Julia Wiedmer and Marissa Vicchio

00:05 Hi, my name is Julia Wiedmer. I'm 18 years old. I live in Charlottesville. Today's date is 911 and my conversation partner's name is Marissa.

00:16 Hi, my name is Marissa Vicchio I am 19 years old and I live in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today's date is 911 and my conversation partners name is Julia. Amazing. So the first question is, why did you choose to participate in the next most learned competition?

00:37 I was told to participate by my unst 1410 class.

00:46 Yeah, I think, yeah, I mean, it was taking it as it's a part of the public service pathways class.

00:58 So.

00:59 I'm happy to be featured in Julia. I am from a small town in Alabama and I went to a very small high school. I came to UVa to really branch out and have new experiences. No one from my high school has ever been to UVA before, so it has definitely been a change navigation this whole new state and experiences.

01:25 I am the youngest of three children. I have an older brother and sister that both went to James Madison University. I am from Chantilly, Virginia, which is in northern Virginia. A big life event that shaped me includes the passing of my grandfather a couple of years ago. While not having lost anyone close to me before, this event opened my eyes to the idea that life is short and you must live it to the fullest. I am very interested in gender equality and limitations within our education system.

01:52 So is there anything that's questions about what made you want to come to EA?

02:04 I honestly don't have, like, a huge story other than the fact that I visited a bunch of schools on the east coast. I just didn't want to go in state. I wanted to go somewhere different. But I really liked it when I visited, so I decided to go. I'm so, like, interested about how you're interested in the limitations in our education system and gender equality because I feel like those are two things that, especially just where I'm from, not a lot of people address those type of things.

02:35 Instead of coming here, that was one.

02:37 Thing that I notice a lot more people here cared about.

02:40 So I'm happy to hear you care about that, too. Yeah, I think I kind of became more passionate about it. I'm not extreme, but internally I had these beliefs. But I took a cola class last year and it was with Angeline Willard and it was just about race, and we learned about Montessori schools and stuff like that. So it's just really interesting to learn about education through, like, Montessori schools and just the fact that, like, I feel like no one acknowledges how, like, race can play such a big factor in terms of, like, equal access to education and stuff like that. And I guess, like, with Uva's history of, like, slavery and stuff, it's kind of something that's really important to Uva. Yeah.

03:37 Um, I also liked how you like. Well, I guess, like isn't the word, but I, like, maybe really raw with, like, mentioning, like, you've never lost someone that close to you before with your grandfather, and she was saying, I'm really sorry, but, like, I think it's, like, the idea of, like, moving on from that. I feel like a lot of people can relate to that. Yeah, I like when you said that in your bio, I was like, oh, I understand that, too.

04:06 I know. I feel like I was, like, really in depth with it.

04:09 You did a lot better than I.

04:10 Did, I think, but, yeah. Yeah, it was like, I feel like when I was young, like, it's just crazy how, like, the loss of, like, innocence and, like, you have to, like, experience these tragedies in order to, I don't know, grow up and, like, really understand, like, the world isn't so, I don't know, perfect and happy and stuff like that, but, yeah. Anything else that stayed up to me, that's, like, since I live in Virginia, I, like, I feel so confined to this area, and I feel like I'm a homebody. Do you ever get, like, homesick in Alabama?

05:00 Yes, kind of a lot, but mainly, like, the people, like, my family and stuff like that. Not necessarily the place itself. Like, it's beautiful and everything, but I, like, sort of the vibe of Virginia matter. I like the culture. Like, the people here are a lot, like, just more suited to me, but I like most my family and my.

05:24 Friends a lot sometimes. What about Cedria? There's something about uva that leads to that, too, that you, um.

05:44 I just feel like a lot of people here are more, like, driven towards something. Like, even though, like, it's still a really. Like, it's still a big school, and, like, there's still a lot of, like, people that you're getting here. Like, I feel like everyone compared to, like, some of my in state schools at home, like, is, like, committed to it and, like, not only, like, just education part of it, but, like, also, like, the community here. Like, I feel like, especially since, like, everything we went through last year, but also, like, this community has been put through a lot of stuff, like, before even I got here, and I feel like everyone's just, like, really closely knit and, like, feels more like the university's embedded in the city, not like the city is the university. Like, I like how it's all one big thing.

