Keeley Griego ‘18
An Empowering Journey WEST
I am so grateful for my time in the WEST department. I learned so much about myself, who I am, how I fit into the world, and how I want to live. For the first time in my life, I was represented as a pansexual Chicana in what I was learning. I no longer felt denied my own existence. I was able to start embracing my authentic self and love the parts of me that I tried to hide for so long. It’s been an empowering journey, and I wouldn’t be on this journey of self-discovery without the incredible faculty, staff, peers, and everyone who makes up the WEST department.
My time in the WEST department also led me to a fulfilling career in the nonprofit sector. I currently serve as the Digital and Community Educator for Inside Out Youth Service, the only LGBTQIA2+ youth-serving organization in the area. As a WEST major, people always asked me what I was going to do with my degree. I didn’t have the answers at the time, but I was learning about essential topics, not only in relation to myself but the world. I knew I was passionate about disrupting systems of inequity, and that’s what mattered. All the other details worked themselves out with time, patience, and continued dedication to the work.
Again, I am so grateful for the WEST department, especially the faculty that supported and encouraged me, even when I doubted myself. Thank you, Dr. Herrera, Dr. Woodall, and Dr. Spaulding for so greatly affecting my life in the most positive, supportive, and affirming ways.