Meet Bianca Esquivel. Three years ago, Bianca left her home in Mission, Texas to attend St. Edward’s University where she is double majoring in Psychology and English Writing and Rhetoric. After graduating in December 2019, she plans to attend graduate school to pursue Clinical Social Work. Currently, she’s a volunteer grant writer at Latinitas, learning about all the great things the organization has planned for future projects!
Why did you choose your major?
Majoring in English Writing and Rhetoric was a no-brainer for me. As a shy kid growing up, writing became a way for me to express myself freely without fear of judgment. I knew I wanted to pursue it as a career because not only is it a passion of mine but it’s a valuable skill I could use to help others. Majoring in psychology was also a natural choice because I love learning about the human mind as well as how to treat various mental illnesses people may struggle with.
What made you want to join Latinitas?
I found out about Latinitas when I joined an organization at my university called Latinitas U, which is both a club and an online magazine that offers Latina college students a safe space to talk/write about issues affecting the Latinx communities. Through this organization, I was inspired to learn more about the work Latinitas does for young girls. Impressed by how dedicated and passionate the Latinitas team is about equipping girls with the knowledge and skills necessary for success, I immediately wanted to get involved with this awesome organization!
What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
I’m part of Monarchs on the Hilltop, a student organization at St. Edward’s University that stands up for undocumented students and advocates for immigrant rights on campus. I also intern at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Austin where I help connect people in the community with the mental health services they need.
Who is one of your role models and why?
My latest role model is Gloria Anzaldua, a Mexican-American theorist, poet, and writer. She was a fierce feminist and educator from the same area I grew up in! I’ve been loving her book Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza, which has inspired me to continue my research in Chicana and intersectionality studies.
What is your idea of a dream job and how will your involvement with Latinitas get you there?
My dream is to become a licensed clinical social worker who works with Latina youth in the Rio Grande Valley. Because Latinitas is dedicated to helping girls from marginalized communities, volunteering here is a great way for me to learn more about my target population and the obstacles they may encounter.
What is one of your favorite hobbies and how’d you get started with it?
I love baking! I started baking around the age of nine and really got into it around high school. I found baking cakes and pies therapeutic, and it’s something I still do whenever I am stressed, in need of meditation, or simply wanting to make my home smell like freshly baked snickerdoodle cookies.
What is one of your guilty pleasures?
The Vampire Diaries universe. I can watch reruns of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals all day long.
What are the best and worst uses of the internet?
The beautiful side of the internet is its ability to offer individuals the opportunity to pursue knowledge, express themselves creatively, and identify with other internet users who share the same interests. Unfortunately, the internet can turn ugly once users misuse it — either through social media or blogging platforms — to spread hate, negativity, or false information.
