Student view: My journey embracing Hispanic heritage

Jessica Arvizu is a senior from South Haven, Michigan, pursuing a degree in human development and family studies with minors in health promotion, human behavior and social services, and women’s and gender studies. Arvizu is a member of the 2025 Homecoming Court.

When I think about what it means to stand on Michigan State’s Homecoming Court, I see more than just myself. I see my family, my community and every student who has ever questioned where they belong.

I am a proud first-generation Mexican American. My mom is from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, and my dad is from Guanajuato, Mexico, so I grew up shaped by a blend of cultures and identities. As the oldest daughter with three younger sisters, I have always felt a responsibility to pave the way and set an example. My goal has been to show my family, and especially my sisters, that despite the barriers we face, we are capable of pursuing our dreams.

Growing up, I struggled with my identity. As a Mexican American Latina, I often wondered where I fit in. I used to believe life was neatly categorized, yet I never knew which category was truly mine. Coming to Michigan State transformed that perspective. While my experiences are uniquely my own, I carry with me the richness of my culture and the pride of my journey. Over the past four years, I have learned to embrace all parts of who I am — not just one aspect — but the many identities that blend together to make me who I am.

At MSU, I found spaces that allowed me to embrace my identity and give back to others. I am majoring in human development and family studies, with minors in health promotion, human behavior and social services, and women’s and gender studies. My studies fuel my passion for advocating for underrepresented communities and understanding how family, environment and culture shape people’s lives.

Helping other Spartans find belonging

Beyond the classroom, I have committed myself to building community in ways that have deeply shaped who I am at MSU. Serving as vice president of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., has taught me the power of sisterhood and leadership. Working with women who share my values of service and advocacy has reminded me that change can often begin in small, intentional circles of support.

As an intercultural aide, I lived and worked alongside students from different backgrounds to create spaces where we could openly talk about identity, belonging and community. That role pushed me to grow as a listener and a facilitator, and it showed me how meaningful it is to help others feel at home in a place that can often feel overwhelming.

Through programs like TRIO Student Support Services and MAGIC, or Maximizing Academic Growth in College, I had the privilege of mentoring first-generation students and offering the kind of guidance I once wished I had. Seeing younger Spartans find community and make their mark on campus reminded me of why representation matters. My experience in these roles reinforced my passion for supporting students who, like me, are navigating college as first-generation students, as members of immigrant families and through the many intersecting identities that shape our journeys.

Representing my communities at MSU and abroad

Through education abroad programs coordinated by the Migrant Student Services' International Engagement in Mexico program and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, I have participated in some of my most memorable experiences while in Merida, Mexico, and San Ignacio, Belize. While studying in Merida, I spent time at a local elementary school helping with school projects and supporting the community around it. In Belize, I worked at Santa Elena Primary School, where I assisted a teacher in a classroom similar to first grade here in the U.S. In both places, I learned so much more than I could have imagined about the culture, the importance of community and the value of service work. These experiences showed me how education can create meaningful connections across different backgrounds and inspired me to continue pursuing work that supports students and families.

Being on the Homecoming Court is an opportunity to represent the first-generation and Latinx communities that have shaped me. It is a chance to honor my family’s sacrifices and to show students who are still figuring out who they are that being yourself is more than enough. I carry with me pride, gratitude and the hope that my journey inspires others to embrace every part of who they are.

I am proud to call Michigan State home, and I am grateful for every mentor, friend and Spartan who has supported me along the way. Standing on Homecoming Court would not just be an honor for me, it would also be a celebration of all the students, families and communities that make this university so special. Go Green!