Sasha Pollack

I started at Willowbrook in 1981 (ed: actually 1982—Willowbrook’s first year).  I attended and worked there every year for over 2 decades; sometimes, as a child, I was so excited before the first day I couldn't sleep.   Over the years people have remarked to me that it seems unusual for a day camp I attended 6 weeks out of the year to have played such a large part in my life – I disagree.   I think one of the reasons that Willowbrook and the people I met there have been so influential is because of the atmosphere of supportive encouragement I always found.    I was constantly encouraged to try new things and allowed to craft my days around any old and new activities I was interested in – early on this gave me the confidence to delve into the unknown, to trust my passions and follow where they lead.   I watched older children who were expert in pottery, weaving, taxidermy, or stage craft with awe.  But knowing that they, like me, had started out as novices, helped sustain me through moments when a new project became frustrating and it might have been easier to give it up and stay within my comfort zone.  

 

My life has taken me all over the map, both literally and figuratively.  Currently I work as a policy analyst for Oregon State Senate President Peter Courtney.   Attending Oberlin College I received a dual degree in environmental studies and theater and then served in Mali, West Africa as a Peace Corps Agriculture Volunteer for two and a half years.   I believe that Willowbrook had a direct influence not only on my love for theater and the arts, but also for my interest the environment and natural world, as well as an inherent desire to help others and make the world a better place, which led me not only to Peace Corps but also into politics.   I have never ceased being interested in exploring the world and learning about new things.  Willowbrook taught me that the only limits on my world were those I put on myself, and I am so glad that I was encouraged to stretch these.