06:33 Yeah, no, I totally agree. I don't like there's so much diversity in terms of not just, you know, physical appearances, but just personalities and, like.

06:44 What people like to do.

06:46 And there's just, like, so many opportunities here, which can be, like, overwhelming sometimes. Yeah, I, like, experience that, but just opportunities to explore, like, different interests. And I feel like Uva, like, allows people to really, like, I don't know, tune into, like, what they want to actually pursue and, like, what a career that, like, they can, like, see theirself doing long term. I'm also curious as to why the work of you chose to take advantage.

07:29 I just know that I feel like if I'm not working for people, for the betterment of people around me, I.

07:38 Feel like I wouldn't want.

07:41 I feel like I don't really want a desk job. I kind of want something I can be more hands on. So I took it in the sense that it's a way that I can the pathway to making connections in these public service realms, rather than just getting desk job and, like, having to work my own way. I feel like this pathway will give me more, like, connections to either, like, alumni or, like, other organizations that I can get involved with.

08:11 Well, personally, I dropped a class, and I was looking for one credit, but, I mean, I learned about, like, the public service pathway last year, obviously, during orientation and stuff. So I think when I was searching for one credit, it's like I chose this class over others because I thought that, I don't know, it's not, like, strictly academics, but it's just kind of a. I don't know, a different class that, like, allows me to just all about public service. That sounds good. So can you two recall your earliest number? I guess for me, it's like I have these, like, memories of during Thanksgiving dinner, my mom and my grandparents would always argue and stuff like that in terms of political beliefs, because I feel like I. I'm politically aware, but I'm not. Maybe I don't have as, like, I don't know of all my opinions and stuff like that, but just listening to, I don't know, them argue over the table and experiencing the elections, I feel like that kind of kick started awareness in terms of, like, the world.

09:40 Yeah, I feel like mine's sort of centered around, like, arguments, too, which sounds a little bit like it's not a great connotation to have of, like, the idea at a young age, but I feel like my family had, like, more of, like, a small. Like, it was like one section of my family was differing from everybody else, so it was, like, a weird, like, almost distance from them for a while, which was, like, tough to understand at a young age. And, like, now it's so much better, which, like, you would think it probably would have gotten worse in the past few years just because of, like, how, like, everything's been going politically. But, like, I feel like there's a lot more understanding related to it now. Whereas then, like, my earliest memory of politics was more so, like, this is such a dividing thing, especially even for families, which are supposed to be, like, so connected.

10:33 Yeah.

10:33 Yeah.

10:35 I think also, like, just growing up and maturing and realizing that, I don't know, like, on the news, like, people get killed. Like, killed left and right just in public settings, which is so sad and whether it's based on, like, discrimination or whatever, but I think witnessing that, it kind of, you know, obviously it grows frustration, and I question, why is this happening? And just, I guess that also kind of helped me grow more passionate in terms of political beliefs.

11:15 Yeah, I definitely agree. And I also feel like seeing all that on the news. Why is people in politics not doing anything?

11:24 Why are they not doing anything about it?

11:26 And now I'm older and I realize that there's more involved in it, but also it's, like, still. It's like, why are these things happening? And it's still so a really divisive idea, but why can people not agree so uncertain things?

11:41 Which is something, I guess that's not.

11:44 Great to say, but it's hard to look at the news and then address policymakers, I guess, in general. Yeah.

12:30 I guess, like, specific to 911. It's kind of crazy because my dad, like, told me a couple years ago he was. He either had, like, a meeting, like, a month before or, like, a month after, like, at the World Trade center. And so I guess, like, that's just crazy to, like, have, like, a personal connection to them because, I don't know, it happened so long ago, so, like, my memory of it was kind of distant, but it's like, once you have, like, personal connections to, like, events that really feel like, I don't know, like, in a human way. Like, makes me more connected and I don't know about the topic.

