Cindy Camacho

Cindy.Camacho@oberlin.edu

Major: sociology

Minor: politics

Bienvenidos! I am from Dallas, Texas, and I am entering my junior year as a sociology major and politics minor. Both of these fields have given me a greater understanding of what dynamics govern our society and how some of these are responsible for the disparities and inequities that we still encounter every day.

I am a first-generation student, and it took me awhile to decide what I wanted to study and how I wanted to spend my time. These past two years, along with taking classes in a variety of departments, I served as a tutor for America Reads at the Boys & Girls Club. I was able to do this with the support of the Bonner Scholars Program. If you are interested in connecting and working in the Oberlin community, you should definitely stop by the Bonner Center for Service and Learning.

In addition to service opportunities, Oberlin has a large number of research opportunities. I am a Mellon Fellow, in the Office of Undergraduate Research, and my project focuses on reproductive health care for Latinas in Lorain County, and the controversial use of Gardasil. I am also working as a research assistant for Professor Mattson, in sociology, who conducts research on the politics of sexuality. Experiences such as these allow for you to further explore and define your passions.

Building a new home here at Oberlin is very important. I have found a home in several spaces like the Bonner Scholars Program, Third World House and La Alianza Latina. Creating a new home is a challenge but know that Oberlin has a lot of resources to help you. I definitely recommend connecting with your class dean, people in Student Academic Services, and fellow Obies to help you in this journey. Please email me with any questions.

Short List of Favorites

Local Cuisine: Friday dinners at Mandarin. Good food and good way to relax and hang out with friends after a week of work.

Writer: Sandra Cisneros. In Caramelo, Cisneros puts into words part of my experience as a Mexican American in the United States. I have found all of her work to be empowering.

Under-advertised Resource at Oberlin: The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) is a great place to hang out and have some of the greatest conversations of your life. It is a safe space for everyone but does focus its programs on issues around students of color, LGBTQ, low income, international and first-generation college students.

Favorite First-year Course

FYSP 163: She Works Hard for the Money: Women, Work, and the Persistence of Inequality, Professor John. First-year seminars are amazing because you build great relationships with your peers and especially your professor. This is the course that made me want to be a sociology major.