Last semester, Autumn volunteered at the Catholic Charities of Tompkins and helped them with their annual coat drive, “Share The Warmth,” to assist local low-income individuals in finding winter clothes. She organized and sorted clothing and helped others navigate the closet space. Autumn has a passion for supporting others, specifically those who are new to America and need comfort and help adjusting. In addition, she interviewed the staff at CCT to create a video that highlighted the importance of the coat drive event. Autumn also enjoys singing, playing guitar and piano at Mcgraw House, a senior living facility, where she has also made meaningful connections with the residents. Over the summer Autumn interned with the Ossining School District, filming town events and editing the videos. Currently at IC, Autumn writes for The Ithacan and Buzzsaw magazine, where she writes short stories and articles about inclusivity and celebrating diversity. She is also the Vice President of Communications for the Society of Professional Journalists, where she manages events and facilitates conversations about the importance of journalism. This year, Autumn will work with Nature to Nursing, which helps provide natural elements to nursing homes so that it improves the quality of life in these establishments, and with Ithaca's Family Reading Partnership. Autumn’s mission is to encourage the world to question problematic systems in society. She is also working with the young people at the Village at Ithaca. Autumn wants to increase advocacy and understanding for all communities and hopes her journalism will help to do so as well. She has a passion for story telling but also story listening. Listening to stories and making full dimension connections with others is what she wishes to do with her career in journalism.
Autumn Valdes
