Student Spotlight: From volunteering in Kenya to studying spirituality, mind, and body

Josefina Streeter, a student in Teachers College's MA in Psychology in Education Spirituality Mind Body, was drawn to the program due to its interdisciplinary nature, rigorous scientific foundation, and its distinction as the first Ivy League program to explore these topics. She explains, "The motto is 'personal change to generate social change,' and I resonate with that deeply, as I strongly believe in social justice and making a positive impact on our planet."

From her residence on the Columbia campus in New York, Josefina emphasizes the significant role of spirituality as a protective factor against despair diseases such as alcoholism, depression, and suicide risk. Her decision to pursue this field stems from the pressing mental health challenges faced by Chile, where affordable access to treatment remains a critical concern. Her objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary trends like meditation and the subjective benefits derived from social connections. She asks, "Why is everyone meditating? Is it merely a passing trend? Why do I feel a sense of well-being after spending time with my girlfriends? I aim to comprehend and apply this knowledge in different contexts, making it tangible and contributing responsibly to communities. I have noticed that many individuals, without formal credentials or studies, engage in discussions about these topics."

Josefina acknowledges that choosing this program was a bold decision, but she was attracted to its scientific foundations and the prestigious reputation of an institution like Columbia. Additionally, she is pursuing a Certificate in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies to bridge the gap between her practical experience and the theoretical dimensions of gender-related issues.

However, a transformative experience played a crucial role in shaping Josefina's life path. After completing her Psychology degree at Universidad del Desarrollo in 2017, she volunteered with a Chilean organization that facilitated her involvement with a local entity in Kenya. For seven months, Josefina provided psychological therapy to young girls who had experienced sexual abuse. Upon returning to Chile in mid-2018, she worked at the Ministry of Women and Gender Equity, focusing on various programs addressing violence, incarcerated women, migrants, and drug-dependent populations. She later joined Prodemu, a public foundation for the promotion and development of women, serving as the national coordinator for several programs. It was during this time that her passion for working on gender issues solidified.

Simultaneously, since 2019, Josefina has been volunteering with Fundación Maisha, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering vulnerable pregnant women, mothers, and teenage girls. Co-founded and led by Domitila Ayot, all the foundation's programs are conducted in collaboration with local partners in Nairobi and Kibera, the largest slum in Kenya and the second largest in Africa, located on the outskirts of the country's capital. In September 2021, amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Josefina returned to Kenya, this time serving as coordinator of the reception program at Fundación Maisha. In this role, she provided essential support to pregnant women in crisis and promoted the well-being of both mothers and children, with a particular focus on areas such as sexual education, health, support, and sustainability.

Now based in New York City and fully immersed in her postgraduate studies, Streeter maintains a strong connection with the Maisha Foundation. She takes on the responsibility of volunteer selection and training processes, providing invaluable guidance to those embarking on their own journeys to Kenya. Streeter emphasizes, "We only send volunteers when there is a genuine need to be fulfilled."

When contemplating her future, Streeter envisions bringing her newfound knowledge back to Chile and pursuing a career in teaching. Additionally, given that most of the literature and research she encounters is in English, she aspires to conduct research in Spanish, focusing on Latin American samples. Streeter recognizes the need to shift the focus from predominantly studying authors from the global North and instead delve into the rich cultural diversity of Latin America: “We are culturally very different, and it is essential to address our unique perspectives in academic research,” she concludes.