Joseph Malasa

Background

About Joseph Malasa

Rather than discuss what I've brought to the table or what I'm bringing to the table, I would like to hold space for discussing the community values that I wish to embody as I grow older. Currently a student at San Francisco State University, the birthplace of ethnic studies borne out of critical student activism, I am faced with the concept of self-determination. There have been many times in my life where I have felt that the world has abandoned me and that society is fatalistically static. It has been crucial for me to comprehend and acknowledge the way that systems of oppression have conditioned a helplessness, but I have chosen to build my tolerance to pain. With a continued effort to learning alongside others and building habits to resist pain, I hope to work towards wellness and empowerment in whatever workplace, community space, or personal endeavor that I partake in. In reflecting upon my past experiences, I can string them together with the value of gratitude. To think that it would take someone a whole lifetime to speak gratitudes of their life. I cannot view my world through rose-colored glasses, so many people in my life (myself) have suffered immensely. However, I feel blessed for my own ability to persevere and the way that others have helped me through the hardest times in my life. I am so grateful for the seemingly insignificant, the precious memories embraced with others, and the fulfilling success of challenges. Finally, I value sustainability. As a kid and even now, it has been expressed to me in covert ways that I am not enough. Actions are required to survive. It's taken me so much time to learn what sustainability might look like in a day, a week, a year. However, I acknowledge how my mind and my body are uniquely my own and requires time to express to others. My needs may look different or more similar to others depending on the day. Regardless, I want to spend more time on giving myself opportunities to give those around me exactly what everyone deserves: time and space. You're part of my world, so we are already connected. However, we cannot simply essentialize life without partaking in it. Let's learn and unlearn about one another. Then, we can build.