Working in social services can be overwhelming and draining.

What might it mean for a comedically-sound, theatrical, MexiRican Chicagoan first-generation college student to know how to think and create while only scratching the surface?

Dr. Miguel A. Saucedo is a native from Chicago’s Little Village community. He earned his doctorate from the Department of Educational Policy Studies and Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

My very first LLS class drew me into the major because for the first time in my education, I was provided with a history of Latina/o experiences and was given reading assignments that were written by Latina/os.

My academic preparation through the department of Latina/Latino Studies has been critical to my success in the field of public health.

As a critical and interdisciplinary scholar who is committed to social justice work, especially in the realm of education, Latina/o Studies provided me with an excellent education and foundation for my career in Higher Education.

When I reflect on my role as an educator, researcher, and community member during the last decade, I return to my time as a Latina/o Studies minor at Illinois.