During my 1st year of college, I experienced food insecurity-related issues, which were linked to financial hardships that followed my transition to college. While this proved to be a very challenging time in my life, the AS Food Bank was one of the greatest assets that I used to help remediate this conflict. Given this, I wanted to give back and learn more about the program that helped me so much during my 1st year. My position as the Global Food Initiative Ambassador has allowed me to learn more about the food systems in place to help students experiencing similar struggles. I've grown to develop a deep understanding of how Basic Needs operates on campus, and the ways I can use my position to empower those within my community as well.