13:13 Yeah, I feel like that's also one moment where, like, I feel like even though I saw politics when I finally learned about it, I guess because I was born in zero four so I was, like, far, kind of not far, but pretty far removed from it. But I feel like that was one moment where I saw, like, politics as, like, kind of a. A good thing almost, because I feel like everyone in that situation was more inclined to, like, work together rather than, like, work separately. But, like, I don't know how long I necessarily stayed like that afterwards, but, like, that, when I learned about that, that was one moment where I saw, like, everyone. It wasn't such, like, a dividing type of thing. It was more of, like, everyone was on the same page about stuff like that.

14:00 Yeah, yeah. No, over the years, I feel like it's definitely become, like, so polarized, and to, like, support one side or the other is. It's, like, a matter of, like, it's not. It's a matter of, like, what side you support. Like, not even your beliefs. And that's what people, like, just love to talk about, which, I don't know, I feel, like, diverts from actual change and stuff like that.

14:29 I agree. I totally agree.

14:36 So I'm also wondering who has influencers.

14:51 This one was sort of, like, hard, I guess. But I would say I'm the youngest. I have two older sisters, and my middle sister is probably the most influential. Just because she is more, like. I don't know. She kind of taught me. Everything that you learn, where you are is not what you have to believe when you grow up. So it's like, everything that you've, like, been, like, ingrained in your head doesn't have to be what you carry with you all of your life. Like, your ideas. Your ideas can change, but also, like, not everything that you learned is bad, but not everything that you learned is fully true or good. You know what I mean? Things like, I feel like, in a political sense, like, she's the most influential person for a lot of reasons, but, like, when it comes to this type of stuff, she definitely was more of, like, an open book type of situation rather than, like, this is what I learned, and this is what I stick to, like, because of, like, how I was raised or where I'm from, things like that.

15:58 Um, for me, I don't know. I, like, obviously my mom and dad.

16:06 But I would say.

16:10 My friend gonar.

16:11 Because it was, like, during senior year.

16:16 We got close and stuff like that. But, like, I think she, like, this isn't really, like, politically, but she just helped teach me that. Like, I don't know.

16:29 This is cliche, but, like, you can.

16:31 Like, fail in life and use it, like, as a teaching lesson. And I don't know, because, like, in high school, I was very. I need to get, like, ollie pluses, which is just crazy, but. And I need to, like, do everything, but it's almost like I. I shouldn't forget to, like, live in the moment and be present and, like, enjoy my surroundings rather than, like, worrying about the past or worrying about the future, so, yeah, I love that.

17:03 I feel like friends like, that are sometimes hard to come by, so that's good that, like, you found it.

17:11 I guess.

17:16 So.

17:16 Could you help even describe in your own face? Sorry.

17:26 Yeah, I feel like, like, even when I was, like, filling out the match thing before this, like, I personally put, like, everything, like, down the middle pretty much, because obviously, like, where I'm surrounded by all of high school was way more on one end of the spectrum. But I feel like I base my personal beliefs on, like, specific issues, not necessarily, like, one side or the other. I think that's what you were kind of saying earlier, like, I don't identify as either. I'm also 18, so I, like, I'm just. Just now, like, I haven't even gone to any elections yet, so I'm not really sure. But I feel like I base certain more social issues towards more of the left side and certain economic issues a little more towards the right. But I also feel like everything I believe in politically, I can very much see the other side of whatever issues going on. And that's sort of why I'm more interested in, like, policy now that I'm here. Because I feel like here's gonna give me a way more round, like, well rounded perspective than, like, if I would have gone anywhere where I'm from. Yeah. Yeah.

19:05 I don't know.

19:06 It's.

19:07 I grew up and it's funny. Cause it's like, my parents, I feel like they would say that they're, I don't know, they're liberal and they, like.

19:18 Support those beliefs and stuff like that.

19:20 But as, like, the elections went on, it's. And, like, as time went on, it was more so, like, them saying that it's really. It is about the issues, not just the general ideas of, like, a specific party. But I don't know, I think, like, my views kind of go on the left side more just in terms of, like, education and, like, social issues, like you said. But I guess, like, in terms of, like, economics and stuff, since I'm still, like, getting. My parents are paying for me. I feel like those issues I don't really have, like, an opinion on. I probably more middle, but I think once I become more independent, then I'll. I don't know, issues. Different issues will be more, you know.

