My name is Aneesa. I am a member of the Youth Advisory Board and I was a Program Fellow this summer.
I have been with the Octavia Project since the summer of 2023 when I started off as a participant in the Summer Institute. It was such a welcoming environment. It gave me a space that allowed me to be myself and be creative. OP created a space where I felt supported and encouraged. Being a part of the Octavia Project allowed me to experience new opportunities and to connect with others. Over the years, OP has given me a space that not only allows me to express myself but to grow and to learn.
Going from an Institute participant to becoming a Program Fellow allowed me to see the Octavia Project from a different perspective and appreciate it even more. As a Program Fellow, I was able to help create a welcoming space for others. I assisted with preparation for both of our summer programs and the day-to-day activities for the high school Summer Institute.
I had the opportunity to see the amount of work and dedication that goes into planning the program in order to make it successful and meaningful to participants. I learned the logistics of what it’s like to run the Summer Institute and what it takes to create a space that is inclusive and enriching. I learned how important these spaces are and how much of a difference it can make in people’s lives. Being able to support participants and contribute to their experiences at OP as a Program Fellow helped me grow professionally and personally.
The Octavia Project has made such a positive impact on me. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to help create similar experiences for others and to be a part of such an empowering and supportive community.