Alumni Spotlight: Veteran, Educator, Artist
Tell us about your time in MIMS.
My time in MIMS was by far the best educational experience I have had. I liked that all my classes were in the evening, which allowed me to keep working full-time. My favorite part about MIMS is that my cohort felt like a community. I made some great friends, and we supported each other throughout the program. The other factor that I enjoyed is that the MIMS also provided different experiences. I went to a protest with one of my professors and got to go on several trips, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen in Mexico. It was fun, and it sparked my interest in conducting research.
What is unique about MIMS that inspired you to join and how did the program prepare you for your future career path?
I was attracted to MIMS because of my background as an immigrant. In three generations, my family migrated from Italy to El Salvador to the U.S. I believe that migrating is a regular aspect of human life. There are several reasons why I chose MIMS, but besides my background, I also want to challenge false narratives about immigration that create unnecessary suffering and death to people. The fact that MIMS is a new program demonstrates how much we do not know about immigration overall. Even as an immigrant myself, there was so much that I did not know, such as U.S. veterans getting deported. The program taught me so much, but the process of creating a thesis improved my time management, presenting, and writing skills. I was able to see the development of my skills, and the knowledge helps in my work with migrant communities.
What is one of your fondest memories while at USF?
One of my fondest memories in MIMS is when we took our trip to Mexico. Not only was it fulfilling to volunteer for soup kitchen duties, but we also got to explore Tijuana and the border. On the way back, the entire group was singing and listening to music loudly on the bus. It was a fun moment that showed how much of a community the cohort was.
What are you up to now?
I am now the Youth and Young Adult Prevention Coordinator for the Center for Domestic Peace - a domestic violence organization in Marin County, CA. My job is to coordinate and facilitate several prevention programs focused on masculinity, dating abuse, domestic violence, and more. The programs are aimed towards middle school, high school, and college students throughout Marin. It is much fun when we advocate and do prevention campaigns throughout the year. Although my job is not focused solely on migrant communities, I often work with migrant youth and families. Outside of work, I continue to raise donations, such as clothing and supplies, for deported U.S. veterans and advocate for migrants. For example, I recently created a website and podcast for migration research and story-telling. I cannot wait to start interviewing people and sharing their research.
What advice would you give to current MIMS students?
Relax. Learn to manage your time wisely to continue to do your work and practice self-care. You are not alone; you have peers and professors for support.
The Alumni Spotlight Series showcases graduates from the Master in Migration Studies Program at the University of San Francisco. We’re proud that our alumni are passionate about immigrant and refugee rights, and are committed to moving the world forward. Here, we share their incredible stories.