Keziah Sander

What was the most impactful class you took in your major?  

Black Feminist Thought (INTS 439) was the most impactful course I have taken because I was introduced to many Black women scholars whose scholarship has been integral in shaping Black feminist ideology and practices that interrogate systems of inequality. Black Feminist Thought taught me to imagine new futures where Black queer bodies are liberated from racialized and sexualized oppression and can exist freely and experience Black joy without Black pain. 
 
What activities were you involved in during your time at Mason that impacted you?  

I have had the opportunity to transfer into the Omicron Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. I also served as a research assistant under Dr. David Corwin. I conducted research that contributed to the creation of the INTS: LGBTQ+ Liberties for Our Futures course. This work was a gratifying experience because I had the opportunity to interview several LGBTQ+ professionals across many different areas of expertise. Additionally, I have been granted the opportunity to work on a project with Anti-Racist Collaborative Arts at Mason. Through this project, I created sound art featuring my spoken word poetry that will be utilized for an upcoming installation. These two areas of research and art-based activism have allowed me to put my coursework to active use in the Mason and Northern VA communities. 
 
What is your most memorable “Mason moment?”  

My most memorable moment at Mason surrounds my experience in sorority life. My favorite memory was while being a part of the Omicron Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. was putting together a yard show in two weeks and performing for all of campus in Wilkins Plaza. It was two weeks of intense practice and long nights, but looking back the time I spent bonding with my sisters will always be invaluable to me. I love OI, and I love working with my sisters as we develop a shared vision and achieve our goals. 
 
As you are reflecting on your time at Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their Mason journey? 

I would say: give Mason a chance to be great to you. As a senior transfer student, I truly believed my college experience was over — that I was just at Mason to finish up and get my degree. My goal was to keep my head down and not get involved in too much. All of that changed when I stepped foot on campus and saw all there was to offer. It's all waiting for you. You just have to give Mason a chance.   
 
What is your next step after graduation? What are your future plans? 

I hope to pursue a master's degree in either African American Literature, Social Justice and Human Rights, or Library Sciences. I am currently a bit torn, but I hope to be enrolled in a master's program by Spring 2025.