Get To Know the Latinx community at NYU

He/him || Class of 2026 || NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study || Economics, Technology, and Philosophy

Q: What aspect of NYU’s values or culture resonated with you the most when you applied?

A: NYU is a mosaic of innovation, tenacity, and endless opportunities. In that mosaic of possibilities is a community of entrepreneurs, scholars, and leaders. Each person seeks to create some form of impact or challenge a societal norm. I wanted to be part of a community of builders, thinkers, and innovators. I wanted to make a difference in my community and country through education and technology via my company, Pupil. That desire drew me to NYU, our mosaic of ideas, and our eagerness to change the standard.

Q: Would you describe a moment when you felt particularly proud or supported as part of the Latinx community at NYU?

A: Personally, my proudest moments as a Latino at NYU are my mentees. Each year, I meet ambitious, talented, and committed Latino students. They are willing to challenge the barriers they or others face. Regardless of any disadvantages or obstacles, they dare to persevere and preserve. They truly embody our university’s values and vision. They are like my brothers and sisters. I stand by them in support and solidarity, eager to help them succeed and expand opportunities for our community at NYU and beyond.

Q: In what ways do you think Latinx representation can continue to grow and evolve at NYU?

A: Mentorship is crucial to the future development and advancement of Latinos at NYU and beyond. My growth and success are entirely attributed to my mentors, especially my Latino mentors. One of the most potent messages my mentor, Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, taught me is that there is strength in vulnerabilities. We must embrace our identity, culture, and the past and present generations of fellow Latinx leaders. This includes everyone, no matter their age, gender, or orientation.

As a university, community, and platform for change-makers, we must seek to expand the seats at our table, within our university, and across our country. To do so, we must share our knowledge, experiences, and networks with the next generation of Latinx change-makers at NYU. Diversity is not just a picture of people. It’s a reflection and recognition of different experiences, upbringings, and struggles to triumph. Our greatest strength as a community of builders, innovators, and leaders is our willingness to overcome, adapt, and improve any challenges we face. Our culture is our superpower. Our identity is our strength, and our history of grit represents our future of opportunity.

She/her || Class of 2026 || NYU College of Arts and Science || Global Public Health & Anthropology – Pre-PA track

Q: What aspect of NYU’s values or culture resonated with you the most when you decided to apply?

A: NYU’s global impact in research stood out the most when I decided to apply. I became involved in Public Health before college. I knew it was something I wanted to major in. The GPH curriculum targeted key issues I wanted to help create solutions for, specifically increasing access to healthcare for immigrant and low-income communities. As a research assistant at the NYU GPH Attachment and Health Disparities Lab, I am extremely grateful for the knowledge and opportunities I’ve had. I’ve been able to present my work and challenge my own perspectives. Since GPH requires a month abroad, I am thankful for the chance to be studying in London!

Q: Would you describe a moment when you felt particularly proud or supported as part of the Latino community at NYU?

A: On the Pre-PA track, NYU has helped me feel supported as part of the Latino community. This is largely through clubs that intertwine both medicine and my identity. The Latino Pre-Health Society @ NYU aims to create meaningful connections among students who identify as Latino and want to pursue a career in healthcare. With many of us coming from similar underrepresented backgrounds, we strive to give back to our communities. This club has supported me through the difficulties of the class workload. It also creates a space where we can share our struggles and create solutions for our hardships. We create many ‘firsts’ here at NYU. Facing these challenges with others makes us less afraid.

Q: Can you share how NYU has supported your identity and experiences as a Latinx student?

A: As a CSTEP scholar, NYU has supported my identity and background. They’ve provided resources to thrive both in and outside of the classroom. Being a first-generation student, there are a lot of questions and worries that challenge your self-esteem and ability to pursue. However, NYU’s Opportunity Program has given me the knowledge and resources to seek on my own. It’s also encouraged me to explore new possibilities. I’ve learned a lot about the importance of networking and creating my own narrative. Additionally, the program has allowed me to meet more Latino students. I’ve built bonds as we go through our journey at NYU together.

