Meet Kiersten…

My name is Kiersten and I am a senior in college.

What area of Colorado are you from?

I’m from the west Denver area.

How long you have been with SPLAT?

I’ve been with SPLAT for about 4 months now.

Why did you join SPLAT?

I joined SPLAT as a way to fulfill my college internship requirements and then just absolutely fell in love!

What is your favorite hobby outside of SPLAT?

Reading and writing are definitely my favorite hobbies outside of SPLAT.

Why are youth-adult partnerships important to you?

Youth and adult partnerships are important to me because my parents have always supported me in whatever I do and I’m aware that not everyone has that blessing in their lives. I feel that youth need strong adult role models in their lives, whether it is their parents or an adult in their community, and I believe that adults can actually learn a lot from youth, even though sometimes our society tells us differently.

How are you connecting and contributing?

I volunteer for the Molly Dharma Ride as I feel it’s a good way to give back to animals who are always there for us but can’t stick up for themselves. Knowing a no-kill animal shelter will be better suited to take care of the animals in their center is so rewarding.

How do you picture youth being more involved in the world?

I picture youth being listened to by adults instead of brushed aside. Many adults, thankfully not all, still have the notion that youth should be seen and not heard which is a shame because youth have a lot to offer and many good, progressive ideas. I also think it would be magnificent if youth were more involved in the shaping of the world, such as being invited to government counsels, being encouraged to take an active interest in what will shape their future and being encouraged to vote.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would go to Vancouver, BC. I’ve wanted to move there when I graduate for a while now and I just love how it’s the perfect mix of ocean and mountains.

If you were a pizza and eaten by any celebrity, who would it be?

I would want to be eaten by Chris Hemsworth because I feel like he would just shove it in his mouth and it would be quick and painless.

If you make could ride any animal what would you choose?

This is difficult because I love riding horses and they’re already big enough to ride! But I’d probably have to say a dog.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be?

Black Widow, of course!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I would love to be able to read people’s thoughts so I could never wonder what they’re actually thinking about me, good or bad.

If you could be a historical painting, what would it be and why?

I would be Van Gogh’s Sunflowers as it’s certainly one of my favorites and it represented a happy time for the bipolar artist. I, not being bipolar myself, but as a very cheerful person normally, feels drawn to the vibrant and light feeling the painting exudes.

What is your favorite dessert?

Strawberry shortcake. It’s so light and fluffy and yet so sweet and filling.

What smell makes you think of home?

Lavender essential oils. My mom always used to use those to help her get to sleep.

What is your favorite pun?

What did the melon say to the apple when it asked him to run away with it? “I can’t elope!” (cantaloupe)