Finding Comunidad: HLA Panel on Latinx College Experiences

By: Tania Molina '26, Mike Barrera '25, Valerie Madriz Montero '25, Uriel Beltran Campuzano '25

On April 4, 2025, the Hispanic/Latinx Association group (HLA) hosted an inspiring panel in the CoLabs, McIntosh Room, organized by Ms. Maude Bond and Ms. Alesia Aceves. The event featured UCSB Admissions Counselor Adam Rodriguez and Cate's Librarian Ms. Aceves, an alumna of UCSB. Both shared their personal journeys and insights about going to university as Latinx students. The panel provided a unique and meaningful opportunity for HLA members to connect directly with a college admissions officer who shares a similar cultural background. Adam offered valuable advice on navigating the college process, and Ms. Aceves reflected on her experience as a first-generation Latina navigating academic spaces.

Ms. Aceves Takeaway:

Feedback on this event for HLA members/students 

I had met with HLA heads earlier this school year to get feedback on events they were interested in either this year or next year. All HLA heads highlighted that as an underrepresented part of this Cate community, it would be a great opportunity to have a first-generation Latino/a student come speak to them about their experiences pursuing higher education. I resonated a lot with the want/need for more information on a process that is usually unknown to first-generation Latino college students, as I am a first-generation Latina myself who had to pursue higher education with no support from anyone, so I really wanted to make sure something was put together that was specific for HLA members. To put this event on, I was happy to collaborate with the Coco office (a special shout-out to the amazing Ms. Bond) and UCSB admission counselor, Adam Rodriguez, to bring together a safe space for HLA members to freely ask questions and seek guidance on this topic. 

1. How did you feel being one of the panelists? 

“I was so honored to be one of the panelists and felt like I was talking to a younger version of myself that had so many questions and concerns about the future. Although HLA students may know me from being a librarian or collaborating with HLA on other things, it was nice to share my experiences and have students be able to hear about my own journey as the eldest daughter of immigrants, from a single parent household, with no initial plan to go to college after high school to my journey through SBCC, UCSB, and then pursuing a Master's in Library and Information Sciences and how my Latinidad plays an immense role in how I maneuvered through higher education and in my professional career.” 

2. What is the message you want to share/be presented in the article?

“The message I would like to be shared in the article would be one of perseverance and understanding for students who feel underrepresented in a space that systemically was not created for them. There is a mental and emotional challenge that comes with being a part of a minority group and feeling underrepresented time and time again; those gaps are what we are trying to mend through events like this panel. Additionally, how important it is for HLA members to have access to these events and resources to be able to be seen, heard, and supported.” 

3. How and why does your story resonate with most hispanic students to help them through their college process?

“I think that would depend on the student; it can differ from one student to another. I have been lucky enough to get to know many HLA students during my first year here at Cate and resonate with many of the feelings they have voiced regarding underrepresentation. I am no stranger to imposter syndrome and feeling like I am "too Latina" for some spaces. I am also no stranger to the feeling of isolation because of additional responsibilities that come with being the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, Spanish being my first language, and not having a mentor or someone to help me maneuver higher education. Then, I’m expected to assimilate to spaces, all while not losing my cultural identity in the process, use my bilingual skills to assist others, and get good grades while having to work a job or two. And while making sure my mom's sacrifices of pursuing a life in a different country for myself and my brother are worthwhile. I shared with HLA that a big part of my experiences, my identity, and culture played a big role in my self care by finding a Latina/o serving organization while I was in undergrad at UCSB that gave back to the Latino community through outreach. That space helped me feel seen and was a support system that understood the struggles I was facing, helping me find comunidad when I felt so out of place.”

Ms. Bond’s Reflection:

“I am so honored to serve such a diverse community of students at Cate, and the CoCo Team is fortunate to have not only an extensive breadth of knowledge about the college application process but also an incredible amount of life experience. We also understand the importance of how adults serve as mirrors reflecting back our students' lived experiences. For this reason and many others, I was thrilled to host a CoCo x HLA event that highlighted the Latino/a/e experience in college. The big takeaway for me as a college counselor was a reminder to go the extra mile when communicating with parents, families, faculty and advisors so they also better understand the obstacles our FGLI students face at Cate. We teach our students to become self-advocates, but we must model what that looks like first and support our students who are experiencing challenges most of our adults on campus can hardly fathom. The CoCo would love to host more of these events in the future and will seek out opportunities to partner with HLA.” 

This event is the second in a new series of CoCo collaborations. Last month, the CoCo hosted 3 Harvard Medical students to speak with the Black Student Union. Along with student leaders, Juarez Newsome and Yutopia Essex organized a group of panelists who attended Columbia, Wash U and Harvard College for their undergraduate work. BSU students asked incredibly thoughtful questions about managing a demanding workload, affinity spaces in college, how med school students grapple with the current injustices Black Americans face in our healthcare system, and the history of violence Black people have endured for the sake of scientific progress. 

For many Latinx and underrepresented students, especially those carrying the hopes and dreams of their immigrant families, this kind of representation and open conversation is both comforting and empowering. Students from all grades attended, further showing the importance of having spaces where Hispanic/Latinx voices and experiences are centered and celebrated. “The Cate community should recognize that events like these make a real difference. They help students envision success in college and beyond, and remind them that their backgrounds are strengths, not barriers,” said HLA head, Tania Molina ‘26. This panel demonstrates how Cate's college counseling program can continue to grow in its support for underrepresented students. 

Thank you to Maude Bond for organizing this event and creating more opportunities for connection and mentorship to happen, which is what underrepresented students should receive, as this will help ensure all students feel seen, supported, and inspired to pursue their dreams.