She speaks five languages, has lived in six different countries and dances Sevillanas at University cultural events. But for graduating College student Jackie Switzer, co-founding Sustained Dialogue with her best friend Priya Parker was an experience that changed her life forever.
When Switzer met Parker during her first year at the University, she found someone who was as frustrated as she was with the state of race relations at the University.
"We are both bi-racial and grew up in international settings, so we were not very conscious of our racial identities before we came here," said Switzer, whose mother is Mexican and father is Caucasian. "We were frustrated because we thought there has to be more to life at U.Va. than interacting in classes and then breaking off into different social scenes."
After researching ways to change the nature of race relations, the two friends decided to start a University chapter of Sustained Dialogue -- a program that brings together small groups of racially diverse students to discuss racial issues.
"If we're going to begin to change race relations, which is a very complex issue, we have to start somewhere," Switzer said. "Finding an outlet or safe space where people can share their experiences is a first step."
Switzer was also a member of the Latino Student Union and served as the Culture Fest Chair during her second year.
Passionate about travel, the foreign affairs major spent her third year studying abroad in Paris, France. She lived with a family and took courses at French universities.
Parker said she is honored to be one of Switzer's best friends.
"Jackie is definitely an independent spirit, a self-starter and is passionate about everything she does," Parker said.
Next year, Switzer plans to work for Booze Allen Hamilton, a consulting firm in Washington, D.C., but said she is eager to travel again.
"I'm dying to go abroad again," Switzer said. "I think my passion in life is international work."
Switzer won't have to wait too long though, because she and Parker will be traveling to India together this summer.
Read More
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | 10 hours agoKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
Letter from 12 deans to Board of Visitors goes unanswered for almost two weeks
By Naima Sawaya | 13 hours agoAt the time of publication, the academic deans had received no response from the Board regarding their offer to meet with the Board “as soon as possible.”
Sen. Tim Kaine speaks to U.Va. students, discusses Ryan resignation and more
By Grace Traxler | YesterdayIn an informal Q&A session, audience members asked about threats to federal research, the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at the University, potential shifts in the Democratic Party and more.
