What is your name?
Fernanda Toledo Villalobos
Where is your favorite place to spend time?
Near the ocean, or on trails.
What are some of your interests or hobbies?
Learning Languages (going onto the 5th) Walking, Reading, Horseback riding, Hiking, Bikram Yoga, swimming, sleeping, meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Are you currently in school or working or both? What are you studying in school? What do you do for work?
I graduated from University with an International Relations and World Politics Degree, I however currently work in Operations in Education (Italian International School) and Diplomat in training.
What do you hope to do career wise, if you don’t already have one? If you do have one, is it fulfilling? What are some barriers to that fulfillment?
My career is quite fulfilling and challenging on a daily basis, I actually did not have in mind to work in Education but coming into this area I am learning more than what I had expected and how intertwined life is. I will come out of this experience with a BA in psychology, early childhood education, motherhood, how to not be a helicopter parent, and what educational policies we should really focus on and pursue as we move forward through 2016 and beyond. Realizing that the future for the new generation will look different in terms of how they learn, what experiences they undergo and how we can create an education system that works for students, instead of against them.
To what degree do you consider yourself politically engaged? Has the outcome of the election changed this in any way?
I consider myself politically engaged since I migrated from Chile to the US. Can’t help but to be motivated when you have a lot of hurdles to jump and understand, before achieving legal acceptance and “belong.” I worked at the US embassy in Rome In the Public Affairs office, which focused on engagement with Italian students, and other international governmental groups to foster connections. The election only reinforced that we are globally interconnected, and what happens here affects outcomes everywhere.
Why do you think that Trump’s message appealed to so many people? Do you think that those who voted for Trump had valid concerns?
Let’s be clear, America loves reality TV. I do think those who voted had valid concerns, many of the votes came from unexpected groups. You know once you realize that issues society encounters are internalized and repeated over time, AND you have a system that does not work or evolve according to the “whole’s” needs, you have to set aside the immediate adrenaline rush, and look at the whole picture. For trump voters, they had 8 years of “different” change, sectors that propelled efficiency, technological advancement and most importantly human rights. However, you see that our government/ the incompetent bureaucracy forgot to provide solutions and basic quality of life to those who are not directly involved in those sectors.
If you had the opportunity to sit down and have lunch with a die-hard Trump supporter, would you? If so, what are some of the things you’d like to discuss with them?
I would, and I would like to hear exactly where they are coming from. Without dialogue like this, you would not be creating solutions to the problems, instead perpetuate them.
What do you think about the fact that Trump has dismissed the science behind human-caused climate change? Why do you think climate change has become so politicized? What do you think a Trump presidency means for the environment?
Controversy. Also, he is 70, and has not necessarily lived through or seen what shifts the Earth and its ecosystems are going through. We will be facing the repercussions, so it is up to us to be ACTIVELY engaged in all aspects of society if we wish to have the impact we desire.
Do you feel compelled to act in response to the outcome of the election, both senatorial, presidential, and the now likelihood of a conservative-leaning supreme court? Why or why not? What course of action will you take to achieve your intended goal?
All of the above is happening. This should be the catalyst for people to step out of their bubble- whichever type may be- and create the solutions we want and need. It is exciting for people to step away from the selfies and reality tv shows and actually care for your civic duty you have to yourself and your loved ones. Politics impacts your environment directly.
Of the many areas of life that Trump’s presidency will likely affect, what issues are most dear to you? (E.g. economics, public health, public education, funding for scientific research, environmental issues, LGBT rights, women’s rights, immigration, racial inequity etc…)
All of the ones you mention. I came from a macho-catholic society in Chile, left by choice to pursue my own career goals. I grew up in the Bay Area. All my beliefs and the communities that surround me are targeted, however I know we will not compromise all we have accomplished as a people.
What message would you like to send those who are feeling disparaged or socially isolated in light of the election?
This should be the catalyst to change, to make sure that society as a whole functions. To be able to move forward as one. To step out of your bubble and change perspectives as many times as needed, to abhor close-mindedness and embrace empathy. After all, we aim to be “one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