20:31 Personally, I like gun control issues or like, something that I. In the education world, I feel like too, is where I see it. It's mostly an issue. And not only because what we did here, but just like, own experiences prior to, like, my. Where I grew up is very small, but it's also very, like, it's like, a very rural area almost. But, like, we have one of the highest crime rates in the US, and we're so small that it's like. How does that, like. Yeah, so, like, I feel like safety is just something that I generally believe everyone has a right to. So I very much lean towards, like, much stricter gun control laws because I don't think anybody should have to go through any of the stuff that we've already seen, like, this year and, like, last year, obviously, and so many times before that, even in, like, elementary schools. I just think it's absolutely absurd.

21:36 Yeah.

21:38 That'S one for me, I guess.

21:40 Yeah, no, I totally agree. And it's just, like, on the news, mass shootings, and it's just insane. And, like, the US compared to, you know, european countries, it's, like, so.

21:57 Crazy.

21:58 The difference, like, the US just has so many mass shootings a year, and it's like, the numbers are going up every year, which is so sad. And it's just creating more trauma in us citizens. How will we ever feel safe if we don't have tighter gun control laws? But I also think in terms of gender equality, like, I played soccer all my life, and so when, like, the us women's team, like, that was, like, a whole debate of, you know, equal pay compared to, like, the men's team. And, like, they're. The women are so successful, yet they're just paid so much less.

22:40 So, like, what?

22:41 How does that explain anything? So I don't know. Just equality, gender equality, just racial equality, discrimination, I think within schools, too. I'm trying to think what else.

23:04 I might. I'm, like, more of, like, a healthcare perspective. Like, I feel like, more of, like, we've taken a lot of steps backward as far as, like, who has access to healthcare? How much access do they have? Like, in being, like, on, like, a public health, like, track for me, like, I feel like healthcare equality is so just in the dumps, and I feel like it gets no funding. And I feel like it deserves way more than that, especially now that we've had, like, Covid and everything, like, not even just Covid. Like, chronic diseases, like, that people aren't getting care for because they can't afford it on their own.

23:42 Like, yeah.

23:43 That's one thing that I feel like the funding for that just gets, like, so lost. Like, I feel like that equality is something, like, just, like, a right to your health is, like, not necessarily guaranteed these days, especially to, like, underrepresented groups and, like, certain, like, lower income areas are just getting absolutely nothing.

24:09 Yeah. I feel like where I grew up is a lot different from you grew up, because I grew up in Loudoun county, and, I mean, it's a pretty wealthy area, so I think I haven't really been exposed to, like, that kind of side. But I think, like, health care is also super important and an issue that's, like, still ongoing. Another issue that comes to mind is, like, abortion.

24:40 Yeah.

24:40 Which is very controversial topic, but I don't know. Personally, I think.

24:50 Pro choice. Me too. I feel like a lot of times, that's one that, like, especially where I'm from, people are like, what's she gonna say to that question? But I, like, my mom, like, is an ob, and so, like, yes. And so she, like, that's one way, or, like, that's one place in our, like, ideologies where we do line up, which I guess is good. Like, that's never really been, like, not an option. It's always an option, but, like, that's never really been, like, it. We've always agreed that, like, it's your. Your body.

25:26 Yeah.

25:27 No one's gonna be able to tell you in my house, I guess, what to do with it, so, like, I'm grateful for that. I guess that that helped shape that idea of mine.

25:37 Yeah. Have you ever experienced that with either, like, growing up at home or, like, at Uva?

25:57 I don't know if I necessarily experienced doubt just because I never really knew if I had them in the first place until I've gotten much older. But, like, 90% of people in the community that I grew up in would qualify themselves. It's, like, very conservative, and I feel like I was one of the few. Even though I feel like I did experience a lot of those beliefs, I did get to see the other side, which is, like, not. It doesn't really happen anywhere where I'm from. So I think I definitely doubted a lot, a lot of those beliefs more when I got here and just being like, I feel like I traveled more my senior year. Like, I went, like, I was just lucky enough to travel to see my sisters in college, and my parents were nice enough to let me go stay with relatives and friends, and I feel like traveling helped me notice the differences, just subtle differences in the way people handle themselves. Even just stepping foot in Virginia, you can feel the difference, which sounds crazy, but it's very true. Like, I feel like the minute I got here, you see the doubts, like, in other ideologies, where it's like they're not necessarily wrong, but, like, what makes them not fully right? I guess.

