Latinx Leaders at UT Austin
Bethany Luna
President of Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Major and Graduation Year: Sociology, Mexican American Studies, May 2021
Hometown: San Antonio
Nationality: Mexican American
Years Active in Organization: 2 years
First-Gen
Tell us about yourself:
I am a senior Sociology and Mexican American Studies major from San Antonio, TX. I am a first-generation student. I joined Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority, Inc. about two years ago, the spring semester of my freshman year. I am the current President of SLA. I am also a member of UT LULAC, where I hold the position of Director of Community Outreach. I joined UT LULAC my sophomore year.
Describe your experience as a UT students and Latinx individual:
As a first gen student it was a bit difficult to navigate through UT. I wasn't really able to find resources or able to find a place to be myself. I sometimes felt a bit out of place. Then I found the Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence. They helped me with classes and tutored me in any subject I had issues with. Soon after finding the LCAE, Adelante happened. At Adelante I was able to find the organizations I'm in now and helped me find my home away from home.
How has your organization helped you grow as a professional and a student?
Overall both of these organizations have helped me grow professionally by showing me that not all leadership types are the same. Leadership is different for everyone and by understanding each type you are able to have better communications skills. My time management has also improved from my organizations. This has improved my learning as a student and has helped manage all events I must attend.
What is one thing you would have liked to know your freshman year? What advice would you give to incoming students?
I would have liked to know how much I would have to study to succeed. I also would have liked to know that failure is okay. Sometimes we don't know how to handle failure and that's okay but also we need to understand that failure is also okay. Failure is how we learn to succeed in different environments.
How do you feel connected to the Latinx community at UT?
I feel connected to the Latinx community in the way that I am able to better understand my culture and celebrate my culture with people around me. Both of my orgs collaborate with other organizations and attend events. These events allow me to learn more about me and others around me.
What challenges do you think confront the Latinx community in the United States today?
I think one of the challenges the Latinx community faces today is criminalization.
Our theme for Adelante this year is 'Resilience' and its significance for our community's ability to move forward during times of distress and hardship. What does this mean to you as a Latinx individual at UT, in the United States, and in your own personal life?
Resilience means pushing through to reach your goals no matter what happens. I believe it also means growing from experiences which have challenged you.
What other organizations, internships, or research positions are you involved in?
UT LULAC
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to make random crafts