ImPact: Professional SJTI

"Before SJTI, I sought to be the good, white ally because it made me feel more comfortable. During SJTI, I felt discomfort, pain and confusion. And that is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I used to take off my social justice hat when the work became too heavy or too awkward for me, and now I understand what a privilege that is. Seeking social justice is a part of me now, so I speak. And I speak. And I speak."
Shannon Marthouse, University of New Hampshire, Class of 2006

"SJTI broke me down to build me up. The experience was mine to give and mine to receive; I think the only way I was able to get so many gems out of it was because I took risks, I pushed through my pride and allowed myself to be vulnerable, to tell the truth about myself and others. SJTI in my life was long overdue, and so I was certainy ready as a Black Woman to face my dominant and subordinated places in the face & say 'I won't allow you to take my spirit away-I won't allow you to cease my breath-I won't allow you to take my voice'. SJTI has given me the language to challenge those people I work, live and play with on their privilege gently and patiently."
Leah Prescott, Dartmouth College (NH), Class of 2006

"I went into the vortex of SJTI not realizing that it was a vortex at all. The spinning within it was difficult, painful, and awesome. When I came out, I was disoriented and hurt but now the haze is clearing and I realize just how much work I have to do. SJTI was one of the best experiences I have had and it helped me to realize that I am enough!"
Alissa R. King, Iowa State University, Class of 2006

"This was a life-changing event as I began to really look at myself and my role as a racial/racist being. I have worked for many years to educate others and myself in the area of diversity. I thought I had come far in my self-awareness and that I was really educated. At SJTI I came to realize, through much challenging and probing, that I am just at the beginning of this great journey. I feel like I am changing every day and am becoming even more direct, honest and confrontive."
Christa Sandelier, Colorado State University, Class of 2002

"SJTI gave me the ability to identify the daily oppressions I both suffer and perpetuate. I began my time there arrogantly prepared to change the world and left with the tools to transform myself."
Rachel Wagner, University of Arizona, Class of 2000

"SJTI was not another diversity workshop or a momentary attempt to "honor" our differences. This experience gave me a first hand look at myself and the lens by which I view the world and the people that I encounter from day to day."
Renique Quick, Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2002

"I have more than 25 years experience in anti racism and diversity work. This program uses one of the most powerful and compassionate approaches I have had the privilege of experiencing. It helps us understand each other by understanding ourselves. As a result we all become more fully human."
Dr. Jane Fried, Central Connecticut State University, Class of 1998

"The institute far exceeded any expectations I could have had. I knew coming to the institute was supposed to be a transformational experience but I don't believe I could have envisioned how true that could have been and how exactly the institute and people would touch me. I am so very lucky to have had this opportunity."
Ray Gasser, University of Arizona, Class of 2002

"SJTI allowed me to face, head on, many of the challenges I had been facing as a gay man of color. My experience opened new doors as to how I work with others for education purposes. Personally, I had many weights lifted off of me from years of stifling feelings and opinions about myself and others. Professionally, I have been able to challenge, be challenged by and work with colleagues in the advancement of social justice for all."
Kenrick Ali, University of San Francisco, Class of 2004

"Ever since I left SJTI, the facilitators and my fellow participants, the experience has not left me. I imagine it will be like this for years to come: memories coming back full force to remind me how I want to be in the world with my fellow human beings."
Marjorie Gosling, Prescott College (AZ), Student SJTI Class of 2007

"Ever since I left SJTI, the facilitators and my fellow participants, the experience has not left me. I imagine it will be like this for years to come: memories coming back full force to remind me how I want to be in the world with my fellow human beings."
Marjorie Gosling, Prescott College (AZ), Student SJTI Class of 2007

"SJTI is an intense, emotional experience that has made me take a new attitude and approach on addressing social justice issues on my campus and surrounding community. The impact hits the heart and fills tears with hope."
Dustin Gee, Juniata College (PA), Student SJTI Class of 2007

"I learned so much by realizing how little I actually knew. You can only grow and learn after recognizing your own weaknesses and limitations; a necessary internal process. No one is a social justice expert, we all need to keep asking questions."
Vanessa Navarro, University of California - Santa Cruz, Student SJTI Class of 2007

"I went in hoping for a world of experience and was humbled by how little I truly knew even after everything I thought I had known. I am honored to have had the experience and would do it again in a heart beat."
Tiffany Taylor, San José State University, Student SJTI Class of 2007