Ava Kaufman
I am a student at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Please see my charitable wish list for my birthday and holidays.
I hope you create a charitable wish list or registry, too.
About Me
I'm 20, and I'm a rising junior at the University of Michigan! I love skiing, cooking, watching Law and Order, and hanging out with my friends and their pets. I'm very passionate about feminist activism, mindfulness, and mental health awareness.
My Academics
I'm majoring in Psychology with a minor in Law, Justice, and Social Change through U-M's sociology department. I'm particularly interested in social psychology, and my interest in the social sciences stems from a desire to effect positive social change on a micro and macro level.
My Extracurricular Activities
Outside of class, I work in the Stigmatized Sexualities Lab under Dr. Terri Conley, doing social psychology research. I will be assuming the role of lab manager as of Fall 2019. I'm on the executive board of Zeta Omega Eta, which is the country's only feminist sorority, and through which I participate in feminist activism with various focuses ' mental health awareness, charitable fundraising, and political advocacy. Additionally, I'm employed by Michigan Dining at the Campus Bakery!
My Sports Activities
Apart from yoga and cardio, I am not involved in any campus athletics!
Honors and Awards
- Excellence in PowerPoint Presentation ' Stigmatized Sexualities Lab - Excellence in Web-Based Research ' Stigmatized Sexualities Lab - Debate Service Award ' Bronx High School of Science - Spanish Honors Award ' Bronx High School of Science
What I am Doing for a Better World
My Favorite Causes
Animals(Domestic)
Animals(Wild)
Criminal Justice
Mental Health
Women and Girls
Sustainable Food
My Lifestyle
I'm a vegetarian, and I try to minimize my dairy consumption as much as possible. Both of these efforts are intended to scale back the impact that industrial agriculture has on the environment, as well as to protect the animals involved (as I absolutely adore animals). I also try to be mindful about living sustainably, and avoiding unnecessary production of waste. Finally, I VOTE! I feel that civic engagement is an extremely powerful way to further the causes you're passionate about.
My Volunteering and Community Service
Through the U-M Psychology Department, I had a chance to volunteer at the Washtenaw County Youth Center, where I acted as a mentor to incarcerated youth. It was an extremely valuable experience to interact with people directly affected by the criminal justice system, and help them channel their energy into positive social and academic activities. I've also volunteered with school organizations like M-LEAD and Students for Choice to help enact positive change in our own community!
My Fundraising
Through my sorority, Zeta Omega Eta, I've helped plan and participated in multiple fundraising efforts for local Ann Arbor charities/causes (like SafeHouse and Out of the Darkness)! Additionally, through working as an intern for Changing the Present, I am assisting in fundraising efforts for various nonprofits dedicated to all sorts of valuable causes!
My Charitable Wish List on Changing The Present
I love the idea of people donating instead of buying unwanted presents. It is a much more meaningful way to show your love. Please see my charitable wish list, and please create your own.