We are student co-researchers who are part of the 1st photovoice cohort for the Using Our Voices to Transform HSIs research project. Our cohort chose the name Mariposas con Voces or "Butterflies with Voices" as butterflies are a metaphor representing spiritual rebirth, transformation, change, hope, and life. Given that this project aims to invoke change at an institutional level, we chose this name to symbolize the transformation we hope to achieve. , the name for the project symbolizes this transformation.
Meet our research team members!
Hello everyone,
I am from San Jose California, specifically East Side San Jose. I lived in the East Side of San Jose for the majority of my life before moving to Sacramento for my studies. My parents are both Immigrants from Mexico. My father is from Guerrero and my mother is from Michoacan. Coming from a low-income community, building generational wealth for my family and my future generations is the biggest reason I decided to come to college regardless of the expenses. I chose CSU, Sacramento because of my major and have never regretted my decision. I started off my Political Science journey by engaging in grassroots social justice organizations. One day, I hope to earn my degree, gain knowledge/experience so that I can give back to the communities that have given so much to me.
Major: Political Science Major and Sociology minor, 4th year
Why I decided to join the research: I decided to join this research project because the mission of “transformation” based on experiences really spoke to me. I wanted to share my experience as a Hornet and as a Chicana/Latina. When I joined as a 3rd year, I was unsure what my future held. Coming back from the pandemic, I was forced to scavenge for “the college experience”, I really wanted a sense of community. Looking back, I would not change a thing. I am grateful for the research experience I have gained, the community I have in MCV, the change I have felt us make within my institution, the adventure, and identifying two amazingly supportive faculty on my campus.
I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. I am the second child of three daughters. I was proudly raised by immigrant parents from Zacatecas, Mexico. I am a first-generation college student with a dream to be successful and educated in life. I am a transfer student from Sacramento City College. I do this for my parents and for myself because they’ve taught me the importance of education. Todo un dia a la vez.
Major: Child & Adolescent Development (Educational Contexts), 4th year
Why I decided to join the research: I decided to be part of Mariposas Con Voces because I want future Latinx generations to feel supported and connected to their campus as a Latinx student in Sacramento State. I want to be involved in my campus in all the right ways with Latinx students who share the same views and motives as me to help change and transform together as a research group.
Major: Child & Adolescent Development, 4th year
I was born in Los Angeles, but moved to Sacramento when I was young, so I’ve always considered Sacramento my home. I am the only daughter to my Mexican parents, who are both from a small town in the state of Jalisco. I am also the oldest sibling in my family and have two younger brothers. I transferred to Sac State last fall from Sacramento City College after a long journey of figuring out what I wanted to major in and dedicating my time and effort to reach my goals. I am the only person in my family who has received a post-secondary education and I cannot wait to be the first to receive a bachelor’s degree.
Major: Business, concentration in Supply Chain Management, 4th Year
Why I decided to join the research: I decided to join because I wanted to help transform the way that Sac State supports me as a first-generation transfer student. I also wanted to feel more connected with other students and work collectively to create some changes that could support other Latinx students once they arrive at Sac State.
I was born in Oakdale, California but my family moved around quite a bit and eventually we settled in Modesto. My parents both came from the same town from Mexico, Tacámbaro Michoacán. I am a first-generation college student, and I am the second in my family who will graduate from college. I am the youngest of three children and attending Sacramento State is my first time being away from family. My college experience has been mostly me navigating it on my own and asking questions when I need help with anything relating to my college education.
Major: Journalism, Minor Chicanx studies, Senior
Why I decided to join the research: I decided to join the research because I thought from my personal experience as a Latinx student that there was a gap missing between secondary education and our community. While many of us are encouraged to pursue higher education, we are often left to navigate on our own because our parents are not too familiar with the education system. I wanted to share my experience as a student to speak to others like me in order to know that we are getting the most out of our education and address anything that may be lacking.
I am a first-generation college student who grew up in a huge family with seven older siblings. My parents migrated from Mexico when my two oldest siblings were very young and moved to California. As my parents were unable to have access to education in Mexico, they highly valued the power of education and encourage all my siblings to pursue higher education.
Major: Kinesiology Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation, 3rd year
Why I decided to join the research:
I started college right at the start of the pandemic, in the Fall of 2020, and due to the isolation, I realized I knew nothing of the experiences of my peers, especially those outside of the STEM field. I decided I wanted this to change, and I joined this research project so I could learn about the experiences of my peers throughout the university.
We want to acknowledge our former members who worked on the photovoice project during the Spring 2022 semester but weren't able to continue the research. However short or long their time with us, their contribution made a difference and impact:
Major: Business Administration Major: Child & Adolescent Development (CHAD) Major: CHAD
Graduate Research Assistant:
I am a first-generation college student. I am the oldest of three girls in my family. My parents migrated from Mexico, and I have grown up in Northern California for most of my life with my younger sisters. I received my bachelor's from Sac State in Spring of 2019, becoming the first in my family to graduate from a university. I chose to return to Sac State for my Master’s to continue to pursue higher education and represent Latinx students in spaces where they are not likely to be represented. I also hope to continue to pave the way to higher education for my younger siblings and anyone who comes after me.
Major: Child and Adolescent Development, MA, Year 2
Why I decided to join the research: I decided to join this research project as a research assistant because as a previous undergraduate student, I remember what it was like to attend Sac State and how certain professors and faculty members supported my journey towards graduate school. I hope to support current students towards this goal and shed light to the importance of Latinx student success.
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