Gigi Gaultier
University of Washington
GIGI GAULTIER
Hi! My name is Josephine “Gigi” Gaultier and I am a current junior at the University of Washington studying aquatics and fisheries with a minor in marine biology and music. My involvement and development on campus has been a defining factor to who I am today. When I was first accepted off the waitlist at UW, I was unsure of myself and my ability here. I wanted to prove to myself that I truly belong at this school and that anyone can accomplish the things they set their mind to. My sophomore year, I started to take advantage of the countless opportunities that this school offers which I believed would help me better understand my role at this large university. I had the amazing opportunity to study in the San Juan Islands at Friday Harbor Labs for a marine biology research quarter which confirmed the field in which I hope to study. When I returned to the Seattle campus at UW, I knew I wanted to have more hands on experiences outside of the classroom to explore new options. I started volunteering as a Student Ambassador for College of the Environment which is aimed towards helping prospective students see what our college has to offer. This position lead to me applying to be an Orientation Leader over Summer 2017 and later on a FIG leader in Fall 2017. I currently continue as a Student Ambassador for College of the Environment and look forward to immersing myself in more positions on campus in the future.
VALUES
Setting up for the UW Dance Party
Husky Kickoff with Harry the Husky
My core values are Compassion, Inclusivity, Empowerment, Growth and Passion. These five values are what drive my decision making and behavior in any setting. My values manifest in many ways that stem from each other but all create me into the leader I have become today.
Compassion: Compassion is something I aim to incorporate into every interaction I have. It is so incredibly important to me to treat other people with respect whether it is in the workplace or with your friends.
Inclusivity: Inclusivity helps me see the value in other peoples perspectives. It can change someones whole demeanor when they start to feel included and have a sense of belonging in a space.
Growth: I believe that everyone has room for self-development and growth through learning can help us achieve that. No matter where I am, I can take away something new about myself and having a growth mindset will help me reach my best abilities.
Empowerment: Whatever I end up doing in my life, I hope to empower others to help them be the best person they can be. Whether its through mentorship or music, I want to be able to show others the potential that they have.
Passion: When it comes to what I do, I wouldn’t be able to do it without passion. Passion keeps me motivated and ready to accomplish the next challenge I will face with dignity.
I see myself as a compassionate mentor and a marine conservationist, a global explorer and a passionate musician. These are the identities that I carry with me in every position and interaction I partake in. Without these experiences that have made me become the leader I am today, I would not have the confidence in my abilities to strive for the success that I hope to have. The teaching positions I have been in have helped me grow into the compassionate mentor I am so that I can understand others stories and help them reach their highest potential. Conducting research in my field has helped me determine my field of study; marine biology. I can use my knowledge here to inspire conservation and create a more sustainable world along the way. Traveling my whole life has helped me understand differences in culture and my place in the world. I have grown to become curious of how we can break down barriers and empower each other to reach a place of equity. Finally, music has been my place of security. It has helped me expand my emotions and be honest with myself through difficult times in my life. All of these experiences make me into the stronger and more confident woman I am today.
In the future, I know that I will be constantly developing myself and empowering others. I hope to be able to incorporate all of my leadership competencies to build an environment of inclusiveness and compassion towards each other. Being in so many mentorship education positions, I would love to be able to teach marine biology in a hands on setting. I plan to continue writing music and traveling throughout my life to understand myself and how my place in this world is connected to so many different cultures and identities. Seeing the world and working with so many students who described their disabilities because of their differences has made me want to empower them to reach a place of equity. Everywhere I go, I will be an advocate for acceptance of diversity through the ways I mentor and the passions I pursue. I don’t just think about making a difference, I know I have the ability to do so and no injustice will stop me from trying.