Graciela grew up in an Hispanic community on the lower West side of Chicago. They were financially poor but culturally rich in the Pilsen neighborhood, where the people come together to help each other through hard times.

So it was hard for Graciela to leave her mom and siblings behind, but she came to Xavier and found a new community of friends and peers. Joining the Student Organization of Latinos her first year helped her feel comfortable because she was with people who were familiar with her culture and her background.

Since becoming president of SOL her senior year, Graciela’s shy nature has gradually been replaced with a new confidence that has come with increased leadership skills and responsibilities. She’s helped the organization plan events including the Fiesta del Sol, featuring Hispanic food and speakers, and the ceremony Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, where deceased loved ones are remembered.

“Our mission is to educate the Xavier community about Latino issues, but now we’ve progressed to be more involved in the Cincinnati community, too,” she says. “We collaborate on the Hispanic health fair with SU Casa and Santa Maria Community Services and bring nursing students from Xavier to help people who don’t have insurance to get check ups. We’re trying to help the community more.”

Now more outspoken, Graciela is also speaking up for herself. After graduating from Xavier, she decided to return to Pilsen and work for a year with Teach for America, helping the children of her neighborhood so they, too, might have future opportunities similar to her own.