Community and Support with Jesus

Transcript

So now let’s head over to the Hayden Lawn here on campus. Here, we have Jesus Vega waiting for us. He’s gonna talk with us about Arizona State’s community and support. Jesus, you’re on.

Yeah, what’s up Alex? What’s up everyone? My name is Jesus Vega and I’m currently a sophomore majoring in global studies. And I’m from Eureka Arizona, which is a small town right by the border of Mexico. I never imagined myself as a Sun Devil, but luckily because of my girlfriend who comes to ASU, I got to visit a lot and I just fell in love with the Campus. It was so big, there were so many walks of life, that I just knew I wanted to be here. I knew that by coming here, not only would I be able to get out of my comfort zone, but also be close enough to visit back home without a hassle.

As a first generation minority student, it can be difficult to navigate the college process, but ASU made it such a welcoming experience that I couldn’t have asked for anything better. And as a really big university, it could honestly be so easy to get overwhelmed. I mean, literally within the first week of school as a freshmen, ASU throws everything at you, everything from the running club, to the gaming club, to even Quidditch. But in order to make the most out of ASU, you have to find that small community within such a big community. You have to find those people that not only elevate you, but make you feel at home and like you belong here.

ASU also offers what’s called the First Year Success Coach, which is a student coach that helps first year students. And my coach, Suhey Ortega, was really there for me. As a matter of fact, I still talk to her every now and then. But coming into college, I didn’t feel like I belonged. My peers seemed to know more than me and as a first-generation student, it was quite discouraging. But going to her, she would tell me that it was okay and that I did belong here at ASU.

You know, something that I really love about ASU is that I’m not seen as less due to my background. I’m represented in many different ways, from the student leaders, to the professors, to the staff. You know, the charter is interesting because it’s talked about so much, but it honestly makes me feel at home. The fact that ASU measures itself not by who it excludes, but by who it includes is powerful. I’m constantly inspired by other people of color that are empowered to be successful here at ASU, because it reminds me every day that I, too, can be successful. ASU wants you to succeed. And what more can you ask for from a university? Back to you, Alex.

Jesus, great job. Thank you for opening up about your story. I’m glad you found ASU, my friend. That was great. Cheers, Jesus