# @ucsandiego on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DJe2p2Byu9Y
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/30418455-ucsandiego-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/df1b55b766.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-05-10T17:52:06.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UC San Diego / UCSD (@ucsandiego) — https://gondola.cc/ucsandiego

## Caption

"Growing up in an immigrant Indian-Caribbean family in a neighborhood with few of similar heritages, my cultural connection was limited to a few family stories, photographs, and heirlooms. I felt like I could not connect with my Indian side, comparing myself to my AAPI peers with stronger community ties. During the pandemic, I explored my Indian-Caribbean roots through online research on the Indian diaspora, discovering the history of Indian laborers in the Caribbean whose descendants migrated to the U.S.

This exploration deepened my understanding of how migration shapes identities, bridging the gaps I felt in my sense of self. Community is not just something one is born into—it is intentionally created. Engaging in San Diego’s vibrant AAPI communities deepened my appreciation for my Indian heritage and inspired me to build a community so others could feel similarly connected and empowered.

As the Political Action Coordinator for the Asian & Pacific-Islander Student Alliance (APSA), I became an ambassador for APIAVote’s general election turnout campaign at UC San Diego. Observing limited outreach to AAPI students, I led voter education and registration efforts. Directly helping previously disengaged AAPI students get politically active reaffirmed for me how community outreach can amplify AAPI voices.

Advocating for San Diego’s AAPI immigrant communities is central to my roles as a Resident Assistant at UCSDRoosevelt and Political Action Coordinator at UCSD_APSA. Through my efforts, I've created spaces that empower students to support AAPI communities and protect their right to education.

I now see my Indian-Caribbean heritage as a reflection of the intercultural understanding and community building values I gained from AAPI groups in San Diego. These values will guide my advocacy beyond UCSD. This summer, I am excited to continue advocating for environmental legislation that addresses historical policy inequities in AAPI neighborhoods my home city of Los Angeles."

-Natalie Glezen '25 (She/Her), Political Science/Public Policy Major, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration Student Essay Contest Top Award Recipient

#TritonStories #UCSanDiego #UCSD

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## Tags

tritonstories, ucsandiego, ucsd

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