Being a student of color on a predominantly white campus can be intimidating and isolating at times. However, there are spaces for students of different backgrounds to grow both professionally and personally at Binghamton University. As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Fleishman Center interviewed students of hispanic/latinx backgrounds on campus to ask about their experiences, advice for fellow students, and more. These students have been part of multicultural organizations over the last few years and have found them to be a major part of their academic, personal, and professional success. They are part of Corazoncitos, Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc., Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc., and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Read below to learn more regarding these organizations as well as student member experiences!
1. What are you passionate about?
“One of things that I’m passionate about is creating a better world that combats injustice and inequality, especially towards the Latin-American community in the United States. Not only that but also in creating a more positive representation of Latin Americans and educating the public more about our beautiful Latin culture.”
-Skyla Rivera (Corazoncitos Secretary ‘23-’24)
“One thing that I am very passionate about is politics and activism. Ever since I was in high school, I became more politically aware and began doing personal research on hot-button issues that were being talked about in the media, such as immigration and healthcare. From there, I involved myself in internships and leadership programs to educate myself further on political activism. While I one day aspire to serve in New York state politics, my passion for grassroots change and understanding political trends has also led me to look into other career paths that can align with my personal goals and desires.”
-Adam Garcia (Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Vice President ‘23-’24)
“I am passionate about increasing the presence of people of color within the STEM field. I love doing research and reading about new studies being conducted, so whenever I see someone who looks like me I feel empowered. This feeling is something I hope to bring one day to the younger generation of the Latinx community.”
-Shirley Ventura (Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. President ‘23-’24)
“I can be boring and say my passion lies within the schoolwork and major I am working in, but after working so closely with SHPE I realized my love for STEM extends farther than what I can do within it. My passion is to increase Hispanic and POC representation within the STEM field and making sure my community can act as authentic as they can and thrive to their fullest.”
-Nicholas Bustamante (Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers President ‘23-’24)
2. How do you feel being a student of color on campus has impacted your overall experience in Binghamton University and what is a piece of advice you would give to other Latinx/Hispanic students on campus?
“Being a student of color on campus hasn’t always been the easiest. There have been moments where I felt like I didn’t belong and like there weren’t others who could relate to my experiences. In view of this, my biggest piece of advice for Latinx/Hispanic students on campus would be to always be confident in yourself and never be afraid to venture out in the organizations that reside in Binghamton. There are various to choose from and you are bound to not only find people who understand you but also learn more about who you are.”
-Skyla Rivera (Corazoncitos Secretary ‘23-’24)
Being a student of color on campus has definitely presented its fair share of challenges. From being misunderstood to experiencing racism, it has been an experience that required searching for an accepting community on campus where I can freely express myself and my culture. However, finding organizations I was able to bond with was key to my success and overall happiness. One piece of advice I would give to Latinx/Hispanic students is not to be afraid to branch out and find an organization that best fits their interests. I would emphasize seeking out organizations of color and attending general body meetings or even studying in the MRC and making connections with the people there, all can be very beneficial and heighten one’s experience on campus.
-Adam Garcia (Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Vice President ‘23-’24)
“Being a student of color on campus has had a huge impact on my experience in Binghamton University. Due to the small population of colored people within campus, it is oftentimes easy for it to feel like we are all a part of a strong community. Knowing that we are all unified in uplifting and empowering each other provides comfort when I am the only student of color in many of my classes. A piece of advice I’d give to other Latinx/Hispanic students is to not be afraid to be yourself! Do things that you would normally do at home, keep your culture alive while also educating others! This allows for diversity to thrive in places where it lacks, especially within a predominantly white institution”
-Shirley Ventura (Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. President ‘23-’24)
“ Being a Latino in Binghamton makes it really easy to get drowned out and appease the general masses’ opinions. I lost myself a couple of times, holding back who I was just to make it easy for others to accept me. However, community starts with YOU. Being your true authentic self speaks volumes. It doesn’t matter if the people on your dorm floor or classroom don’t look like you or speak like you, do what makes you comfortable and you will attract the community that deserves you. Joining organizations on campus is just step one, participating in the behavior and attitude that makes you, you is the end goal of making Binghamton feel like home.”
-Nicholas Bustamante (Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers President ‘23-’24)
3. How does your organization contribute to the upliftment of Hispanic community members?
“We contribute to the upliftment of Hispanic community members by being an open space that educates the public about political, social, and environmental issues that impact the Latin community and dedicate ourselves to trying to – if not fix – at least help in small ways to lessen the severity of such problems.”
-Skyla Rivera (Corazoncitos Secretary ‘23-’24)
“Our organization contributes to the upliftment of the Hispanic community by actively being involved on campus in both a personal and professional way. One of our Metas, ‘To provide a strong and solid base for Latino culture’ is something we practice on a daily basis. Whether that’s attending other organization events to show support, or hosting events that promote Hispanic culture. One example of this is LAWeek (Latino Awareness Week) which we hold every semester to promote the mission and values of the fraternity, while also maintaining a Latin presence on campus. Even something as little as a bonding event with people who share similar interests helps to maintain Latino awareness on campus.”
-Adam Garcia (Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Vice President ‘23-’24)
“Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated prides itself in being a multicultural sorority, we actively work towards uplifting all community members. We salute in multiple languages to pay homage and honor our sisters of various backgrounds, Spanish included. With this, we are able to create a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. Additionally, we strive to uplift the Hispanic community, specifically women, by hosting and participating in events, as well as using our social media platform to highlight individuals and shed light on issues within the Hispanic community that are oftentimes overlooked.”
-Shirley Ventura (Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. President ‘23-’24)
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a big deal for SHPE. During the fall we tend to focus on getting our members ready for the national convention in November, but we make sure to honor Hispanics all throughout the month. One of our most significant events is called “Recuerden Su Cultura.” During this event we host a round table conversation where we speak about our experiences being Hispanics in the United States, our stories growing up, and how we should be proud of who we are and how we act. This event holds a special place in my heart because it is one of the first times that everyone involved in SHPE felt comfortable to share with one another and really put that sense of family into our organization.
-Nicholas Bustamante (Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers President ‘23-’24)
