Major: MEd, Higher Education in Student Affairs
Hometown: O'Fallon, MO
How has attending an HSI–MSI shaped your college experience?
As a graduate student, my experience attending an HSI–MSI differs from that of an undergraduate. I didn’t have four to six years to build long-standing friendships or see the campus evolve into what it is now. But even during my time here, I reflected often on how isolated I felt at the predominantly white institution where I completed my undergraduate degree. I didn’t realize how comfortable I could be in my identity until I studied at a place with people like me. I didn’t expect seeing plátanos in the dining hall would bring me to tears when I missed home. At Salem State, I felt at home.
Through my assistantship, I supported students from backgrounds like mine. It made me realize how powerful it is for students to see themselves in roles like mine—a second-year graduate student about to graduate. Attending an HSI–MSI affirmed my desire to serve and support Latino students.
What does being part of an HSI–MSI community mean to you?
It means being surrounded by people like me—people who share my culture and language. It also means appreciating the broader diversity within the HSI–MSI community and celebrating what each person brings to campus.
What drew you to Salem State, and how has the university supported you, inclusive of your cultures and identities?
I was drawn to Salem State because of the graduate assistantship that allowed me to pursue my degree with fewer loans. That position has been one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve had. I work with students who remind me of myself, and I get to be the support I once wished I had.
Another reason I chose Salem State was its emerging HSI status. I had never heard the term Hispanic-Serving Institution until then, but it immediately sparked my interest. I hoped it would mean seeing more students, faculty, and staff who looked like me—and it did.
How has Salem State helped prepare you for your future goals?
Salem State helped me turn a vague professional goal into a defined career path. Through my graduate assistantship, I discovered a genuine passion for working in higher education and supporting students from marginalized backgrounds. The relationships I’ve built and the sense of purpose I’ve found in my work have given me the confidence to pursue this career long-term.
Have you participated in any internships, research projects, or leadership opportunities that have helped shape your career aspirations?
I assisted Elisa Castillo in creating and distributing the Hispanic Student Survey in the spring of 2024. I also attended the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Conference in the fall of 2024. Both experiences opened new networks, sparked ideas, and reinforced my passion for supporting Latino student success in higher education.