Alejandro M.
If you’re reading this, know it’s in within you to be the catalyst.
For much of my life, I’ve struggled with the feeling of not belonging. Growing up, I moved frequently, constantly adjusting to new cultures and environments, which made it difficult to find a place where I felt I truly fit. Each move came with the challenge of starting over: making new friends, finding my place, and navigating unfamiliar space. While I was fortunate to have a loving, supportive family, the sense of disconnection lingered.
When I committed toClemson, it felt like yet another overwhelming life change. I wasn’t excited; I dreaded the idea of starting over. My initial outlook on college was negative, despite it being a time that should’ve felt full of possibility and excitement. However, it wasn’t until I arrived here that I realized the key to belonging was not just waiting for it to happen, I had to create it.
So I started to actively seek out spaces for myself. I joined organizations that aligned with my interests like Central Spirit, Student Government, Clemson Sexuality and Gender Alliance, and Latinos Unidos. I stepped out of my comfort zone, engaged with others, and soon found that college became much easier and more fulfilling than I’d anticipated.
Still, there were moments of disconnect, times when I felt I wasn’t fully seen or supported in the communities I was a part of. That’s when it clicked: if I wanted to feel like I belonged, I had to be the catalyst for the change I was seeking. I began to advocate for more inclusive spaces within my student organizations, spaces where everyone could feel accepted, valued, and heard. As I obtained the opportunity to do things like organize a campus-wide parade, I prioritized creating platforms for multicultural voices and self-expression.. I made it my mission to speak up for those who didn’t have the voice to speak for themselves.
One of the most rewarding moments I’ve experienced was when friends and even strangers told me that my involvement helped them feel like they belonged in their community. This feedback meant the world to me, it was exactly the kind of support I would have deeply appreciated when I first started this journey.
As cliché as it may sound, you truly have the power to be the change you want to see in the world. It only takes one person, one idea, however small or seemingly insignificant, to spark change. You never know how your actions, even if they only touch one person, can make someone feel seen, cared for, and truly part of something bigger.
Alejandro M., Clemson University
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