He is also very energetic and friendly, which adds a great aspect to our classes because the students trust us to make our classes exciting yet challenging.
Owen:
I think my favorite thing about Luiza is her sense of humor. I remember countless times together laughing over so many things throughout the semester. During the sessions, her presence always took some of the nervousness away and her smile is so infectious! Even so, she is always quick to catch my mistakes and call me out which I appreciate endlessly. I always learn something new when I am around Luiza and she has been so supportive of me throughout the semester no matter how tough things got.