Sally Familia ’19 is the president of the Latino Student Union and an editorial intern for Oswego alumni publications. During Return to Oz V events, she attended the “Ease on Down the Road” Networking Fair. The fair allowed current students within the ALANA (African, Latino, Asian and Native American) organizations to connect with alumni who participated in these organizations themselves during their time at SUNY Oswego. Ted Crawford ’90, a Black Student Union and Latino Student Union alumnus, came up to the Latino Student Union table and started a conversation with the executive board. “Is it true that black and Latino students are 34% of the [SUNY Oswego] population now?” There was pride in the way that he asked. “When we were here, there were less than 5% minorities.” Because there were so few students of color on the campus when so many alumni were at Oswego, the alumni I met described how they found support in the other alumni of color and in the cultural student organizations. Being a part of these organizations created a safe haven for these alumni; a space for them to exist and live their truth. Former associate provost for multicultural affairs, Cathy Santos ’87 M'99, another pioneer in our growing history, was also present. She filled the room with smiles and words of encouragement for the students. “I will always love this event,” she said. She pulled me aside and in an embrace said, “Isn't it great to see that all of these people are here and so excited to see you? I mean… this is special.” And indeed it was. Spaces where students of color have the opportunity to network with people who have similar experiences, are rarely established when you attend a university so far from home and isolated from the culture you are accustomed to. Coming from the culture that I do, I know that solidarity is one of our most important beliefs, so it wasn't a surprise when former presidents of the Latino Student Union were willing to answer questions, give advice and ease some of the stress that comes with the role. The conversations that arise are very different when you’re able to give your genuine self to the conversation. Being around "old school" Hispanics helped me feel like I was back home, as if I was conversing with my aunts and uncles; it brought me comfort. With no concern for miscommunication, I got to weave English and Spanish together, which made it easier for me to communicate and relate to the alumni. I do not lack friends who speak the languages I do, but I do lack those role models who have experienced the challenges I have and who made it to where I am today and even held positions that I hold now. Knowing that there are successful people out there who are a part of my community just further validated why I do the things that I do on campus. It validated why my biggest priority in this university is to bridge the gap between other cultures and the Latino community. I take pride in all that I do as a student leader on this campus. I do work that I value, and hearing the experiences that these alumni lived through reminded me why. It reminded me that their experiences don't differ greatly from what others experience now. It reminded me of the strength in unity and solidarity. It reminded me of the work we as student leaders, as ALANA presidents, members, and committee have to do to ensure that we are continuing the work that started on this campus before we arrived here. It reminded me that the work doesn't end after me.
-Sally Familia ’19