SOFIA DOWNING
The Change I Want to Bring to the World
As an Urban Studies and Economics major, I am interested in pursuing a career as an urban planner and economist. My goal with this career path is to create environments in which all individuals can find a “home,” whether it be tangible or abstract. I recognize the concept of “home” can look different for everyone, which is why I am drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of urban planning. As an urban planner and economist, I intend to investigate economic and social dynamics and to propose policies that support equitable and sustainable development of cities at both macro- and micro- levels. Some projects I intend to participate in include: the creation of permanent jobs, affordable housing, and special economic zones, the development of public spaces as sites for cultural expression, and the implementation of socio-emotional educational programs. Ultimately, I want to create urban environments that equip community members with the tools necessary to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.
How I’ve Been Involved in Changemaking So Far
Creating a more principled world guided by attitudes of collaboration rather than conflict, love rather than hate, and abundance rather than scarcity entails figuring out how these tensions manifest themselves within us. How did the way we were socialized influence our attitudes, biases, and perceptions of other people and the world? Which behaviors and beliefs should we do away with and which can we continue to strengthen?
These are some of the questions I have asked myself and encouraged others to answer through my involvement with the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Columbia University. As a student facilitator for ROOTED (Respecting Ourselves and Others through Empathy and Dialogue) and Under1Roof, I have led peer dialogues exploring identity, oppression, and social responsibility. I collaborate with team members to develop curricula around topics that are meaningful to Columbia students, such as mental health, fatphobia, and safety stereotypes. By modeling vulnerability and compassion, I create safe spaces where students are encouraged to challenge their prejudices and internal biases, and to explore individual steps they can take to advance social justice. Individuals are equipped with communication and conflict resolution skills that may help them engage with topics of identity, power, and privilege at Columbia and beyond.
What Drew Me to This Fellowship
When I think about the future of my academic and professional careers, I often face an inner dilemma between my idealistic and pragmatic selves. The first tells me to follow a career path that I am passionate about, to follow my heart. The other tells me to be practical and to follow a clear-cut path that will ensure my “success,” to “play it safe”. At times, this back-and-forth causes me to ask, “can following my passions allow me to reach the ambitious goals I have as a changemaker? Will following my heart allow me to leave a mark in my surrounding communities?” If a peer were asking me these questions I would blurt out a resounding “yes!” But I often forget to internalize this myself.
I am embarking upon the Mentora Youth Changemaker Fellowship because I want to embody what I know to be true about these two selves. I do not need to sacrifice my passions for the sake of “practicality.” Rather, I can be strategic in the way in which I channel these dreams. I believe this fellowship will give me the strategies for using my passions to create a measurable impact on my surroundings and inspiring others to do the same.
