Written by: Javier Orellana, Cisneros Scholar '25
After receiving my GW acceptance letter (the most exciting moment of my life), I attended a virtual event hosted by Campus Living & Residential Education. A comment that stood out to me: “In your first weeks, you will see groups of freshmen walking around campus, but those will only be temporary friends. Later you will only say hi to each other as you walk to class.” At that moment, I was so excited to come to GW that I didn’t think about it further.
However, as the semester went on, I realized the importance of the earlier comment about temporary friends. Even though I was able to meet a group of Latinos, who I am still close to, most of the people I met during freshman events, I now only see in passing. At a predominantly white institution, finding your comunidad as a Latino student is not easy. It took me a few weeks to adjust to a new atmosphere and balance a schedule that included more than five classes, working eight hours per week, and making time for myself.
So how did I find my comunidad at GW?
Being a Cisneros Scholar connected me to professional resources and offered a sense of familia through which we support, tutor, and learn from each other.
Finding friends through classes is not always easy, but it is one of the best ways to connect with others! I made some of my first friends in my introductory classes. We planned study groups which naturally led us to spend more time together.
Whether it is through an on or off-campus job, I recommend working in a collaborative space where you can share ideas and find common ground with your colleagues. Your work will be easier, and you will also establish relationships with others.
Attending events in your residence hall is always the best way to get to know your neighbors. In fact, I met my current roommate through a dorm event!
GW boasts more than 500+ student organizations focusing on diverse issues. Some Latino organizations are LATAM@GW, GW OLAS, GW Fuego, GW Folklorico, ALPFA DC, the Eta Eta Chapter, and more.
School-wide events: Be on the lookout for free events to invite your friends to. My favorites are basketball season at the Smith Center, the pumpkin celebration at the Vern, GW Late Night, and the GW Palooza.
The Student Life Office, the Multicultural Student Services Center, and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office are great resources! They host panels, summits, and events geared toward Latino students.
GW has a strong alumni network! Consider reaching out to Latino alumni in D.C. They can provide valuable advice and support as you navigate college life and the professional world.
Check out local cultural festivals such as Fiesta D.C., Latino art exhibits at the National Museum of American History, music performances in Columbia Heights, acting performances at the GALA theater, and salsa classes.
Consider volunteering with an organization such as the Latin American Youth Center, Latino Student Fund, La Clinica del Pueblo, the Latino Economic Development Center, or the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Volunteering can help you meet other Latinos passionate about making a difference in the community.
Internships are another way you can support your community! Working with Cisneros’ Research Projects, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the League of United of Latin American Citizens, Unidos US, and the embassies is a great way to connect with other Latinos and build your professional experience.
There is no blueprint for creating comunidad – the way I have done it might not work for you! Keep trying and exploring different options until you find the ones that work for you.
Javier Orellana is a Cisneros Scholar majoring in Political Science. Javier's views are his own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.