As a Latino growing up in a traditionally minority oppressive state and community, I have experienced and witnessed racism and discrimination first hand. For twenty-two years I have called Blount County, a rural county in the state of Alabama, home and have become acculturated to the environment. Yet, during all of these years my family has been sure to instill Hispanic values, traditions, and language in my non-academic education. Understanding both Mexican and Southern cultures has helped me grow as a person and gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties Latinos face in the southeastern United States. Growing up in the south has also allowed me to gain a better understanding of the religious and traditional concepts engrained in communities like mine.
Instead of allowing my race to be a hindering factor in
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Race is not a significant factor in BSC as the focus is on academics and the individual not the skin color, name, race, sex, or sexual orientation. BSC is where I blossomed as an individual due to the progressive and academically driven nature of the college. Leadership positions and popularity came easily in college as most people focused on my charisma and character traits rather than on my last name. This allowed me to take part in several leadership positions and organizations, and later led to the winning of the SGA presidential election during my senior year. I was able to help break the stereotype and was the first elected Hispanic SGA President in BSC history. I used my influence to the advantage of other minorities as well. I gained admittance into a fraternity with only one other minority member and was able to be part of the pledge class that pushed for the admittance of our first African American member. I met with Black Student Union and Allies leaders and worked to better understand and help their