Meet Maya Cutforth '20 and Danny Maher '21, two of our undergraduate EDUC 2610 co-facilitators, and this week's #HumansofIDP! Here's what Maya and Danny have to say about IDP and one another:
Why IDP?
Maya:
IDP has shown me the power of empathy. Before getting involved with IDP, I was quick to judge others and run away from those different from me. IDP has given me the courage to engage with people who are different from me and even build meaningful relationships with them. I have learned that every single person has a story that is worth hearing, and I have also come to understand my own position in the world. Every day, I continue to learn about the areas of my life in which I have more and less privilege. I am grateful to this program for helping me become more empathetic, vulnerable, and brave.
Danny:
I was honestly floored by the structure of the class and how applicable its teachings were to my everyday life. IDP has endowed me with skills to observe social structures and systems in place that privilege as well as disenfranchise certain groups of people based on social identities. Through IDP, I have been challenged to acknowledge my own privilege and hone my ability for allyship. I love that even as a facilitator, I am still learning something new each day about identity and creating community across difference. I hope to continue to utilize IDP to uplift others on campus and pursue equity for all.
What is your favorite thing about your co-facilitator?
Maya:
Danny is energetic, kind, and open. He models vulnerability and honesty consistently and pushes me to do the same. Whenever I am tired or frustrated, Danny’s excitement about IDP makes me remember why I love to do this work. His positivity radiates to everyone around him. Danny puts others before himself, and it sometimes makes him late! During our first bonding dinner, I spent so long simmering a stew that I unknowingly made Danny late for a show he was supposed to attend later that night. True to his character, Danny did not tell me that he had something else to do because he didn’t want me to feel rushed. He was willing to be late to another event so that we could have plenty of bonding time. That’s who Danny is- he never hesitates to give his time and energy to others in his life. He is selfless and thoughtful, and those qualities shine through in both our class and our friendship. I am so grateful to have him as a co-facilitator and know that I learn from him every day.
Danny:
Maya is breathtakingly intelligent and incredibly passionate about the work she does. I am so appreciative of the trust she puts in me as well as the vulnerability she displays in every session. For example, when we first met, Maya treated me as if she had known me her entire life. I know that she has my back and I feel genuinely connected to her. As her co, I feel so supported and I feel that I have learned the most about myself and my capabilities just through each interaction with her–and I am still continuing to learn and evolve as a human each time we facilitate together.