The Arrow’s “Museum of Me”

Shannon Washington is a graduate assistant for the Center of Behavioral Health and Accessibility and the Campus Violence Prevention Program (CVPP). Here, she shows three items that help uplift her through everyday life.  (Photo by Kaylie Davis)

This Japanese book was gifted to Washington by her tutor at Truman State University. The book symbolizes her passion for learning about other cultures, and she said this expanded knowledge can make all the difference in having someone's experience be frightening or endearing. The book also reminds Washington to feed her mind with knowledge. "I think reading books is how you can connect more with people, feed your mind and grow," Washington said. Reading the book in full poses a challenge for Washington because there are three different Japanese alphabets: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji. Sometimes, all three systems can be found in one sentence, which she said is what can be confusing if one doesn't understand how they work. The parts she can read help refresh her mind on the Japanese language. She said her favorite theme in the book is looking inward at herself and figuring out who she really is.  (Photo by Kaylie Davis )

Washington loves the smell and idea of roses because they remind her of personal growth. "Roses symbolize growth," Washington said. "I think it's important to strive to be the best version of yourself. We're never going to be done growing." Washington said growing up can be difficult because we see the good and bad in the world, so it is up to each person to grow through those times. "I'm always trying to look inward and reflect on myself and my well-being," Washington said. "When people see me, I want them to see someone impactful, strong-minded and determined." (Photo by Kaylie Davis)

This box symbolizes opening up to look within yourself to try and be a better person. Washington compares the box to Johari's Window, a model used to help people understand the relationships with themselves and others. The model represents what is known to others when the box is open, and what it not known to others when the box is closed. "It's important to share what others don't know [about you], because you never know what impact you can have on someone else," Washington said. Washington thinks of herself as being an open box to spread knowledge so her experiences can influence others. "Set the example [for other people] so they can be better and do better," Washington said.  (Photo by Kaylie Davis)