Robert Frost's poem Nothing Gold Can Stay communicates something beyond impermanence; it speaks to the importance of preservation. Furthermore, in my interpretation, it speaks to the endurance of marginalized communities, those vulnerable to systemic neglect. I am honored to join the Trellis Foundation—an organization committed to building a higher education system that serves everyone—as the Communications Intern. This opportunity represents the intersection of my personal journey and my professional aspirations, where digital storytelling, higher education advocacy, and community come together.

From an early age, my grandmother, a lifelong educator, instilled in me the value of education. After my family encountered significant hardships, my grandparents raised my two brothers and me in Beaumont, TX. I grew up witnessing the many obstacles young people in my community faced, barriers that extended far beyond the classroom walls. For many, higher education felt out of reach. My exposure to extracurricular writing and poetry competitions, as well as leadership roles in grade school, allowed me to engage deeply with narrative and community. This allowed me to develop a perspective of storytelling as a powerful tool for amplifying voices, along with some chronic wrist pain from all the writing. Despite these challenges, my resolve to pursue higher education only grew stronger.

Entering college, I took on media roles in several student organizations, including historian, communications, and public relations. I eagerly explored storytelling through various digital communication mediums like web design, photography, and writing. For my community, this work was a form of resistance, digitally documenting and archiving our lived experiences on campus. It became evident to me that it was about being present and building connections. I learned that the value of an image was not solely measured by likes or follows, but by how powerfully it could say, "this is community."

After my freshman year, I confidently declared my Business major in Marketing to explore how innovative marketing strategies can promote authentic stories. My work with nonprofits, such as Young Invincibles, and higher education departments reinforced my interest in having a positive impact through communications and marketing. Long term, I hope to work with mission-driven organizations to design campaigns that shift public narratives and empower communities.

This growing interest led me to pursue a dual degree in Black Studies. From scholars and feminists like Audre Lorde, I've learned how the act of naming lived experiences can be both a personal and political practice. These courses challenge me to consider not just how social systems function, but how they are communicated. I developed a passion for understanding how legislation and advocacy intersect with digital media to influence social movements and public policy. This academic experience continues to illustrate, across disciplines, how digital storytelling serves as a tool for community building, humanizing diverse experiences, and promoting unity.

Joining the Trellis Foundation gives me the chance to contribute to an organization deeply committed to educational equity while sharpening my skills as I build a career in digital marketing and consulting. I have benefited from grants, resources, and mentors who helped me persist with my education. Their support went beyond financial aid; it was an investment in my future. As Communications Intern, I am motivated to elevate the Foundation's impact by increasing its visibility. I look forward to being part of a team where strategic communication amplifies student experiences.

Kaitlyn Koba is a dual-degree student at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the McCombs School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in African and African Diaspora Studies. Raised by her grandparents in Beaumont, Texas, she draws inspiration from her lived experiences and community, using digital storytelling as a tool for advocacy and empowerment. Kaitlyn has held several strategic marketing and outreach roles, including Associate Director of Outreach and Media Relations for UT Student Government, Digital Marketing Intern for the UT Computer Science Department, and Youth Advocate with Young Invincibles. These experiences have shaped her interest in content creation and creative strategy. As the Communications Intern at Trellis Foundation, she looks forward to amplifying the Foundation's impact on students and sharpening her skills in brand development and media management—experience she intends to carry into a future career in marketing and consulting.