Maximilian Salvati

I am so excited to attend college and am prioritizing universities that focus on diversity and foster space for everyone’s voices to be honored and respected. All of us are diverse and unique in our own ways and sharing our differences is what brings us together in community. For many years, one of the things that made me feel different was the intense anxiety I experienced when speaking in front of others and barely believing that my voice was worthy of being heard. I felt alone, misunderstood and excluded. It was my amazing community of family, friends and middle school teachers that helped me build my confidence, find my voice, and not judge myself for my unique struggles.

Being able to communicate effectively has become one of my core values, and I think that it is one of the most important parts of life. I believe everyone has a story, and the power of sharing our stories is what makes us each stronger as individuals and as a larger whole. Sharing experiences, values, and interests is the bridge that every community needs to connect and grow. I will use my communication and listening skills with my community at the University of Oregon to support others with empathy and compassion. When I empathize with my peers it underscores that their experiences matter to me, and this bond is so crucial in building community.

I will be pursuing a Psychology degree and want to become an Art Therapist, which will tie in my passion of art and craftsmanship as a source of healing and connection.