Alyssa Nelson | On The Move

History

I am: Yes, I am.
I earn my daily bread: “Graduate Students and Community Members Partnering for Change”.
I work as the program coordinator of the Community Liaison Program (part of the Public Service Research Program at UC Davis’ John Muir Institute of the Environment). I coach 8 graduate students in their collaborative projects with Central Valley communities to address local environmental and social issues. I draw on my own experience as a graduate student (in Geography) engaged with youth and adults in Knights Landing, California, where we recently painted a community mural based on two years of participatory research.
How my leadership has changed as a result of OTV: I am more aware of both my strengths and weaknesses. I have learned that it’s not only okay to ask for help, but imperative: life is a collaborative effort (and joy!). I have seen myself turn visions into reality instead of talking myself out of them because of all the things that could go wrong. I try to pass these learnings on to others by exemplifying them in my own life and work.
Where I’ve come from and where I expect to be in the next 3-5 years: I come from confusion, idealism, courage, fear, love, and hope. I expect more of all.