Hello! My name is Ashley Nuñez-Saenz. I'm currently a junior double majoring in Political Science and Science, Technology and Society, as well as an Environmental Science minor at North Carolina State University.
It is truly an amazing opportunity to serve as a Solidaridad intern this academic year. I first learned about Students Action with Farmworkers through my involvement with Students for Immigrant Rights and Equality, the advocacy club at NC State, where I proudly serve as Vice President. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to not only deepen my engagement in advocacy and human rights work but also to build practical skills by working across generations to create change.
As the daughter of two Honduran immigrants, I’ve come to view the world through a multifaceted lens—one that reveals both the harsh realities of life and the relentless ambition to succeed, all rooted in the unbreakable strength of family. All my life, my mother told me that the only way out of the cycles of poverty and abuse were through education, that she came to this country for her children to succeed in life and not be subjected to the brutalities often seen in their home country.
For many who make the journey to the United States, the work available often reflects the challenges they face. My mother dedicated her life to raising her children while tirelessly cleaning houses, and my father sacrificed time away from his family, laboring in construction work under the relentless sun for long hours. Without their unwavering commitment, there would be no food on our table and no roof over our heads. I am a living testament to their sacrifices and resilience, and my pursuit of education stems from my want to succeed in the ways they could not.
We who are able must stand up for those who can't. I recognize the privilege of being born a U.S. citizen and having access to higher education. These opportunities aren’t available to everyone, and many people living in the United States either don’t know their rights or lack the resources to seek help. That’s why I’m so passionate about advocacy, as citizens we have the ability to lobby the government and create more equitable opportunities for all.
It’s not just about learning the ropes of advocacy—it’s about stepping out of my comfort zone, amplifying voices that often go unheard, and growing as a leader. This internship will help me take real action, driving forward the fight for justice and equality in a way that’s both personal and impactful.
From September 21st to 22nd, the SOListas stayed at Camp Rockfish in a joint orientation with the Levante Program. While my favorite part of camp was bonding with the students, my second was the many tiny frogs we saw during our stay, picture down below!
