On such a winter's day

snacks for everybody and just having a big family potluck or something like that.” von Dahlern also wants everybody to join the Umoja Club, as she wants everybody to have a community that they can feel a part of.

“I would like to encourage everyone to just come to the club.” von Dahlern said, “I would recommend to anybody that’s interested in learning a little bit more about themselves, but also want to share about their own culture.”

In addition to being president of the Umoja Club, von Dahlern also tutors for Umoja English classes with Professor Chris Corning, as well as working another job outside of school. With this extra workload, she’s also learned the importance of taking time for herself and not setting impossible standards.

After graduating from Pierce College, von Dahlern plans to transfer to UCLA or a historically Black college or University, such as Howard University, to pursue her education in the therapy field. Once she recieves her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she might move back to Europe for a graduate’s program.

“I’m going to tell myself that it’s okay to take time for yourself and that it’s okay to sit back and watch a movie and that it’s okay to not focus on school 24/7,’’ von Dahlern said. “Instead of graduating this year, I will be graduating next year, and I’m okay with that.”