Class of 2017
Major: Public Health and Environmental Science
Last week, I was walking down McAlister when the sounds of Beyoncé suddenly started wafting through the air. I continued on to my dorm until I encountered the sight in the picture. Caroline Lutkewitte was manning a table surrounding by a whole crowd of students. Some were signing up while others were already committed to her project. Her enthusiasm can not be ignored, which is probably the reason she already has a whole army behind her new club, FAST or the Feminist Alliance of Students at Tulane, and was even featured in the Hullaboo last Tuesday. Read on to learn about FAST and some fun facts about Caroline herself!
What venture are you currently working on and how did it get started?
I am excited to have founded the Feminist Alliance of Students at Tulane (FAST) this semester. Last May, I attended LeaderShape with 40 other Tulane students and staff members. LeaderShape is a leadership training camp which challenged each participant to create a vision for their future. (For a similar experience, check out Work on Purpose!) My vision was for feminism to become an accepted and respected concept on Tulane’s campus. I was inspired to start FAST to initiate a conversation about gender issues with the entire Tulane community.
What does FAST do?
FAST is aimed at creating an inclusive environment on campus to support the social, political and economic equality of all genders, races, ethnicities and sexual orientations. During our weekly meetings, we will have a safe space to discuss issues we see apparent on campus. We will be involved in several large scale events such as Take Back the Night and Vagina Monologues. In addition, FAST will be connected to the New Orleans community through service with several women’s organizations. But FAST is so much more than a club. It is about being a representation of gender equality throughout all your day to day activities and being an advocate for change.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting your venture?
Deciding where to start was a huge challenge. There are so many things that I want FAST to be and places I want it to go. I had to be very intentional in the process of forming FAST.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to any college student thinking of becoming a “changemaker”?
Once you find something you’re passionate about, hold on to it for dear life. I can not tell you how wonderful it feels to wake up everyday and work on FAST and feel like I’m actually doing something for the first time in my life. Living your passion gives you such fulfillment and satisfaction.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since starting your venture?
I’ve learned how to get other people excited. Naturally, I am a very enthusiastic person but I had to learn how to transfer that enthusiasm to people who could help out the cause. My hope is that the spirit of FAST becomes infectious and everyone on campus is affected by the excitement.
What is your personal mission statement?
Radiate positive vibes.
What quote do you live by?
My dad would send me off to school (and now texts me) with the mantra “Carpe diem ominos die, DYB!” Which mean seize the day everyday and do your best 🙂
What’s one surprising fact people might not know about you?
One of my life’s aspirations is to build and then live in one of those tiny houses that take up the size of a parking spot and are so cute and cozy. That’s weird, sorry I lack a better fun fact.
If you want to develop a clear direction for your career, or if you want to develop as a social change innovator like Caroline, you should consider registering for Work on Purpose (held every Wednesday at 12:30 in Flower Hall).
Photo courtesy of Caroline’s Facebook.