Soné Keith
Barry University
Soné Keith is a community-committed student who has used her education and talents to promote peace and justice. As a photography major with a minor in education, she became a member of the Barry Service Corps and sought opportunities for civic learning and service that would contribute to long-term community impact. For more than three years, her civic engagement has focused on the work of the Peace Education Foundation, a nongovernmental organization that has special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Serving as a volunteer program assistant (assistant editor) with the Foundation, Soné provided valuable assistance with the editing of a peace education curriculum and workbooks covering peace-making skillsets targeted to children. In addition, she assisted with video productions of the organization’s mentoring series for teachers, which provides them with resources for preventing bullying and violence and for resolving conflicts at school. Combined with the work of others, her service has contributed to a decrease in disruptive behaviors and an increase in social connectedness in schools. With noticeable energy, creativity, and conscientiousness, Soné Keith remains steadfast in her commitment to serving the community through initiatives that foster peace and social justice.
Personal Statement
For nearly my entire schooling, I’ve attended Catholic schools, where rigorous academics and becoming a practicing Catholic were the strongest values held. Not much about the modern world or how to interact with it was discussed in class. I learned a lot about the world from my surrounding neighborhoods in The Bronx, New York, where it is rather rough and intense. Naturally, I picked up some “street” skills. From my family, as well as from my own experiences and mistakes, I learned life skills. Since I started serving at the Peace Education Foundation in Miami, I’ve come to the realization that, because students spend about one third of their day in school, teachers ultimately act as their third parent – looking after their well-being while outputting knowledge for them to acquire. Peace Education uses workbooks and other resources for “Teaching Peace, Creating Solutions.” Assisting with the production of such resources is a role that I truly value. Though the assistance I provide at Peace Education may be minuscule, I understand that it ultimately contributes to building fundamental skills that will positively impact the lives of children and will help to build community.
