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May 21, 2007 Grant, who says she was 'raised' through work at the Cornell Public Service Center, has dreams of advocating for urban communities.
Student profile: Sorbrique (Sorby) Grant
Major: Government and American studies Main extracurricular activity -- why is this important to you?
I have volunteered and worked at Cornell's Public Service Center for the past four years, doing a range of activities. I have been involved as a participant and team leader with the center's Pre-Orientation Service Trips (POST), I have been a coordinator of Into the Streets, Cornell's largest day of community service, and I have been a trip leader and board member with Alternative Breaks. For that program, I created a trip to a New York City youth shelter and also led a trip to the Kensington Welfare Rights Union in Philadelphia. While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?
My experience as the managing director and executive director of On-Site Volunteer Services (OSVS) -- a nonprofit that gives students community development opportunities through volunteer work -- has strengthened my commitment to creating cross-community collaborations that address community needs. Also, my involvement with Haven, the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) organization on campus has been a really great opportunity to have a venue to discuss ideas. Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?
The Public Service Center and the amazing community members and activists who are my supervisors, but also mentors and friends. They have "raised" me for the past four years. What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?
When I had the opportunity to organize a series of events and meet my hero, Leslie Feinberg, a trans activist and author who has used the written word to discuss various social justice issues. Did you change direction in any of your beliefs or interests during your time at Cornell?
YES! When I entered Cornell I had dreams of becoming a diplomat and traveling the world influencing international diplomacy. Now, as an American studies and government major who fills her schedule with classes in city and regional planning, economics and statistics, I know that my future will definitely be in community development and being an advocate for marginalized factions of urban communities. What are your plans for next year and beyond?
Teach for America teaching English as a second language in New York City. After my two-year commitment, I plan to attend Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy. |
