Hometown: Cashmere, WA
Major/Minor: Social Justice and Cultural Studies Major; Psychology and Spanish Studies Minor
What are you most proud of from your time at SPU?
I am most proud of actively working to empower the students of color on campus. I had the privilege of being an Early Connections leader, which allowed me to help incoming freshman connect to valuable resources and communities on campus. I also actively worked with the Latinx students at SPU by founding the MEChA chapter. With the help of the Latinx students on campus and many staff and faculty, we were able to rebrand into a MEChA (Mexican American students) chapter, which has allowed students to network and access many resources off campus. Through MEChA and EC, countless friendships were created, and many students found a home away from home.
What is a fun fact about you?
I have dual citizenship of El Salvador and the U..S, and I’m a first-generation college student!
What are some of your career goals?
I want to continue working with the Latinx community to create long-lasting, generational change in the U.S. and abroad. My dream is to work with the community in my family’s state of Usulután, El Salvador, to create a community center that serves through education, nutrition and wellness programs, asset-building classes, and advocacy and empowerment of the marginalized community members.
What is something you wish everyone knew about your major?
This is such a versatile major! There are several different concentrations in the Social Justice and Cultural Studies major, from art for social change to environmental racism. This is such an important major to create a more equitable, just world, and it can be easily applied to other majors for those that can double major.
What is a piece of advice you’d like to leave for those still in school?
Step out of your comfort zone, apply for an internship (even if you don’t think you’ll get it), study abroad, attend a club meeting, etc. Some of my most memorable and fun moments happened when I stepped out of my comfort zone. It may be scary at first, but it will be worth it!
Anything else you’d like to add?
For my fellow first-generation students, seek out resources and support! There are so many professors and staff members that want to support us and help us get ahead. You can do this! Sí se puede!