Zay

She/They, Peer Navigator

About

Zay (she/they) is a senior in Fairhaven College, designing her own degree titled Human Development and Discovery Through Language, which is an integration of psychology, linguistics, and creative writing. Zay is also double minoring in Education & Social Justice and the Honors College. Before attending Western, they spent several years as a teacher and intend to return to the profession after graduation. Zay is also a writer, aiming to compile a collection of their poetry for publication. Outside of school, Zay loves to climb, bake, and make art. They enjoy painting, crocheting, exploring Bellingham’s beaches, and building community in both their professional and personal life. 

Zay has lived experiences as an unaccompanied/homeless youth, specifically as a queer person of color who relocated to the US on her own. She is familiar with the challenges of financial independence, complex family dynamics, and maintaining a balance between work, school, and mental health. This is Zay’s first year as a Peer Navigator, though they’ve been an active member of WSS throughout their time at Western. She draws on her extensive experience as a teacher and RA, approaching mentorship with compassion, open communication, and a focus on building emotional resilience.