This post originally appeared on TheHumanist.com.
Welcome our new HERE for Climate intern, Caroline Peters!
What is your educational and work background?
I’m a rising senior at Colorado College, majoring in environmental science with a minor in Classics. I have previous experience in the nonprofit sector, working with an organization attempting to close the education gap in low-income communities. I’m also currently conducting ecological research with a professor at my college.
How did you first learn about humanism?
I first learned of humanism in one of my courses during my first year of college. As I learned more about humanism, I found that it aligned with many of the principles I grew up with.
Did you grow up in a traditional religious faith? How did it impact you?
I grew up in a Protestant Christian household, in a town where most of the population has the same faith. Growing up in this environment shaped my principles and sense of self. For high school, I transferred to a Jesuit school where I was able to explore more religions and viewpoints on the world. The motto of this school is “Men and Women for Others.” It was through the Jesuit’s progressive teachings that I learned more about social justice and what it truly means to be for others, whether you’re religious or not.
What interested you most about working for the American Humanist Association?
I did not grow up knowing about humanism, but I feel that I was still surrounded by people who embodied its principles. I admire the American Humanist Association for their prioritization of inciting change in the topics they’re passionate about. I really appreciate their dedication to a more progressive, collective world and I’m extremely excited to be a part of this work.
What book has influenced you the most?
As someone who thoroughly enjoys reading, this is an incredibly difficult question! If I must choose, I think the book that has influenced me the most is Difficult Women by Roxane Gay. Her collection of short stories center women in their most raw forms in a way that is enthralling, devastating, and empowering.
If you could have dinner with any three people in the world (living or dead), who would they be and why?
My maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather. They both died when I was young, and I would love to hear more of their stories that have been lost with time. Joining us would be Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) because her intelligence and will is an inspiration, and I think any conversation with her would be one that would spark passion.