Finding Community
I joined ACCSA because of its commitment to inclusivity. Upon arrival at the booth during the Annenberg Involvement Fair before the beginning of the fall 2021 semester, I immediately recognized that instead of differences in people’s identities being a divisive factor, it’s something that ACCSA celebrates. This was a breath of fresh air, especially after the particularly polarizing years of 2020 and 2021.
To be completely honest, I was nervous and shy at the preliminary meetings, mostly just listening to Miki, the co-presidents and the chairs of various groups. Having been a freshman at home due to the coronavirus, it was my first year on campus and I was adjusting to college life in person. However, I began to realize that this was a safe space, a forum of expression, a true community. I gradually started to speak up more and pitch in ideas.
This led to the creation of ACCSA’s podcast titled Crossed. Miki said the organization didn’t yet have one, so I volunteered to start it.
JJ Flores, a sophomore studying environmental studies was the brains behind the name and the wildly talented graphic designer who created the logo. They have experience creating podcasts, so they helped guide me through something that I never imagined I would create and has become one of my closest friends.
Since then, I’ve hosted Crossed and we’ve discussed topics including the international student experience at USC, Women’s History Month, first generation college students and tips for freshman year. It has been such a joy to have these conversations with our guest speakers, and we’re looking forward to many more.
Another project that I worked on was a short documentary called The Affected: We’ve Got This, which I directed and produced. Along with other USC peers, students from Xavier University of Louisiana joined us to document the impact the last two years have had on students, namely the global pandemic that caused disrupted college experiences, mental health struggles, isolation, loss and yet still so much resilience despite all of these obstacles.
This all could not have been done without the encouragement and support of Miki Turner, who has been such an incredible advisor and mentor.
Creating a podcast and directing a documentary are both things I never envisioned doing. However, these experiences are a testament to how ACCSA has not only given me the space to branch out of my comfort zone but also a forum to share experiences and create work that promotes inclusivity, diversity, cultural awareness and healing. Most of the time I find community with people who look like me or who have similar backgrounds, but through ACCSA, I have been able to form connections with individuals with various identities. Here, our differences do not divide us – they are what make us stronger.