27:29 Yeah.

27:34 I don't know.

27:35 I guess growing up at home, political beliefs weren't very much talked about, but I definitely do think, like, coming here, I feel like people are opinionated and passionate about what they believe in. So I guess it kind of instilled doubt within me, just questioning, why am I not passionate? Or how do I. Or what do I actually believe in? And so I think I had doubts that way. Do you two feel like Uva is, like, a. Welcome, everybody.

28:30 I'm not really one to, like, voice my opinions much about these type of things. Not that I feel like I don't necessarily feel like I would be judged in a UVA setting. I just feel like I've never been put in the situation to speak about it, like, on a larger space at UVA. But I also don't feel like I experience enough of, like, this type of conversation at UVA, so I don't know.

29:04 Yeah, no, same. I think I've never, like, encountered political conflict or had a situation like that, so I'm not really sure. But, I mean, I think for the most part, they. Everyone is very welcoming about what they believe in, what they're passionate. And I think, like, there's always going to be conflict in whatever setting you are, but it's just a matter of being able to find people who, like, also have those same opinions and they're welcoming at the same time. So far, people with different producing.

30:12 I feel like definitely there, it's more of a misunderstanding just because I feel like some of the people that I was around weren't trying to see both sides of any sort of argument. But I feel like here I don't. Not even just here, but just, like, being older and having developed my own feelings about certain things, I definitely don't have feelings about every political belief, but I don't ever really feel misunderstood here because I feel like I can see both sides of most things that I'm, like, educated on, like, topics that I'm passionate about or topics that I would claim a belief on. I feel like I'm educated enough in the ones that I do know to know both sides of, like, what people would be misunderstanding, but also, like, how I can misunderstand them type of situation.

31:19 I mean, I don't know. Growing up, I. I feel like political beliefs weren't very much a point of conflict. I mean, people had pretty similar beliefs except, you know, a couple outliers. But, I mean, I think just in terms of, like, family settings, like, my family, I mean, we would get into conversations and talk about issues, and my, like, brother would have, like, a certain opinion, and, like, my sister would chime in. So I think, like, that's kind of setting I remember, where people are expressing different beliefs. Yeah, I'm sure. So what about people that have the same thing? Do you feel like it's easier to communicate to them, or do you also feel very challenging in some way to communicate? I think what comes to mind is I have a friend. I mean, she's very liberal. And I think sometimes, like, when you have a team as someone, you almost have that expectation of, you know, having certain thoughts and ideals, and if you aren't at the same, you know, point as them, I think, you know, that kind of creates, like, doubt in my mind, or just.

33:05 I feel like it's such, like, a large, like, spectrum of, like, where you can fall on, like, I feel like. Like you were talking about earlier how it's so polarized now. I feel like I try not to see it as polarized because I feel like I really would classify myself as, like, right, and, like, middle ish. You know what I'm saying? So I feel like it's. I don't ever really feel necessarily troubled by people with the same beliefs as me because I'm. I feel like I'm a very moderate, like, in the middle type of person, which, like, sometimes I feel like if you have people on either side communicating to you, it's not as troubling. It's more just, like, I feel like I'm learning a lot about how I feel about things, and so, like, hearing from both sides is, like, dealing with people with the same beliefs. Like, I feel like they communicate them pretty well, and I don't really ever nothing take it well just because I don't have really strong on either side, I guess. I don't know if that made any sense. I would say the UVA shooting last year, I think that sort of, like, in, like, a way that I'm, like, happy to say, like, I felt so innocent prior to that, and now I feel like it's striking so close to home and at such a new home for me, like, that was something that I was already in a new place, which everyone was because we all just got here because we're both second years, and, like. Like, that just sort of, like, rocked everything that I believed in because that was such, like, a. Like, that's the one, like, sort of strong belief that I have. And I feel like it's. Cause there's, like, a solid event that I attach it to.

