You see a young, white woman, but I am more than just what I appear to be.

You may think that I am inexperienced, privileged, perhaps even self-serving and vain.

However, I am not always these things.

You may think that I don’t know enough of the world to make a difference yet.

But, I have experienced poverty, and I have experienced financial security.

I have experienced great joy, great sadness, love and loneliness.

My experiences have enriched who I am and how I care for those I love.

I am a great nurturer, a lover of people, especially young people.

I care more about the well-being of others than the well-being of myself.

And, I care most about how I can use my privileges and advantages to help future generations.

You may not see it, but I am proud of my Native American heritage.

I’m proud of my Suquamish family who has fought so hard to remove themselves from generations of poverty and oppression.

You see a young, white woman who is simple and one-sided, but my identity is multifaceted and complex.