Scholars of Color- Chyna Oyola
What is Scholars of Color?
It is a platform in which scholars of color are purposefully celebrated. It’s a space where scholars of color are showcased front and center. It is a digital space where we feel empowered and resilient. Let us get to know each other. Let us cheer each other on AND show the world what we have to offer.
Let us now welcome Chyna Oyola to the Scholars of Color space!
Name: Chyna Oyola
Gender Pronouns: She/They
What do you currently do for work and/or school?: I am a College Adviser at a Bay Area High School through UC Berkeley EAOP/DCAC
Without positions or titles, how would you describe yourself?: Pure energy! If you ever had a Twilight phase, do you remember Jasper and how he could control feelings? I can somehow do something but in a positive way. I bring good energy everywhere I go through my genuine joy and happiness
What are you passionate about?: Chocolate, community empowerment, house plant aesthetic, Queer representation and support, and helping people see their true value
Why is the representation of scholars of color important to you?: While I loved my major in undergrad (Sustainable Agriculture) there was little - if any - representation of really any marginalized communities either within my peers or faculty. When you get to a level of being the “only one” in the room, it can be exhausting always having to voice the perspectives of communities not represented. I feel that representation is only possible when the people with the privilege to be in these spaces reach out a hand to ensure other scholars are welcomed
If people are interested in getting connected to you, how can they?: Professionally - cmoyola@berkeley.edu and LinkedIn, personally - chynaoyola@gmail.com and IG!
Anything else you would like us to know?: I just want other folx to know it’s ok to not know what you’re doing, especially when it seems like everyone else knows. I’m in a big transition right now. I had big grand plans and life just laughed - that’s ok! You can set yourself up to accept new opportunities without a detailed excel spreadsheet. Keep hustling and keep celebrating every. Single. Win. Because they all matter and they are worth celebrating because YOU did that.
Thank you Chyna for sharing space with us!
Stay tuned everyone for more Scholars of Color profiles. Interested in being showcased yourself? Please email the Scholars of Color team at scholarsofcolor@reclaimingyourhappiness.com and we will get back to you shortly.