35:16 Yeah. Yeah, no, I mean, even though, you know, when the event happened, I, like, I did feel safe, but after that, it's kind of like these events can happen to me. Like, I. I was such. I was in a close proximity to this event, which is just crazy to think about. And, like, I even had a discussion with, you know, one of the players that passed away. So that was even crazier that. That I could, you know, know someone that lived through this tragedy. But I think, yeah, just safety and gun violence also. That just. That event is just, I guess the. I know this is very large scale, but the George Floyd event and the whole spark of the Black Lives Matter movement, I think, is, like, really grained in my head, I think, because it, you know, happened not too long ago and I was old enough to really understand the context of the situation. Yeah, I think that's another one that really kind of impacted my.

37:04 I agree. I feel like 2020 in general, just, like, everything, like. Like Covid happening and then, like, the George Floyd happening and then, like, all these economic issues that were going on because of COVID and, like, I just feel like it was, like, a crazy time to be processing all of this information because it, like, not only shapes beliefs, but, like, your, like, just moral view of the world. Like, how do you, like, look around and, like, see, like, figure out what in all of this, like, do you believe and, like, why do you believe in it? Or, like, why is it, like, changing something that you already believe in? I feel like those. That whole year just had a bunch of events that make you, like, stop and process what you know or, like, what you think you already know and, like, how to change it.

38:03 As we end.

38:05 As we are.

38:06 We're in the end of the session going to closing thoughts. Is there anything that we learned about each other today that surprised me? Well, I guess, like, I just. Learning where you grew up and just your ability to believe in what you want to believe despite being surrounded by people with different views and stuff, I think that was, you know, really special to hear that, like, you're able to be your own person without being influenced by others.

38:45 I think I, like, took from you. Like, you have a lot of, like, personal connections to, like, your different beliefs. And I like as, like, some of them, like, obviously are not, like, your ideal personal connection. Like, you don't really want to be attached to that memory. But, like, I feel like your personal connection to, like, your passion for gender equality and, like, you're growing up with soccer. Like, I grew up as a soccer player, so, like, I relate to that a lot. And I, like, just, like, the different personal connections to your passions and, like, what you actually believe. I think that I haven't found a lot of people that have an attachment to a passion because of something that they believe in so strongly. I think that's really awesome.

39:34 What is the most important thing? I don't know. I mean, it's just I've never met you before, and here we are talking about political beliefs and it's crazy how much I feel like I know about you already, but I feel like political beliefs isn't so black and white. And I feel like today we really dissect and just the different ideas layers to this discussion and topic really creates so much conflict and crazy.

40:20 I agree. I feel like I keep saying that, but I agree because I feel like it's so, like how we were talking, we were both talking about earlier. Like, I don't really pick us, like, aside, it's more like the beliefs that I am passionate about, at least at this point in my life, because I'm so early on and, like, anything that I would consider political. But I think, like, knowing that it's not all black and white and knowing that, like, there's like, such a long spectrum of things that you can believe in politically, it's like conversations about it today don't necessarily have to be so divisive. I feel like if, like, people can understand, like, all the sides of these, like, super complex issues, like, it's like, I think that's really important.

41:19 Say if you look at tomorrow.

41:29 Yeah, I'm trying to think of, like, I feel like there's a lot of things, but yeah, and I mean, it's.

41:41 Like a world shouldn't be a utopian society.

41:45 It shouldn't be perfect, but it shouldn't.

41:49 Be like how it is now.

41:54 There's just.

41:55 I feel like it's not even a matter of fluctuation, but it's just we're going downhill and when will that change happen?

42:14 I agree. I feel like just, like, waking up and, like, seeing the news and it not being, like, ten stories about, like, tragedy or, like, brutality or, like, inequality. Like, I feel like those are three big themes that just dominate every news headline every day. And, like, the news is the news, so it's gonna talk about stuff like that. But I just sometimes wish to, like, out of the ten headlines, maybe, like, two instead of eight that we're getting today, like, if, like, two of them could be about things like that. I feel like it's very. It's very kind of utopian of me to think, like, right now, but I feel like that would be my ideal world.

43:01 Just safety in general. Gun violence is probably, like, one of the biggest issues right now. News is always airing homicide and just, like, stuff like that, and it's just to wake up and not have a headline that covers gun violence over so many stories.