November 19, 2018 Dear Karina, | have appreciated working with you on your independent study exploring the intersection between ‘community engagement and racial equity. As per Erin Swezey's encouragement | am writing this letter to offer feedback on your written examen, our numerous conversations and our recent final meeting with Erin, Ihave three themes I'd like to explore through this letter. 1. Philosophical rootedness. Throughout our discussions and within your examen you raise many important questions regarding the ethics and politics of community engagement and racial equity. For example, your questions about representation and voice at the Institute demonstrate a keen awareness of the issues of power and privilege present in the field of ‘community engagement in higher education. Yet, even more so, these types of questions show your philosophical rootedness arising from deeply held values of inclusion, justice, and education, Hold fast to these values and this philosophy and you will increase your ability to have clarity, even amidst the depths of moral quicksand that we sometimes find ourselves in. 2. Race and Community Engagement. Your experiences this summer equip you to contribute to the very important conversation about how race and community engagement intersect. To attain its full transformative power, the field of community engagement must continue to evolve to become more inclusive and more rooted in anti-racism. | believe that you have much to contribute to this evolution and encourage you to continue to follow consolations and desolations arising from this topic. | also strongly encourage you to think about how you might further contribute to Seattle U's effort to become more inclusive and diverse. The campus needs thoughtful leaders from many backgrounds and various positions - you have much to offer. 3. Professional Discernment. Throughout your independent study you've explored numerous questions pertaining to where you see yourself applying your values and skills to make a difference. Your professional explorations focus on what population to serve, what institution to work at, and what is “your community.” Several observatio! © Isense that you gravitate toward working with college students but struggle with whether this is making the impact you seek. If we are pursuing reciprocal partnerships between the campus and community we are seeking equal emphasis on campus and ‘community. Yes, we need professionals working deeply in the wider community to bridge campus and community. And yet we also need professionals with integrity and skill leading college students through a developmental process that reflects their identities and world views. | sense that you enjoy the give and take process of working with college students. Seems like your present position is a good fit for your current interests and skis, | encourage you to continue to explore this student development CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 901 12th Avenue RO. Box 222000 Seatde, WA 98122-1090 wrnseatdewcdulcce Tel: (206) 296-2569 Fac (206) 296.2324path knowing that what you are doing now does not determine what you might be doing in 10 or 20 years. © Throughout our conversations and in your writing you also raise the question of what ‘ype of institution to work at. In our most recent conversation with Erin | heard you clearly articulating that liberal arts institutions like Davidson and Seattle U fit you well Its good to follow your instincts and yet also good to continue to understand what working at different types of institutions might look ike. Sometimes we only know what we know. And sometimes we know ourselves and that guides our decisions. ‘© You have consistently asked an important question -- what is the community where you should serve? Is your community where you grew up? Is your community a community that reflects your dominant identities? Is your community where you reside? Is your community yet to be identified? I'm not sure there is one answer to this exploration as | suspect that there are many communities that you might find synergy between your passions; sills and opportunities to serve: Sometimes we find our piace and sometimes our place finds us. The fact that you are asking these question will ikely lead you to be more conscious of where and how you engage now and into the future. And | also suspect that regardless of where you choose to put down roots in community — you'll bring your full authentic self that will lead to meaning for you and for others. Thanks for pursuing this independent study. Your explorations helped me to further examine my thinking. You also contributed to my understanding of the work of the Center for Community Engagement in deepening the connection between community engagement and anti-racism. Best of luck with the rest of your studies and blessings to you as you enter a new phase of life; parenting is a grant adventure! with warm regards, Kent Koth Executive Director, Center for Community Engagement. cc Erin Swezey