Hi! I am Yolanie, I am currently a Stanford University Sophomore studying Public Policy with a minor in Human Rights. I love being able to learn about the history of societies and how policy has shaped them. This includes the history of Stanford. If you would like a trip down rememory lane (Beloved by Toni Morrison reference), I am your gal! I absolutely love sharing my secret treasures (locations) on campus... as long as you don't share them ;). I have had friends in all fields whom have shared their experience extensively. So I like to say that I am an honorary scientist, pre-med, computer science, english, spanish, and everything under the sun student. I am very passionate about making everything I do accommodating toward everyone. Including speaking extra loud, answering all questions (yes even about student traditions), getting real about my experience and ensuring the walk we go on is accessible for all people!

Hometown

Los Angeles, CA

Major(s)

Public Policy

Minor(s)

Human RIghts

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I am involved in: students for workers rights, first generation low income partnership, cardinal quarter through the haas, frosh liason, and alternative spring break.

Describe your college experience

As a first-generation student, I was a bit rocky. However I was able to gain community through various clubs on campus.

Tip for future students

GO TO OFFICE HOURS

Favorite class

It would be hard to choose but I can give you a couple. I really enjoyed this residential program at Stanford you taking during your freshmen year called Structure Liberal Education (SLE). Not only was I living the dorm I was but I also had my lectures, sections, and dinners there. My classmates lived in the same dorm so I was able to converse with them at the restroom, the halls, the dining hall, classroom--really anywhere about class and the readings. It was truly an immersive amazing experience. I also took am anthropology course last year regarding asylum which inspired my Human Rights minor. I was able to discuss the current and historical political climate regarding immigration and asylum seekers. I was able to delve into what it meant to seek asylum, how bureaucratic it is, and how powerless it could feel. Yet I was empowered to speak up for these vulnerable migrants especially because my professor was a translator for them and ensured they had the resources they needed to navigate the difficult situation they were in.

Career goals

I want to be a policy person

Ideal way to spend a free night

I would spend a bit of it studying with friends, then we would talk and go to late night dining, or even walk and talk around campus.

High school or secondary school

Belmont High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot is hidden. It is called Kingscote, it is a garden with a little lake. I don't go too often but it is very calming when I am stressed.