"LLS has helped me understand the monumental contributions and struggles of our community, many of which parallel today’s events. There is so much more to our history than just Cortez."
—Kailey Reyes (BA ,'25, Latina/Latino studies and political science with a minor in legal studies)
"LLS impacted the population I want to work with within social work which is Latinx immigration populations. With what I learned in my LLS classes I felt more empowered to do so."
–Tamara Trejo (BSW 24’, Social work, Latina/Latino Studies minor)
"Provided deep understanding of history of race and racism, migration patterns and Latine populations in the US. Developed critical thinking and writing skills and gave me a mechanism to connect and explore my own identity as a Latina. I continue to go back to the readings and scholars I was introduced to in my LLS courses."
—Cindy San Miguel, Director of Health Equity at County Care (BA 13’, Latina/Latino studies)
"I chose LLS because I knew that I wanted to work with the Latinx community after undergrad and learn more about my community. I immediately felt at home when I started taking more LLS classes. In most of my classes, I was surrounded by people who looked like me and had similar experiences. Because of that, I felt vulnerable in sharing my personal experiences and contributing to the important topics we’d discuss in class. My amazing professors also made the classes so much more enjoyable."
—Alexa Rodriguez (BA, '25, Latina/Latino studies and sociology)
"Latinx Studies has given me the opportunity to understand complex systems more in depth. It has allowed me to comprehend my own identity through frameworks and approaches that are otherwise not provided in other areas of study. The professors, classes, and curriculum all come together to provide an education that has enriched my experience at UIUC."
—Stephany Barrios (BA, '25, Latina/Latino studies and political science)
"I chose LLS because I knew that I wanted courses that specifically looked at communities and histories that reflected my own. . . I've only had great experiences with the faculty as every class has opened my eyes to new histories, perspectives, and ways of thinking."
—Zion Trinidad (BA, '25, Latina/Latino studies and history)
"Choosing LLS has made me more of an advocate for the rights that we rightfully deserve and it has made me more passionate about the research we are looking into. Learning about the hardship and the accomplishments regarding education, politics, and history within Latina/o Studies has made me understand the world a little bit better."
—Jennifer Herrera (BA, '25, Latina/Latino studies and political science)