Creating a Cultural Identity at USD

When Kai Hopkinson-Ramsammy first came to the University of San Diego, she was unsure of what the future held. Coming from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, she was unfamiliar with college life in California. “I’ve never been in a predominantly white environment before,” Hopkinson-Ramsammy states, “I worried that I would not be able to relate to people.”

She initially felt out of her element in her classrooms. Adjusting to new teaching styles and cultural differences proved to be difficult. “I was ready to go when I first got here,” she says. “I definitely felt like I didn’t belong.”

In search of community, Hopkinson-Ramsammy joined the Student Support Services Summer Bridge Program, which assists students in succeeding on campus. Meeting people who shared her identity made her feel connected and encouraged her to be more outgoing. Programs like this shaped her experience on campus, leading her to positions of leadership.

Over the last four years, she has been active in many programs across campus. With French, Spanish and music minors in the College of Arts and Sciences, she participates in Choral Scholars, USD Jazz and the Gospel Choir. She’s also part of the College Corps and the National Society of Black Engineers, spaces where Hopkinson-Ramsammy can explore all sides of herself alongside a community of Changemakers.

Among her many campus roles, Hopkinson-Ramsammy highlights her time as the co-president of the Black Student Union (BSU). “A lot of my involvement is tied to cultural groups,” she explains. “I find that I connect with those people because we have similar stories.”

Passionate about social justice, Hopkinson-Ramsammy advocates for underrepresented students and feels her classes have given her a better understanding of how to do so. “My experience as a psychology major showed me the importance of representing people and acknowledging the nuances of the human experience,” Hopkinson-Ramsammy states.

Through BSU, she has expanded how Blackness is represented on campus. One of her proudest moments was hosting Crown and Culture, a celebration of her roots and an invitation for the entire community to creatively explore Black identity. The event featured hair care vendors, performers playing traditional music and local Caribbean restaurateurs providing plenty of food. This effort, along with her ongoing advocacy, helped broaden diverse perspectives on campus and fostered a deeper sense of belonging.

Set to graduate in January 2026, Hopkinson-Ramsammy aims to leave an impact. “When I leave USD, I want to be remembered as somebody who cared and showed up.” She seeks to highlight the relationships she has fostered with her professors, other students and the communities she was part of.

Hopkinson-Ramsammy wants to continue to grow personally, uplift and create space for others, and encourages others to also find the courage to get involved. In the end, she hopes her fellow students realize that while leaning into community is essential for growth, the only person they need to be seen by is themselves.