Having traveled to a countless number of countries encountering numerous communities, cultured is an understatement when it comes to Michelle’s perspective in life. A conflict analysis and resolution major at George Mason University, Michelle has been a long-time supporter of Invisible Children after hearing about it through MySpace at age 14. Six years and a Fourth Estate Summit later, she’s now interning at our San Diego office as an engagement/customer service intern.
Before all of that though, she participated in the Model UN program at her high school–immersing herself in world events and mocking up possible solutions to society’s greatest problems. Caught between the possibility and reality of changing the world, she wanted to do something that would shake things up. Enter: Invisible Children.
In college, she expected her major to be filled with optimism about the future but in reality she was met with the opposite. Bringing a mindset that we’re all humans and that you can only effect something with a positive outlook, she’s often told “to get back to reality.” Being involved with Invisible Children taught her to be the change.
Michelle was in attendance at our 25 event in Washington D.C. when we announced our first Fourth Estate Leadership Summit. After being surrounded by people she was inspired by and related to so easily over the span of the event, she automatically signed up to join us at the inaugural conference at USD.
I sat down with Michelle to discuss her experience at the first Fourth Estate Leadership Summit:
How would you describe the first Fourth Estate Summit?
It wasn’t solely about Invisible Children– it was about inspiration, motivation, and giving us insights into life. With all the speakers, we were equipped with information to do something through human connection and what it takes to accomplish change. It added a responsibility that needed immediate action. We learned from the “greats” and now we are able to take that info and put it out in the world. The fourth estate is what causes positive change to happen.
Why do you think attending the Summit is important?
The fourth estate is another milestone to another world. It needs to happen. A thousand years in the past, people were living entirely different lives than we are now. A thousand years from now, people will be living entirely different lives, so if we believe that the future can be a better place, we’ll work much harder to have a hand in creating a positive future.
What didn’t you expect from the Fourth Estate Summit?
Pretty much everything. I didn’t expect such a focus on us, building us to be better people and actors in the social justice world. I thought it was going to be very IC-focused — running around putting up posters and creating fundraisers. Building us up helped us improve how we advocate for IC. I didn’t expect the personal touch and care. I felt very known and understood. When I first met Jason, I introduced myself and he said, ‘I wanted to meet you!’ I was expecting to feel lost in the sea of 600 people but I was a part of a family where everyone knew my name.
What are your expectations for this years event?
A magnification of 2011. We [Invisible Children] get ourselves into things and we do whatever we want and we figure it out. So, I expect it to be more grandeur. It’s going to be an experience for every demographic and it’s going to leave 1,400 people so inspired to act. It’ll create so many connections that will build even more opportunities for the world and IC.
Now it’s your turn: Join us this August in Los Angeles, CA for the second-annual Fourth Estate Leadership Summit. A thousand students learning about justice, advocacy, and global citizenship. Expect new IC media, amazing speakers, and tangible action steps. Not to mention, an epic dance party.
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