Learning Statement - Growing as a Family Dinner Gathering
- Anaelle Enders
- Mar 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 3
Curiosity and connection have shaped my academic journey at the University of Washington. These values extend beyond the classroom into the simple yet profound act of gathering with others. Some of the best conversations I’ve had at UW have happened over shared meals, from microwave phở to homemade stew to late night boba, where slowing down becomes an opportunity for deeper connection. Family gatherings have always been a source of joy for me, so it's special to find spaces and people who feel like home and become second family.
Recognizing how essential this is to community, I prioritize creating spaces of generous, abundant hospitality, cherishing the moments spent gathering with others. In these moments, I am reminded of the simple beauty of being human. Everyone needs to eat. Everyone has needs. What joy if we nourish ourselves together! More than the nutritional value, connection nurtures the soul. These moments invite curiosity—an opportunity to explore the stories and perspectives of others with honor, humility, and a genuine desire to understand.
Just as shared meals invite curiosity about others, my academic journey has been shaped by a curiosity about how I learn best—how to engage deeply with new ideas and perspectives. My learning style thrives on interpersonal, spontaneous, hands-on learning. I now know that I retain information best when I incorporate visual, auditory, and tactile learning approaches. Whether through using colorful pens, interviews, doodles, or teaching others, I’ve found that diverse strategies enhance my comprehension.
My honors professor, Dr. Elise Rainer, gave me a memorable lesson on this. We had to do what felt like an enormous amount of reading and writing each week in her class on Diplomacy and Human Rights. But she advised us to not multitask, instead seeking quiet spaces where we can do one thing at a time. Her advice in my freshman year helped me develop study habits that continue to support my academic and professional growth.
Those study habits led to curiosity of how to best succeed in my Arabic and MELC classes as well, where my fabulous and beloved Professors Khalid Ahmed and Amina Mujtahid incorporated role play and moving around the room, writing on the whiteboard, giving presentations, and other collaborative work to keep us engaged. When not in the classroom I continued to apply those principles of interdisciplinary study methods. My favorite strategies were writing practice questions on giant whiteboards and scheduling practice calls with friends for language practice.
Additionally, my psychology and mental health care coursework reinforced the importance of self-care—sleep, hydration, movement, and nutrition all play a role in cognitive function and well-being. This understanding of well-being extended beyond the classroom when I joined LiveWell as a Peer Health Educator and Peer Wellness Coach, a role that seamlessly combined my academic interests with hands-on experience. Working with LiveWell as a Peer Health Educator and Peer Wellness Coach has been one of the highlights of my college experience. I never expected to find a job that so seamlessly combined my interests in psychosocial support, health, and education. I feel privileged to have been trained as a Peer Wellness Coach, which equipped me to support my peers in reaching their wellness goals. At the same time, this experience has made me more self-reflective, helping me see where I can implement healthier habits in my own life.
Just as LiveWell broadened my understanding of well-being within my own community, studying abroad expanded my perspective on mental health in a global context. Studying abroad was one of my biggest academic goals, and I was fortunate to achieve it twice. My first experience was an intensive Arabic summer program in Morocco, where I immersed myself in language and culture.
The second was an autumn semester in Jordan, studying Psychology, Mental Health, and Well-Being for Conflict-Affected and Post Conflict-Affected People. These experiences not only improved my Arabic skills but also deepened my understanding of mental health in Middle Eastern contexts, further shaping my academic and career aspirations. I learned through experience when I completed a 5-week internship with the Institute of Family Health, working in their clinic and headquarters building and shadowing counselors. Growing up in a home that welcomed international students inspired me to pursue these opportunities despite financial barriers. Studying abroad solidified my desire to work in counseling and social work, particularly within minority communities, whether in the U.S. or abroad.
This portfolio is a curated reflection of my journey—a sample platter of the rich academic and personal feast I’ve been privileged to experience. Like a family gathering, my time at UW has been filled with community, warmth, surprises, challenges, joy, and, of course, good food. The setting and intensity have shifted over time, and some people have come and gone. Yet, the potluck feast remains—people will keep bringing amazing homemade meals to share and fascinating stories to accompany them. As I move forward, I will carry these values with me, continuing to engage with the world through curiosity, humility, and a commitment to meaningful connection. As my Lola would say: “Let’s eat!”
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