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CREC Metropolitan Learning Center Graduate Recognized by World Affairs Council of Connecticut for Social Justice Work
(Hartford, CT) During her freshman year at CREC Metropolitan Learning Center for Global and International Studies, Raena Davis joined a student abolitionist group devoted to bringing awareness to the community about modern-day slavery and human trafficking. It was the beginning of Raena’s commitment to global affairs.
“Many of my previous teachers hadn’t talked about human trafficking. Slavery was taught as an antiquated practice that had been abolished,” said Davis, 18, of Hartford. “But human trafficking is prevalent today, not only abroad but in the United States and the state of Connecticut.”
By the time she graduated from CREC MLC in June, Raena was leading Student Abolitionists Stopping Slavery (SASS) and was teaching middle school art classes about human trafficking. During school, Raena had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic to work on a community service project in the municipality of Jarabacoa.
Because of her work towards improving the lives of others, Raena is among 12 graduating high school seniors who are being recognized by the World Affairs Council (WAC) with the Global Student Leadership Award. The award is given to students who have demonstrated a high interest in and have gone above and beyond to get involved in global affairs.
Raena will attend Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT this fall and plans to study Biology with a minor in Spanish. She hopes to continue to engage with global affairs by taking part in study abroad programs, and plans to pursue a career in biological research, personal entrepreneurial enterprises, or journalism.
“In my opinion, it’s very important to have a broad cultural awareness when exploring foreign environments. I am also interested in becoming more involved in politics and seeing what changes I can make at the student level as someone who is service-minded,” she said.
Raena advises high school students to take advantage of opportunities that allow them to see the world and find where they can make the most positive impact. She is excited to see and interpret the world for herself in the future.
