麻豆传媒映画 Imperial Valley students鈥� stories highlighted at National Association for Chicano and Chicana Studies
After a year-long process for mentorship, the students presented oral presentations about their communities鈥� challenges and strengths.
students took part in an empowering academic experience by attending the 50th annual National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS) conference, an organization instrumental in founding Chicana/o studies programs across universities in the country, in early April.
The trip was the culmination of a year-long effort, including abstract submission, mentorship, and intensive preparation, to give students the opportunity to present research impacting their communities.
鈥淭his conference was a meaningful event for the historical and cultural impact it has had on Chicanx communities,鈥� said Efren Lopez, assistant professor in English. 鈥淭he opportunity to have our students present puts their stories and our university more visible and showcase our academic achievements.鈥�
In total, a group of seven students participated. Lopez and lecturer Gilberto Reyes helped guide the process.
Students were divided into small collaborative groups and received mentorship based on their chosen topics, often tied to their own community development goals and personal experiences.
Lopez noted students were encouraged to follow their passions, selecting research topics based on their academic fields such as history, arts and literature. The conference was also an opportunity to hone their own effective presentation skills.
For Lani Chavez, a second-year student, the experience allowed them to connect with other professors and students nationwide, forming lasting academic networks. She emphasized despite diverse perspectives, all students shared the goal of improving their communities.
鈥淚t was hopeful to see different perspectives from leaders and students all over the country which made it known we all have one goal, and that is to better our communities,鈥� said Chavez. 鈥淗aving the chance to meet other colleagues and mentors is memorable and makes me feel like we can have more support from other communities.鈥�
Alexia Reyes, a fourth-year student, who collaborated with two of her peers, centered her work on teaching literacy. She found strength and healing through sharing personal stories during presentations.
鈥淪haring our stories can help others who might be going through the same situation within their Chicanx communities,鈥� said Reyes. 鈥淚鈥檇 like to seize more opportunities in the academic space and collaborate with other groups or leaders in other universities.鈥�
