Cougar Chronicle Staff
Audrey Juarez is a 2013 graduating senior double majoring in political science and women’s studies and describes herself as “a proud brown, lady-loving individual.”
For her commitment to this campus, social justice and in creating a haven in her presence by being inclusive and accepting at CSUSM, Juarez is receiving the Cougar Chronicle’s first Graduate Honor.
When she arrived to CSUSM, Juarez promised herself that she would get involved and since then, her involvement on campus has extended to make a difference. Juarez describes her experience on campus as having not always been safe, stating “identifying as a lesbian and looking androgynous play a huge part in that. But I have found solidarity, community and friendship here and those factors have made being a student on this campus a pleasure.”
Juarez’s involvement on campus began her freshman year when she began spending time in the LGBTQA Pride Center. By spending her free time in the center, Juarez found a place to be comfortable on campus.
“The Pride Center gave me a home away from home early on in my career at CSUSM,” Juarez said.
“I met a lot of incredible people who I shared all kinds of experiences with. We all pushed each other to get involved, and the way that that manifested itself in me was running to be president for the LGBTQA Club.
Juarez won and held the position of president for two years and chose to use her power to influence change when the controversial newspaper, “The Koala” was on campus. It also gave her the courage to run for ASI’s Board of Directors.
“When the Koala came out, I wondered why a larger student voice hadn’t condemned it. I went to an ASI Board of Directors meeting and just thought to myself ‘Why doesn’t anybody sitting around this table look like me?’ As a lesbian, I’m used to not feeling represented in the greater government, but to not even have lesbian students present in that room made me uneasy,” Juarez said.
Juarez currently is, and has been, serving on the Board of Directors for two years and was first the Representative for the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and is now Vice President of Operations which has given her several opportunities on-and-off campus that have lead to bigger things.
“I had the opportunity to go to the Panetta Institue Leadership Seminar and a meeting for the California State Student Association. That was the first time I heard about the Speaker position for the Multicultural Caucus, and decided that I would run. I’ve been in that position for almost a year now, and I’ve had the opportunity to author resolutions that are leading to some important changes.” Juarez said.
Juarez’s experience while working with ASI has allowed her to enjoy college while also allowing her to express her voice to make changes on the CSUSM campus.
“ASI has shaped many facets of my college experience. I have had the opportunity to meet students, learn their stories, and enact policies that can improve their experiences on our campus. What could be better than that? ”
Juarez has received several recognitions for her work, with nominations for the 2013 Cougar Wall of Fame, 2012 Junior of the Year at the Tukwut Leadership Awards Night and the 2013 Dean’s Award.
“It has been an honor to be nominated for all of these awards, but the satisfaction of knowing that the resolutions I’ve passed this year through our Board of Directors, and the CSSA Board of Directors, concerning gender inclusion and sexual assault prevention and advocacy can improve the lives of students are better than any award I could ever be nominated for, or receive,” Juarez said.
Not many students can say they are leaving behind a massive impact on our CSUSM community but for Juarez, she hopes to be remembered for giving back and creating more for the university.
“Legacy. Sometimes I wonder what that really means or what it really looks like. But if I had to say what I want to be remembered for, I want to be remembered as someone who built bridges for groups that would not otherwise work together. I want to be remembered as someone who saw that our institution could better serve all students,” said Juarez.
“I want to be remembered as a woman who loved her campus enough to call it to a higher standard. I sincerely hope that people who also prioritize these principles will serve in leadership positions at CSUSM. CSUSM has given me much more than I could ever give back.”
After graduation, Juarez plans to move to Washington D.C. and search for an internship or job where she can put her knowledge on education and social justice to good use. In the fall, she plans to apply for law school with even bigger plans for her future.
“My future dream is to serve my country as President of the United States of America. I know that sounds a little silly, but its true. CSUSM has given me the desire to serve the public. I would say that CSUSM has shaped who I am as a young woman, and who I intend on being moving forward in my life.”
Congratulations to Audrey Juarez, a true leader of CSU San Marcos. Not many students on campus can say they have made the impact and impression to student community the way Audrey has and for this, she deserves this award.