Growing up in Santa Ana, California, a diverse city in the heart of Orange County, I was fortunate to wake up every day and see my culture everywhere I went. My family always reminded me to be proud of who we are and what we brought to the table, to not let others’ remarks faze us, and to fill the room with our presence.
Each day, I had the privilege of going to school with others who came from different cultural backgrounds, yet shared similar upbringings to mine. This allowed me to appreciate and embrace our differences without fully realizing we had any. Even to this day, I carry that lesson with me and use it as a window of opportunity to welcome others who may not often feel like they belong, offering them a space to be themselves.
Transitioning from high school to college was an eye-opening experience. Stepping onto Chapman University’s campus, I was no longer surrounded by people who looked like me, and the culture shock during my first week of orientation blindsided me. It wasn’t until then that I truly recognized the importance of celebrating the unique diversity on campus. For instance, joining the Chapman LatinX club provided a welcoming space that made me want to stay on campus and get more involved beyond just pursuing an education. It became a space where I could be completely myself and connect with others who shared my experiences. Through these connections, I realized that many others had the same unanswered questions about navigating college as I did.
With more experience under my belt, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and join the Chapman LatinX club’s executive board. This role motivated me to create a space where others could feel welcome, whether by inviting them to our weekly meetings or simply saying ‘hi’ around campus. In this position, I’ve had the opportunity to create events that celebrate our culture and promote greater understanding and representation of who we truly are. By showcasing the beauty of our uniquely diverse backgrounds, we can foster a more unified and supportive community where everyone feels safe and valued.
Looking ahead, I hope to broaden others’ knowledge and create an enduring community for those in search of belonging.
