Why did you choose your major or program?
I chose English as my major because it’s versatile as a field and it is integral in communication. Studying various aspects of English, such as literature and linguistics, can help to dissect texts and showcase how words are used to uplift and harm others. I think it’s important to have a good grasp on the language in order to help others who might not understand the full weight and meaning behind the words.
What is a fun fact about you that few people know?
I can’t hold my writing utensils properly because I have hitchhiker’s thumbs!
What is your favorite song and why?
My favorite song is “Latin Simone” by the Gorillaz. I like the song because it has two versions, one in English and one in Spanish, that almost fit together like a conversation. Both songs are about living your life to the fullest— to not bother spending your time worrying about minuscule things in your life.
What is your current favorite streaming binge and why?
I’ve been enjoying watching Netflix’s “Nailed It!” recently. I love seeing the teams work together under impossible odds to see the funniest cakes I’ve ever seen.
What is your favorite hobby or activity you like to do in your free time?
I like to read in my free time! I’ve been reading the Lambda Fellows Anthologies— it’s been amazing to read the creative projects of other LBGTQ+ people!
How have your identities (race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender) affected your college experience?
It’s been rough at times! As a person who is going through college in a rather conservative state, it can be difficult to find resources and others with similar identities or experiences. Luckily, I’ve had amazing experiences with a handful of instructors and classmates that make everything worth while! In terms of gender identity particularly, and the overlap between that and my indigenous heritage, it can be extremely difficult to explain to others how my appearance, particularly, my long hair, does not reflect on my gender identity. In my time in college, I’ve had to be an educator alongside a student, but I think it’s been worth it to watch the people around me continue to learn new things! It’s been overall very rewarding to showcase the world of intersectionality with my college professors.
How do you practice self-care?
I take time for myself when I can. Most of the time, it’s taking a little extra time to make myself a cup of tea and enjoying the aroma. I’m still perfecting self-care, but I enjoy taking quiet time to myself and enjoying the silence.
How are you adjusting to the "new normal" as we're emerging from this pandemic? Do you have any tips for other students who are going back to college this semester?
Take time to ease yourself back into things! Change never happens overnight. Set small goals for yourself leading up to the start of the semester— mine is reading 30 minutes every day! That way, when I have my new course load under my belt, I won’t need to readjust as much from my “summer mode.”
As a Point BIPOC Scholar, what is your message to other LGBTQ+ BIPOC students?
Be unapologetically yourself! It’s important to see other LGBTQ+ BIPOC students represented in various fields, living their best life!
This post’s responses were submitted by Point BIPOC Scholar Pilar García (They/Them/Theirs).
Pilar is currently studying English at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Read more about the Point BIPOC Scholarship for LGBTQ students program here.
