Written by Nicole Becerra, Cisneros Scholar '27
Growing up, I struggled with finding a community that shared my Hispanic culture. My family immigrated from Peru to the United States, leaving everything behind to settle down in rural Alabama. It was difficult navigating life as an Asian and Hispanic woman in a conservative state where there was little Latinx diversity. I felt embarrassed of my culture because my environment didn’t reflect it. Now, as a college student and a Cisneros Scholar, I’ve found the support to strengthen my relationship with identity and other Latinx individuals.
At the Cisneros Institute, I find myself surrounded by a diverse group that comes together to celebrate various Hispanic cultures from across the globe. Being in this community allowed me to explore my passion for design. As a student pursuing a degree in Interaction Design, I hope to leverage creative design and digital technologies to spark purposeful relationships between brands and their audiences. When I entered freshman year, however, I initially majored in Computer Science because I was hesitant about my ability to create digital art as a career.
As an intern at the Institute, I have expressed myself through digital art by creating flyers. Though seemingly small tasks, they helped me discover my true passion for digital design. The decision to switch majors scared me at first, but having the support from the Cisneros community gave me the courage to pursue Interaction Design. This newfound clarity fueled my commitment to encourage myself and my peers to embrace our identities in all aspects of life, whether it be academically or culturally.
Despite the lack of Latinx representation in the area I lived in, being a Cisneros Scholar inspires me to push past adversity and build a stronger bond within my community no matter how limited it is. I now know being Latinx has always been and will continue to be a central aspect of my identity, shaping my values, beliefs, and sense of belonging. Being Latina is more than just a cultural label; it's a lens through which I view the world and navigate my place within it. It's about resilience in the face of adversity, drawing strength from the struggles of my ancestors who paved the way for my family to thrive today. It's about community and finding solace and support in the bonds forged with familia and other Latinx individuals who understand the unique pride and challenges of our shared experience. I’m determined to continue learning about different Latinx cultures so that I can support my community and continue to appreciate the beauty and strength that lie within my Peruvian heritage.
Nicole Becerra is a Cisneros Scholar majoring in Interactive Design. Nicole's views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.
Photo by Sophia Benavente-Sayani, Cisneros Scholar '27.