Hi, I’m Stephanie

My name is Stephanie Goodman-Chica, and I am an intern for Utah Common Values. I am truly grateful to be a part of UCV. I jumped at the opportunity back in August of 2011 when UCV was recruiting. This is a great organization with so much potential — I am excited for what the future will bring!

I was blessed to be born in Washington, D.C., spending my childhood in Maryland and Pennsylvania. I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, after part of my family moved here. I have lived a life full of financial and family strife, but I am thankful for the strength and resilience it has given me.

Last August I graduated from Brigham Young University in History. Towards the latter part of my stay at BYU, I (re)discovered much about myself. I have many interests in various fields of study, some of which include: politics (of course), international relations and development, music, veterinary science/medicine, animal rights and welfare, journalism, environmental biology, and the list goes on! Another passion is my love for languages; I’ve studied Spanish and Hebrew and would love to learn several more.

Another vital part of my life is my ethnic and religious background: I have deeply reconnected with my (paternal) Ashkenazi background as a result of my Jewish studies. Additionally, in the summer of 2010 I lived in Bogotá, Colombia, where I gained a better understanding of my (maternal) cultural heritage, and most importantly, where I met my awesome husband. I love traveling and wish to spend a lifetime doing so.

I am both humbled and proud to declare that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I admire doctrines of other religions, but it is my testimony as a Latter-day Saint that reaffirms my political views. As I have matured I have learned to be more open-minded, considerate, and compassionate towards my fellow men. My beliefs are best summed up by a refreshing article published in The Salt Lake Tribune last year: “The Book of Mormon narrative, regardless of its historicity, admonishes contemporary Latter-day Saints to reject riches and to care for the poor and needy.”

Posted on January 11, 2012 in News, UCV News.