IGNITE-Solving Our World's Complex Problems Becoming global citizen is central to the University Honors Program. IGNITE works to expand on that theme. We aim to solve some of the world's most complex issues by utilizing novel, sustainable practices, inventions, or solutions. Our inaugural cohort has decided food insecurity as our social justice issue. We have spent the first months of our project researching food insecurity in Cincinnati, the food desert communities, and speaking with the community members. We are continuing to hash out an official project idea and am excited to continue my work into the new year.
I have grown so much as a thinker through this experience. It was a culmination of skills I have been garnering throughout my undergrad. My compassion for people and having a very relationship centered strength shines through in endeavors like this. I enjoy forming connections and delivering personalized plans to those I assist. I have also grown as a critical thinker. Developing a new project requires so many moving parts--intimate details I would not normally think of. Discussion of sensitive topics is a practice I am not comfortable with. However, meeting with the community members, asking about their food troubles, and discussing potential solutions has provided a way to overcome this discomfort. I realize as a professional in the world, I must be able to discuss the less pretty topics. It is so important to give everyone a voice. Finally, I have grown in awe of the fellow members of my cohort. They have shown me to not limit the realms of ideation--something my practicality often forces me to overlook. Their passion is infections and gives me hope as I graduate that there are people out there so ready to help others.