SAS EOF 2020 Scholar

Maxilia Desir

Hometown: Irvington, NJ

Major: Political Science and Africana Studies

Dream/Goal: My dreams aren't concrete but more abstract. Ultimately I want to make the world a better place for the Black & Brown community and LGBTQIA+ community. I want to use law and policy to enact changes that dismantle systematic oppression such as the Prison to School Pipeline, and mass incarceration rates. I hope with this dream I can make my dad proud.

Favorite Rutgers Moment: My favorite Rutgers moment was hosting the "Take My Black Card" cultural event in the Douglass MPR, I won various awards for this event and it made me beyond proud.

What does it mean to be a Scholar?: To me being an EOF Scholar means being the first. The first in my family to attend college. The first to to pursue a career in politics and law, and the first to graduate with a bachelor's degree. I have always wanted to make my parents proud. As Haitian immigrants they gave up so much in order to give me an opportunity for a better life. The Rutgers EOF program has provided me with immense support. As an EOF Scholar I have been given a second family, and another support system.