Amplifying Voices: Creating Cross-Cultural Community with Ethan Noriega
Born and raised on the border of Mexico and the United States in a small town called Calexico, Ethan Noriega grew up struggling to identify strictly with either culture. Living in the U.S. but taking weekly trips over the border to eat, visit family and play golf, he questioned where he belonged. That question alone continues to drive him today to create a sense of belonging for anyone feeling stuck in the “in-between”.
“Living in Calexico was an identity struggle, because you aren’t fully rooted in Mexican or American culture, you’re always between the two.” Ethan stated, “it’s not a bad thing, it was just a unique situation because of the geographical location.”
Through the tug-of-war of identities, Ethan found that the answer lay in community, which rooted him regardless of nation. “It brought both cities together. Everyone knows everyone. Families will cross the border to hang out together and each person understands that feeling.” In creating a combination of both cultures, he felt he earned his own unique identity that allowed him to bond with different groups of people easily.
Ethan started his higher education at Imperial Valley Community College where he received his associates degree before transferring to the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business. Where most students had spent two years building relationships and creating connections, he had to come in and start fresh as a junior.
Not only did he feel behind in building community, he felt like the other students were a step ahead from already utilizing the resources and courses provided at Knauss. Instead of being discouraged by starting the race to his career with more obstacles in his way, he decided to take a different route.
“It was definitely challenging and I felt the need to catch up to everyone else’s skills, but it was motivating for me,” Ethan stated.
In order to build community and opportunity for himself, Ethan joined business societies and fraternities, and found solace in other transfer students who were just as eager as he was, even meeting some of his closest friends bonding over being new as a third year student. “One of my good friends is from Germany and is also a transfer student. I feel like everyone I meet at USD is really interesting with diverse backgrounds and cultures.”
Ethan channeled his desire to feel welcomed into a drive to help other students assimilate to the school, which led him to participate in the International Buddy Program. An initiative that pairs students who have international experiences with incoming international students adjusting to life in the United States.
“I can definitely relate to international students because of my experience growing up in Calexico,” he stated when mentioning why he enjoyed the program, “it gives the international students someone at school they can always lean on or utilize as a resource for help.”
Along with his involvement in the International Buddy Program, Ethan became the President of the Business Administration Society (BAS), further allowing him to create opportunities to build diverse relationships, not only for himself but for others here at Knauss.
“BAS has been one of the main aspects of creating a community for myself and other students,” Ethan said regarding how BAS has given him the platform to network with other business students who have similar goals and interests.
Through his involvement it became evident that Ethan had a clear goal of assisting his peers in feeling a sense of belonging, no matter their cultural background, experience or knowledge.
“I’ve always been motivated to be in leadership positions where I can serve the campus and other students. I just enjoy being able to help my peers,” when asked what his goal was he stated, “I don’t want to just go to school to go, but to go beyond that and get the most out of the experience, not only to impact me but other students as well.”
When asked what legacy Ethan wanted to leave behind, he immediately jumped to the thought of helping others build their own support systems, “I would like to create something that allows students to continue to grow their network even after I'm gone.”
Ethan Noriega’s journey from Calexico to the University of San Diego taught him the vital role community plays in finding one's identity. His commitment to building connections not only enriched his own experience but fostered a sense of belonging for others, ultimately influencing the type of impact he plans to leave on Knauss and reminding his peers to embrace their unique identities.
— Jessica Applonie