By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Stephanie Perez, a Licensed Professional Counselor and assistant counselor in Room B106 in Engleman Hall on Feb. 19.
Students at the university face their own unique set of challenges as they transition into college life, and finding a supportive community can make a world of difference.
Every Wednesday from 1 – 2 p.m. Stephanie Perez, a Licensed Professional Counselor and assistant counselor, hosts “La Communidad.”
“It’s important to have a place for students who share similar values, beliefs and cultures to connect with each other, as it can allow them to feel seen on campus,” Perez said.
Whether students are seeking support or looking to build meaningful connections, the group offers a welcoming and confidential environment.
La Communidad provides a space for Latiné or Hispanic students to come together, discuss their experiences and connect with others who share the same cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
At a diverse university, Perez said that this space can provide that representation for them.
Perez, who attended a predominantly white university in Boston, said that she wishes she had a Latino support group similar to La Communidad.
“It would have helped me to feel accepted,” Perez said. “I always felt like I didn’t belong and like I wasn’t good enough.”
The counselor said that La Communidad also offers an environment where students can speak their native language.
“Students can speak their language freely, and they are not always able to do that outside or in the world,” Perez said.
Perez also noted that in multiple cultures, especially in Latinos there is a heightened presence of “Machismo.”
Machismo, which is often tied to toxic masculinity, leads many Latinos to suppress their emotions and thoughts, as expressing vulnerability may not align with cultural expectations.
Recognizing this, Stephanie Perez works to challenge this mindset and foster open dialogue about mental health.
“We talk about their mental health and just overall being vulnerable,” Perez said.
Consequently, students are able to offer each other support.
“We share personal things and give each other advice, which is not something that is accepted in this culture,” Perez said.
Public health major Deshyra Hicks, a sophomore, said that she thinks spaces for cultures are important for the success of students.
“I like that Southern has these groups for every kind of student,” Hicks said.
According to the university’s website, the institution is recognized as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (eHSI).
An eHSI is defined as a college or university with an undergraduate Hispanic enrollment ranging from 15 to 24%.
This highlights the university’s growing commitment to supporting its diverse student population, particularly those from Hispanic and Latino backgrounds.
For this reason, Perez said it is important for more groups like La Communidad to be formed.
“The Hispanic population is growing so there needs to be more spaces for this group to support them,” said Perez.
