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41, Beta, Texas A&M University, Spring 1997
How do you define diversity? I grew up in Deer Park which is a predominately white working class/blue collar city East of Houston. My family was one of a few Latino families in the community and my father worked in the refineries along the Houston Ship Channel. I grew up lacking diversity in my classroom and in my neighborhood meaning, different cultures were not represented or celebrated. I would define diversity as having an equal representation of different cultures and of men/women represented.
How do you define inclusion? Inclusion is when different groups/cultures are represented and each other’s opinions and participation is encouraged and welcomed.
What makes you feel proud/powerful?
What makes me feel proud is my Mexican-American upbringing, my hardworking and determined parents whom I respect and appreciate more as I get older and my educational and career accomplishments. The knowledge I obtained from school and life experiences in addition to a growing network of professionals and colleagues make me feel powerful and give me a confidence that I can try new things without fearing failure.
Can you pinpoint a moment when you became empowered with that which makes you feel powerful? Describe a moment in your life when you started to embrace your identity.
Currently, I am fortunate enough that my DACA is still valid for another 2 years, but that does not take away the feeling of uncertainty and fear that I have everyday that goes by. Although I am sadden and angry that this administration decided to appeal DACA, I think it made many of us realize that the fight continues and that our work as activists does not stop until we have actual laws in place to protect our community.
Margarita Arevalo
Arevalo