Jean Donovan Fellowship

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Following immersion, I began my summer fellowship with ALAS. After volunteering with ALAS for the past year and a half, I was excited to take on a deeper role and learn more about their work firsthand. I worked with the Social Services team, which allowed me to experience many sides of community work. I supported El Jardín Summer Camp, helped facilitate Corazones de Oro, and supported La Despensa, La Tiendita, and the Sueño Center. Some of my favorite memories came from spending time with community members, including celebrating my nineteenth birthday with new friends and familia.

I also joined the Farmworker Services team on the Equity Express Bus to bring resources directly to local farmworkers. Beyond direct service, I attended a press conference regarding efforts opposing detention centers in Gilroy and the Bay Area while also attending meetings to learn about nonprofit advocacy, including lobbying, fundraising, and grants. These experiences gave me a fuller understanding of how direct service, advocacy, and organizational work come together.

Although my fellowship has ended, it never felt like goodbye. I am grateful that I can continue returning to ALAS and stay connected to the community that has become such an important part of my journey.

After a year and a half of volunteering and a summer working alongside the community, I truly feel that ALAS has become part of my familia. I am preparing to return to campus fulfilled and refreshed, excited to continue this work as I begin research with the Water and Climate Justice Lab and serve as an Immersions Team Student Assistant with the Ignatian Center.

I am incredibly grateful to the ALAS team for welcoming me into your familia. A special thank you to Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga for your leadership and mentorship, and to Cecilia Peñaloza, Rocio Avila, Yunueth Ruano, Juana Ruano, Alfredo Perez, Luis Enrique Bazan, Paty Ramirez, Sandra Sencion, and the entire ALAS staff for this transformatiave experience.

I am also deeply grateful to the SCU Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education for making this journey possible through the Jean Donovan Fellowship. Thank you to Valerie Sarma, Daniella Lubey, Maria Autrey, and Diana Contreras-Chavez for your guidance and support.

I never imagined volunteering with ALAS would become such an important part of my college journey. This experience has reminded me that my advocacy journey is only beginning, and I am excited for what lies ahead.