Scholars of Color- Xavier Segura
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 Xavier Segura to the Scholars of Color space!
Name: Xavier Segura
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Gender Pronouns: He/His/Him/Él
What's your current occupation? (i.e. Student, Scientist, Coach, In transition, etc.): Asst. Professor of Practice, W.A. Franke Honors College Thesis Mentor & Advisor, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Leader
Without positions or titles, how would you describe yourself?: Thankful, Giving, Compassionate, Highly Organized, & Student-Centered
What are you passionate about?: I am passionate about my student and each individual I cross paths with. I strive to make this world a better place, each and everyday, and I aim to push everyone around me to be great and to succeed. I am passionate about my students, their mental health, and placing their needs above all else. Most importantly, I am passionate about helping those of the historically underrepresented community and populations. I truly enjoy, adore, and love my passion and craft of teaching students as I want them to be better professionals, strive to excel in their goals, and to help the next student or person in line behind them reach that mountain of success.
What does the representation of Scholars of Color mean to you?: As a first-generation, Former Army veteran, and Latino who grew up on the Southside of Tucson, the representation of Scholars of Color means more than just representation, having a voice, and a platform to freely express who you are. Scholars of Color and its representation allows one to be proud of who they are, and their identity. The representation of Scholars of Color allows our younger generations to see the diversity and immense success of many professionals who they can relate to. The Scholars of Color allows all of us to be immensely support, represented, proud, and thankful. Thank you Michael, and Scholars of Color for this amazing opportunity.
If people are interested in getting connected to you, how can they?: Instagram: @Prof. Segura ; Professional Email: xsegura@arizona.edu
Anything else you would like us to know?: Absolutely; I would like to share some words to those who are reading this..
NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU COME FROM. No matter how well-off, smart, and successful one may be, you never forget where you come from. Once you reach that top of that mountain, always turn around and help others get on top of that mountain with you. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS INSPIRED BY YOU AND WATCHING YOU AND YOUR JOURNEY.
GIVE IT YOUR ALL. I want each of you to be the very best in whatever it may be. Give it more than your 300%. Remember, it is always okay to fail, it is always okay to take a break, it is always okay to learn from the mistakes. This journey is not a sprint, it's a marathon.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS. Take care of your mental health and well-being. Many students are working, taking care of kids and family, managing courses, stressing about the future, etc. As I have always told each of you, it is okay to take a break and reach out for help. Always remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
From when I was in the Army to now, I have lost 6 close friends from the service due to mental health struggles, and there is not a time where I don't think about them, every single day. Reach out and ask for help. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
PERSEVERANCE. Continue breaking barriers and challenges one step at a time. Continue to break barriers and overcome challenges. There are always going to be people who do not want to see you succeed or who doubt you and your work ethic. Overcome to odds and those doubts from the crowd. You know exactly what you are capable of, and you can do it.
DO IT YOUR WAY. To each of you that are becoming rising and emerging leaders in the college, community, and professional areas, do it your way. Don't try to mimic or copy another's path. We each have our own juice of drive, ambition, and motivation, therefore, do it your way.
Be kind & Smile more. Our world needs a little more of that these days.
Thank you Xavier 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.
