“They were unbelievable,” she recalls. “I have never seen poverty like that and yet I have never met such generous people.”
During her time in Kenya, Levine-Pritzker embarked on a four-day safari in Massai Mari led by the native Massai tribe.
“They took us on our safari and were absolutely fearless,” she said. “They have such an amazing world view. I plan on returning there at some point.”
Upon her homecoming, the SUNY New Paltz senior was inspired by her experiences to develop a major plan that studied both micro and macro social change.
“Creating my own major has allowed me to understand every aspect of social change and to find out where I belong in the whole equation,” she said. “It has also allowed me the opportunity to include more fieldwork, independent studies and hands-on experience into my major plan.”
In fall 2011, Levine-Pritzker embarked on another journey. This time, she spent four months studying sustainability and spirituality in Auroville, a village in India. While abroad, Levine-Pritzker embraced Eastern culture and took four courses: global to local sustainability, body mind spirit, group dynamics and service learning. To fulfill her service learning credit, Levine-Pritzker chose to work on an organic farm three hours each morning following a yoga session. Her responsibilities ranged from weeding and composting to shoveling and cooking, bestowing her with a deep appreciation for permaculture and organic farming.
When she wasn’t working, Levine-Pritzker attended classes in the meditation hall, a wastewater treatment plant and even on top of a mountain. During the semester, she traveled throughout the country, sampling different parts of life in Southern India.
“My favorite memory was laying on the top of a roof at our meditation retreat in the mountains,” she said. “It was just a few of us lying there silently looking at the stars. I’ve never felt so peaceful… I was not the same person after those four months.”
Though she’s nearing her graduation, Levine-Pritzker’s latest and perhaps greatest project has been serving as a change leader in SUNY New Paltz’s Oxfam Chapter.
“I actually learned about Oxfam America at a Trevor Hall concert in Burlington,” she said. “There was a booth set up with the Grow Campaign and my friend thought it was about growing marijuana. He went over to check it out and came back disappointed saying, ‘That’s more your type of stuff, go check it out.’”
Levine-Pritzker approached the booth and, once again, her life was transformed.
“The Grow Campaign turned out to be a food justice campaign that has now taken over about 70% of my life,” she said. “I learned that there was a CHANGE leadership conference to train students to be Oxfam student leaders and signed up immediately.”
The following semester, the ambitious activist — and honors student — started a chapter on campus. Since its inception, the SUNY New Paltz Oxfam chapter has led a trip to Washington, DC to protest to XL pipeline, organized and participated in the Idle No More teach-in for indigenous rights, hosted an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet and planned campus’ annual Farm Fest, among other activities.
“Overall, it’s always rewarding seeing people in the club become dedicated and passionate about Oxfam campaigns,” said Levine-Pritzker.
Whether she’s speaking of her students, recalling her lessons in India, or gearing up for her next fundraiser on the New Paltz campus, Levine-Pritzker’s dedication towards a better tomorrow shines through each crusade she takes on. Though her time on campus is limited, her future is bright… and teeming with possibilities.
“I’m leaning towards law school…but we’ll see,” said Levine-Pritzker.
For more information on Oxfam America and its SUNY New Paltz chapter, e-mail [email protected].
