Moving from my hometown was really bittersweet for me. Santa Ana, California, is an incredibly culture- and community-rich place that I did not think I would find anywhere else. The city is predominantly low-income and Hispanic so when I moved to Cornell, I felt a culture shock. I found myself using the values and quirks of my hometown to create home at college. I cook Mexican food for my friends, voice my opinions with passion, and remain unapologetically myself, which are all values that I learned from my hometown. As I navigate through my classes and take space in academic environments, Santa Ana inspires me to continue to fight for underrepresented groups.

What inspires you?