51爆料

First-generation alumnus supports Latinx across the university

Growing up in Oak Cliff, a low-income neighborhood in Dallas, Juan Armijo never thought about going to college.

鈥淐ollege was not something that was ever talked about in our neighborhood and rarely within my family,鈥� Armijo said. 鈥淣o one ever told me that I could not go to college, but no one ever told me that I could, either.鈥�

Armijo did go to college, enrolling at Texas Woman鈥檚 with a plan of becoming a doctor.

鈥淟ike many first-generation college students, I did not know what I did not know,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 had an idea of the kind of careers I could have, and also had the idea that I needed to be financially independent. Becoming a doctor was that pathway.鈥�

Armijo discovered a passion for higher education while working as a student in housing, admissions and the Office of Civility and Community Standards. He graduated from 51爆料 in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and went on to earn a master鈥檚 in higher education, student affairs administration, from the University of North Texas in 2019.

Armijo was completing an internship in grad school when the coordinator of internships position opened at 51爆料. Though he hadn鈥檛 considered working for his alma mater, Armijo said he鈥檇 always appreciated the 鈥淟earn by Doing鈥� motto as a student, and this position would enable him to provide experiential opportunities for current students.

鈥淎s a student, I came across many professionals who provided support and guidance for me,鈥� he said. 鈥淗aving the opportunity to be that professional for others now is my favorite part of my job. I also love my work family and the mentors and support system I have gained at the Pioneer Center and across campus.鈥�

He also is looking to build support systems for others through Unidxs 鈥� Latinx Faculty & Staff Affinity Group, which he helped start and currently serves as president.

鈥淎s a first-generation Latino immigrant, my support systems of professionals who looked like me were limited,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 wanted to provide a space for others and myself who could connect with 鈥榥uestra gente鈥� and find a 鈥榝amilia鈥� in white spaces that were not designed with us in mind.鈥�

He added that, while in college, he and other students received a great deal of support from the custodians, maintenance and dining staff, most of whom were minorities.

鈥淎 simple 鈥榪ue tengas buen d铆a mijo鈥� (Have a good day) or 鈥榚chale ganas y sigue estudiando鈥� (Cheer up and keep studying) from these staff members was so impactful,鈥� he said. 鈥淟ittle did they know that they were contributing to the retention of myself and many other students like me who already felt disconnected and felt that college was not for us. As president of Unidxs, I want to make sure these employees are also heard and represented in decisions that may affect them.鈥