Didier Turcios
President of Mi Familia
Q: How have you left your mark on NC State?
During my time as president, I have been able to leave my mark at NC State in numerous ways. To begin with, I helped write and pass Resolution 60: Undocumented and DACA Student Support Act last year, a recommendation from the Student Body at NC State to the chancellor asking for the continuation and additional support of undocumented students at NC State.
Additionally, I co-founded the Hispanic/Latinx Collaborative, a true umbrella organization composed of student leaders working together to unify, develop and strengthen the unity of the Hispanic/Latinx community at North Carolina State University. Lastly, I have left my mark at NC State by launching Mi Familia’s very first scholarship, a scholarship given to a high school senior who wants to attend NC State and make a positive impact in the Hispanic/Latinx community, along with helping start the conversation about NC State’s very first Latinx Endowment.
Q: What’s your favorite memory of your time at NC State.
My favorite memory during my time at NC State would have to be helping to lead the Defend DACA rally. The rally was meant to raise awareness about the effects of the termination of the DACA program. I very much enjoyed leading this event for the reason that the termination of the DACA program left many members of our community fearful and vulnerable, and there was a need to show out and make sure that our fellow DREAMers knew that there was a large community who stood alongside with them during these uncertain times.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for students of color?
My words of wisdom to my fellow students of color would be to put your fear aside and to show up. Too many times, we don’t act or we don’t stand up because we are too scared to do so. We know that something is wrong, but we just sit there and do nothing. We need to set our fear aside and stand up for what is right. I strongly believe that if we are to make any change in this world, we need to show up and stand for what is right. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The greatest tragedy of this age will not be the vitriolic words and deeds of the children of darkness; but the appalling silence of the children of light.” Don’t be silent. Show up. Stand up for what is right.
Q: What’s next for you?
After graduation, I will be working at RTI International as a statistician. I plan to eventually go back to school and pursue my PhD in Psychology, focusing my research on mental health issues among migrant/immigrant communities.
Anahzsa Jones
Editor-in-Chief of the Nubian Message
Q: How have you left your mark on NC State?
I haven’t made an impact on my own; it’s been through my work with and for the Nubian that I think a lasting impression was made. We’ve covered some really important things, like that racist GroupMe thing a couple years ago and DACA last year and the Food and Housing Insecurity study this year. We’ve brought light to these issues and given voice to those who may not be heard otherwise. I feel like my time at NC State has been about me, yes, but also about the Nubian and what it is we provide to the campus. I’ve been honored to be a part of it.
Q: What’s your favorite memory of your time at NC State.
My favorite memory is probably the moment I decided to switch majors from zoology to English. It was scary, but exciting, to change my entire life plan. I came into NC State expecting to leave for vet school. Instead, I’m looking towards a career in young adult books that I can’t think about without smiling. That moment was full of support, hope and love from my friends, family and professors. Instead of feeling like I wasted two years, I just felt excited for all the years to come.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for students of color?
I’ll give you the question my dad gave me: Let’s say you won the lottery and would be provided for the rest of your life. The only condition is that you still have to work. What would you do? Don’t chase the money; do what you love, find a way to make it work for you, and the money will come.
Q: What’s next for you?
This summer I’m moving to NY to get a job at a publishing company and begin the climb to editor of young adult fantasy novels. Wish me luck!
Jacqueline Gonzalez
Student Body President, Member of Board of Trustees
Q: How have you left your mark on NC State?
This past year I have served as the first Latinx Student Body President in the history of NC State. I’ve worked to bring the student (especially those of color) voice to trustee meetings and have represented our entire student population across the state.
Q: What’s your favorite memory of your time at NC State.
Dear White People was my favorite moment/era. Some white people were offended, others had genuine dialogue. I got emails, admin got emails—this movie/event/signs were EVERYWHERE. This conversation even trickled into CLASSROOMS. I still talk about Dear White People all the time because I found moments in the movie that I’ve experienced as a Latina and was able to articulate my own experiences as a woman of color. That night, UAB also held a panel that I served on and that moment of my vulnerability was honestly the first time I’ve truly felt comfortable and CONFIDENT in my identity.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for students of color?
In college especially, you’ll want to compare yourself with what other people are doing. You might become envious of others’ success and applaud others’ misfortune. Shut. That. Down. We must always be supportive of each other and uplift each other because that is how we succeed together.
Q: What’s next for you?
I will be serving as Finance Director for a woman of color running for a statewide position. Her name is Anita Earls, she’s running for NC Supreme Court and you should check her out! In the near future I would also like to pursue a Master Degree in Public Administration and work in North Carolina government/politics.
Bria Edwards Swann
Chairperson of the Afrikan-American Student Advisory Council
Q: How have you left your mark on NC State?
I believe I help instill self-determination and awareness in the Black community that we lost at one point in time. I also feel I helped enable student leaders to become more proactive instead of reactive in emergency situations.
Q: What’s your favorite memory of your time at NC State.
My favorite memory was being able to participate in the Die-In against police brutality my freshmen year.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for students of color?
I would say be bold and get involved in things you have a passion for instead of things that look good on your resume because it’s easier to work on things you like and love.
Q: What’s next for you?
I’ll be finishing my degree in December and moving to Texas shortly after to advance my career in nutrition focused on obesity and weight loss management in the morbidly and super obese populations.
