It was an honor to return to my alma mater, Bentley University, to commemorate the life and enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to share my experiences as a member of the Garifuna (Afro-Indigenous) People and as an Afro-Latino in the US. It was truly inspiring to witness the program’s evolution from a simple breakfast to a full-day event, a testament to the progress we’ve made.
As a first-generation college student at Bentley when the student body was predominantly white and many students hailed from established family legacies, it was gratifying to see the tangible results of the university’s efforts to diversify its student population.
As a member of the Garifuna (Afro-Indigenous) community and an Afro-Hispanic, I had the privilege of connecting with students from my native Honduras, including a fellow Garifuna student. I also had the pleasure of meeting students from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
While reviewing the program booklet, I was delighted to discover La Cultura Latina, an Undergraduate Student Organization dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation of Latin culture within the Bentley University community. I was also impressed by the Association of Latino Professionals For America, which strives to empower and develop underrepresented students into future business leaders by fostering meaningful connections with companies across all sectors of the global economy. These two organizations jointly presented «Latinos in the Corporate World,» an insightful panel exploring the complexities of «Latinidad» as an identity in the professional realm.
Furthermore, I was honored to participate in a panel discussion on «Immigration: Myths, Facts & History.» Together with Bentley faculty, staff, and students, we delved into the pervasive myths surrounding immigration, examining historical data and information to address these misconceptions. We then engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the origins of these myths and the social injustices faced by immigrants, exploring strategies to combat these injustices.
These initiatives exemplify the many ways in which Bentley is actively fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all its students.
A particularly influential class during my time at Bentley was my Introduction to Computer and Programming. The computer lab, then a large room filled with terminals and printers, now boasts impressive advancements like the Computer Information Systems sandbox, a striking example of how Bentley has consistently adapted and evolved to maintain its position as a leading business university in the US.
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