I’m Violet—a writer, cultural connector, and the kind of person who notices quiet things. I notice the way conversations flow—or don’t. I am someone who cares deeply about building bridges between ideas, people, and communities. I am applying for the Student Leaders Board because I believe in the power of student leadership to create meaningful change. I believe that in order to be able to execute my ideas and advocate for what I care most about, I need to become a leader. DKU boasts about its diversity yet ignores the need for an inclusive campus life. Since the orientation week, I have strived to bridge the division between Chinese and international students when my OL didn’t seem to care. Diversity requires sacrifices and conscious decisions. I refuse to speak Vietnamese in public because I want everyone around me to feel included, even if it means damaging my relationship with other Vietnamese students. Every day, I push myself out of my comfort zone to facilitate cross-cultural interaction between myself and other Chinese students, even when it is awkward sometimes, and I get ignored. I do not hesitate to directly call someone out when they are being exclusive or discriminating. My leadership approach is extreme but I believe it is necessary to foster a sense of belonging for all. After all, my goal is to strengthen the connections between different student groups on campus, especially bridging the gap between international and Chinese students. To me, inclusivity is a commitment. It’s the willingness to navigate discomfort, to face rejection, to keep trying even when it feels like no one else sees the point. I’ve lived that commitment every day since I arrived at DKU, and I am willing to go great lengths to promote a more connected, inclusive community.