Olivia Smith

Livvie Smith

Olivia Smith

ILR '21

Jericho Road Community Health Center

High Road Fellowships - Buffalo, NY

"I am passionate about equality in the
world, and have a specific interest
in helping underserved groups of
people. I chose to participate in this
fellowship program because I want
to make a difference in the world
when I graduate, and this program
helped show me what I can do in my
community to make it a better place.”

WORK HIGHLIGHTS

• Was a member of the English Second Language Initiative (ESL) where she taught daily ESL and citizenship classes to a diverse array of students from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

• During the summer, three of her students passed their citizenship tests.

• In collaboration with a Democracy Summer Fellow, planned and taught a voting workshop where the students participated in a mock election.

• Scheduled a workers’ rights workshop through the WNY Council on Occupational Safety and Health for students to learn about work issues and their rights.

• As “Teacher Livvie” enjoyed the variety of ethnic cuisines her students brought her to show their appreciation!

BUFFALO HIGHLIGHT

Immersing myself in the greater Buffalo community by attending several events and activities with other fellows throughout the summer.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Living in one place with the fellows which allowed us to cook, eat, and hang out together all the time. The fellows are the best part of the High Road program; I have made lifelong friends!

INTERESTS

Immigrant and Refugee rights and social justice.

CONVENTIONAL AND UNCONVENTIONAL SKILLS

Jumped a car with Will (another 2019 fellow). Strengthened my public speaking skills through teaching and learned how to advocate for myself.

BLOG POST

Working Against Injustice