An update from Austin, Texas.
// Week of Oct. 11 //
It’s been a few weeks, but Alexa in ATX is back! I’ve been extra busy over the past few weeks, but I’m excited to share what I’ve been up to. From participating in pro bono projects to switching my voter registration, I feel more invested in my community than ever!
Pro Bono at Texas Law
I am really grateful for opportunities to volunteer through the pro bono program at Texas Law. Since August, I’ve worked on an expunction clinic, a driver’s license recovery project, and a small business wellness clinic.
I volunteered a lot in high school, but not often in college because there were few opportunities to get off campus and reach communities in need. Volunteering through pro bono projects in law school is so rewarding because not only do I get to practice some of the skills that I have learned the past few months, but I also get a glimpse into what using my law degree for positive impact will look like.
I also love the innovation that’s happening in the pro bono program. There are several new projects starting this semester, and it’s really exciting to see how students are directly involved in organizing and leading every pro bono project. It’s also really clear that the pro bono program has not only survived the pandemic, but has used it to expand their work to even more people through technology.
As a student, it’s easy to silo yourself from the world. Pro bono allows me to give back and reengage while helping others.
Registered to Vote in Texas
Last week, an organization on campus offered to help students and staff register to vote or switch their voter registration to Texas. It literally took three minutes and I’m now registered to vote in a state where my vote really counts.
This was a reminder of how important it is to make impact accessible. I definitely would have switched my voter registration on my own before the attorney general and other major elections in 2022. But I didn’t even know about the upcoming elections this fall, and I’m not completely confident that I would have known or found out how to switch my voter registration in time to vote in them.
If we really want to see change in the world (and I do really want to see change in Texas), we need to meet people where they’re at. For students, that means meeting them at school.
I’d love to see this approach applied to other things– like vaccinations and proactive Covid-19 testing. The University of Texas has done a pretty good job of this, but it’s something that could definitely be utilized by more institutions.
The Smallest Library on Earth
I stopped at the library yesterday to drop off some books (most of which I’ll check out again when I have more time to read, whoops). When I walked in, I could hardly believe my eyes: my local library has a seed library!
Basically, you can check out four packets of seeds at a time. They have vegetable, leafy green, and flower seeds. Once you’ve grown them, you’re supposed to replace the seeds that you took with new seeds from the plants that you’ve grown!
I got a big green thumb during the pandemic, mostly houseplants, but I’m getting into herbs and vegetables. And of course, I’ve grown an avocado tree.
I also just love the idea of a tiny library within a library. There’s actually a toy library near me as well too. And I love that this seed library mirrors nature in that it will regenerate itself.
That’s all for this week! Check back next Friday for another update on my journey to becoming a more ethical and sustainable citizen.
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- Livestock and Land Use: How Are We Feeding The Planet? Impactfull April 2022 - April 19, 2022
- What Does Voluntourism Look Like? A Case Study in a Cambodian Orphanage - March 28, 2022