Q: Did you have any apprehensions or preconceived notions about what your experience as a Latinx student at NYU would be?

A: Some challenges I’ve faced as a Latino student include academic support. My high school education lacked resources to help with the transition into higher education. Freshman year, I felt extremely isolated and stressed, questioning whether I could handle my workload. It made me question my abilities and develop ‘imposter syndrome.’

NYU has helped me overcome this by providing additional academic support through tutoring, both in and out of the Opportunity Program. My amazing advisor shared resources that aligned with my interests. They also helped me gain the confidence to continue pursuing my ambitions. I recently completed an internship at Albert Einstein. I don’t think it would have been possible without my academic and professional support team.

Q: In what ways do you think Latinx representation can continue to grow and evolve at NYU?

A: Latino representation can continue to grow and evolve at NYU by creating more events. These should highlight challenges resonating with our student body, such as networking events or cultural events. We should also showcase the impactful work of Latino students. There is amazing work being done by Latino students all around NYU. Connecting students to these efforts can motivate us to support one another and learn new things we haven’t experienced before. Additionally, there are many cultural events that celebrate diversity, such as AAP’s Bailar para Honrar. Many students don’t know about these opportunities.

She/her || Class of 2026 || NYU Tisch School of The Arts || Drama Major / Educational Theatre Minor

Q: What aspect of NYU’s values or culture resonated with you the most when you decided to apply?

A: One of NYU’s core values is Diversity and Inclusion. I knew I was stepping into a diverse environment, with hundreds of people from different countries and walks of life. That really resonated with me. I believe anyone, including myself, would love to learn about other cultures and experiences. But it was the Inclusion part that really did it for me. Before hitting submit on my application, I was apprehensive about several factors that might make it difficult for me to thrive. Now, it’s funny to think about. I had to put a lot of trust in humanity and in myself—trusting that I’d be okay and would meet people who’d accept me as I am.

Q: Would you share how NYU has supported your identity and experiences as a Latinx student?

A: The most vital and consistent way NYU has supported my identity and experiences as an Afro-Latina is through its clubs. I’m part of Bella Quisqueya, NYU’s Dominican club, and that’s become my family. I’ve met what feels like hundreds of incredible people, not just in my club but also in groups like PRA, ASU, BSU, CSA, LUCHA, and so many others. These organizations have made my time here worthwhile. I’ve learned so much about my identity, and I’ve come to accept parts of myself that I was once timid to fully share. Now, going into my third year, I feel more ambitious and confident than I have in a long time.

Q: Did you have any apprehensions or preconceived notions about what your experience as a Latinx student at NYU would be?

A: Absolutely. I’m from the Bronx, so I’ve always been surrounded by Black and Latino people. In my freshman year, I had some negative experiences, but I found strength and solidarity by realizing that experiences like that won’t happen every day. I also had a preconceived notion that I’d likely be one of the only Black and Latino POC in the room. And, honestly, that’s been true in most spaces. But there are a few exceptions where I haven’t felt that way.

Q: Would you describe a moment when you felt particularly proud or supported as part of the Latino community at NYU?

A: Wow. There have been a few, but for the sake of keeping it short, I’d say gathering at events. “Bailar Para Honrar” by AAP is a night where people come together to dance, eat amazing food, listen to music, and just enjoy the atmosphere and culture. It happened this year on October 4th, and I’m so happy to be surrounded by people I hold close to my heart.

Q: In what ways do you think Latino representation can continue to grow and evolve at NYU?

A: Latinx representation can grow and evolve in so many ways. One way is through the media. As a drama major, it’s my goal to be that representation on screen for people who identify like me. When I watched campus life videos before applying, it was usually mostly Asian and White folks with maybe one Latino or Black person shown briefly. As an Afro-Latina, it’s important for me to see success from both sides. I also think more courses on Latino and African heritage are needed. I know there are some courses on Albert, but I am looking forward to more!