Sharing of Testimonies

Sharing of Testimonies

My name is Julia Holt, and I am a first-year student at Davidson College. I have been creating this portfolio through the year-long Humanities program, which allows first-year students to examine one concept or idea through the lens of various disciplines. For the 2024-2025 school year, the topic is Justice. 

This portfolio is a collection of papers, videos, and art pieces that showcase the power of personal testimonies. I explore the ability that a personal testimony holds to build community, shape history, and deliver justice. Additionally, I share many testimonies from the people around me and from my own life through the “something new” assignments. In the first semester, I analyzed the impact of testimony from my family members. Second semester, I focused on testimonies from the community I have built at Davidson College. This portfolio itself serves as a collection of personal narratives. I share the impact these testimonies have had on my life in order to illustrate the power they hold. I hope you take something away from the testimonies I present. 

After reading my portfolio, I encourage you to share your own testimony through the comment feature on my website. Whether it is a reaction to one of my pieces or a memory these stories remind you of, I believe it is important for you to be able to add to the discourse. It is not only significant that you read and hear the stories in this portfolio, but that you have a chance to share your experience of engaging with those stories. I have the opportunity to share my testimonies with you, I hope that you respond with your own thoughts, feelings, or testimonies. I appreciate the care you are giving to these stories and the time you are taking to get to know me through them. I hope you are moved by the power of personal testimony to share your own stories, not just on this website, but with the community around you.