Jennifer's Story of Leadership in College: “don’t let anyone stop you”
Jennifer is a third-year student at Portland State University, where she’s majoring in Public Health Sciences. She’s pursuing her long-time dream of becoming a nurse so that she can help people find equitable access to health care.
Like many first-generation students, Jennifer’s college experience has had its challenges. “Since I was taking some science classes, I felt alone and wondered if I should be there or if I should change my major to something easier,” says Jennifer.
Jennifer isn’t alone in experiencing imposter syndrome, an internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. In fact, more than half of women experience imposter syndrome, particularly women of color. While Latinos continue to comprise 16% of the total U.S. workforce, only 7% of all STEM workers are Latino (Pew Social Trends, 2018). Talking about imposter syndrome with others is a potent way to diminish feelings of self-doubt.
Last year, Jennifer joined Adelante Mujeres’ Chicas in College Initiative, where Latina students connect and attend sessions that cover topics such as imposter syndrome. Itzel Chavez Gomez, Adelante’s College and Career Coordinator, runs the initiative, which is currently in its second year. “We really want to continue that community of support that Chicas has always provided for students as young as third grade, all the way now through college,” says Itzel.
Chicas in College works to create brave and safe spaces where Latina students across the state can feel validated and seen. Through regular gatherings (virtual and in-person), tailored presentations to meet the needs of the group, peer support, and financial aid opportunities, we hope to ensure every student has the resources they need to successfully complete their college education.
Jennifer says that Chicas in College has been vital in supporting her during her college experience so far. “I was able to go and feel comfortable with the other girls and have conversations about school,” says Jennifer. “Since college is a new thing for us, we would talk about our experiences, classes, how to pay for college. Knowing that I’m not alone makes me feel a little better.”
While Chicas in College is now an integral extension of the Chicas Program, girls in Chicas are prepared for their futures well before they graduate high school. Through leadership training, confidence-building, and connection with other girls in the program, girls are empowered to reach for their dreams and advocate for others.
Jennifer during her high school Chicas graduation ceremony.
Jennifer at a Chicas session during her senior year of high school.
Jennifer began participating in Chicas when she was a freshman in high school. When she reflects on her time in Chicas, she sees the impact being played out today. “[Before Chicas], I was super shy,” says Jennifer. “I wouldn’t talk. I wouldn’t raise my hand to participate. It was hard for me to make friends. So I decided to join Chicas in high school. I wanted to be involved because I knew that I wanted to grow and get out of my comfort zone.” Over the next four years, she gained more confidence, started speaking up, and got involved in community volunteer work.
Today, she asks her professors questions, joins clubs, and even became a mentor for other Latinas at PSU’s Women’s Resource Center. “I feel more empowered and proud of myself for how much I’ve achieved and the things that I’ve done because I didn’t see myself doing all of these things that I’m doing now.”
Additionally, this year Jennifer is interning for the Chicas in College Initiative, where she’s helping Itzel craft a robust strategy for supporting Latinas in college, providing peer mentorship to college and high school students, and sharing her personal story during panel discussions attended by younger chicas participants and their parents. She’s also helping out with a new emergency grant which provides Chicas participants with unrestricted college funds for things like food and gas, which often aren’t covered by other scholarships.
“Being a part of Chicas in College has made me work harder to empower Latina students,” says Jennifer. “I’ve realized how important it is to come together as a community and, I want to help and reach out more to my community and be a better advocate.”
Once a timid student, Jennifer is now confidently working towards a career in nursing and lending a supportive hand to other Latinas along the way. And that confidence is reflected in her advice to others: “Pursue your dream and do whatever you want. And once you get there, don’t let anyone stop you. If you don’t think you belong there or you have doubts in yourself, (know that) you’ve earned your spot. Keep going with what you are trying to achieve.”
During the 2020-2021 school year, fifteen Chicas were mentored and supported throughout the academic year. If you’d like to support and help Chicas in College grow, consider donating this holiday season. Chicas in College is supported by people like you. Muchas gracias.