Short Blog One: Welcome to my Blog!

Hi there! My name is Maya San Pedro and I am currently living in my hometown Kingston, Ontario. Growing up in a small city, I have had so many opportunities to become an active community member and share my love for the city with my family and friends. The small, tightly-knit community has made it possible for Kingstonians to openly share their visions for the future and have their voices heard.

Kingston is a well-rounded city that has always valued the people who make up the community, yet I believe that there is more the city can do to take steps towards an equitable and sustainable future. An area I believe should be strongly critiqued is the city’s plan towards climate action and environmental sustainability, from a residential level as well as from Kingston businesses. I would also hope to see a progressive and sustainable change in the city’s efforts to increase the accesibility of resources for the houseless community.

As a University of Toronto student, I have been able to consider what social justice looks like on a large, metropolitan scale. The ability for community members to shape their future through social advocacy inspires change and points to a tangible future of equity and justice. To bring this back to my roots and consider what changes Kingston can make to become a just city is hugely motivating, and I hope to use this platform and my voice as a student to critique our city’s efforts and inspire change.