First-Gen Rooted in Community,
Creating Social Change
By Irene Franco Rubio
As a first-generation college student
and first-generation American, I
had a difficult time navigating the
college process. Quite frankly, I didn’t know
how or even if I was going to go to college - I
College Beat
mean, how could I possibly afford it? There I was
living in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Phoenix,
AZ, with hopes, aspirations and an uncertainty about
what my future holds. As a low-income, underserved
youth of color, I lacked access to resources, guidance,
and opportunity. I did not recognize the value I had to
offer the world simply because no one took the time
to invest in me, but I soon recognized my own
potential. I felt incredibly fortunate to have the privilege
to go to college as it’s an opportunity so many within
my community are often deprived of. Recognizing this
injustice inspired me to devote my efforts to serve the
underserved and make the most of my collegiate
experience.
Upon my arrival at the university, I navigated
the college system by actively searching for
professional development opportunities beyond the
classroom, routinely applying for scholarships, and
developing a vital network of support. As a freshman,
I worked two part-time student-worker positions as
an English tutor and office assistant. All while
remaining heavily involved in the collegiate
community through various student groups and
organizations, I had the luxury to gain career-oriented
work experience as an editorial intern for a city-wide
magazine and as a communications intern at a
leading Latinx civic engagement non-profit. These
multifaceted experiences and a positive work ethic
soon landed me the opportunity of a lifetime. I spent
the first semester of my sophomore year in
Washington, D.C. interning at the U.S. House of
Representatives through the Congressional Hispanic
Caucus Institute. CHCI provided me with the
necessary access to opportunities I knew I deserved;
I just didn’t know how to access them. Through this
congressional internship program, I was able to
further recognize my potential, invest in myself, and
return home with a newfound understanding of
uplifting the Latinx community.
Throughout my collegiate experience, I have
not only grown as an activist, writer, and changemaker
but also as an intersectional thinker and
media professional.
Joanna Alvillar (left), Irene Franco (center) & Alexa Fuenmayor (right).
As a progressive young person committed to
bringing about positive change among historically
oppressed populations, I have developed a holistic
approach in uplifting an all-inclusive movement that
bridges communities of color closer together rather
than further apart. As a young woman of color of
Guatemalan and Mexican descent, I have developed
an understanding that not all Latinx issues are
exclusive to the Latinx community. Underserved
communities across the U.S. should be uplifted as
we advocate on one united front, even if it does not
directly affect us.
College inspired me to think holistically by
learning from a variety of unique perspectives
and diverse backgrounds. The university as an
institution itself did not necessarily equip me, but
rather the mentors, friends, and leaders I have met
along the way did. As a student-worker, I had a
supervisor who taught me valuable life lessons and
what it means to take care of myself first in order to
better serve others. I had a coworker, who is like an
older sister, taught me the ins and outs of college,
and supported me in every endeavor.
Suddenly, my college experience didn’t feel so
overwhelming, nor did I feel alone. I had a space to
ask for advice, vent, unlearn to learn, and ultimately
grow. I could share my wildest aspirations and not
feel judged, regardless of how far-fetched they
seemed. Both Latinas, they inspired me to lead my
uniquely intended path by teaching me what it
means to be strong, independent, and determined
women of color. LS
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