On Fire: The Ashley & Leo Lopez Story

Our students face many challenges in obtaining their undergraduate degrees. Ashley and Leo Lopez, siblings majoring in the social sciences, exemplify the experiences of our students in many ways. They are first generation college students struggling to find their place at the university and working while attending school. Ashley and Leo have also faced unique obstacles as the children of immigrants

Both students are enthusiastic about the privileges they enjoy as American students, though they feel insecure about their status. The Department of Homeland Security’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides Ashley and Leo with temporary residency in the United States, which has enabled their pursuit of their college degrees, and for Leo, the ability to become a homeowner. They credit their active involvement on campus and the relationships they’ve formed with providing them the community and skills to persist.

Nothing seems to stop these two. Dr. Veronica Medina, associate professor of sociology, characterized Ashley and Leo Lopez as “on fire.” She has “never met two students more thirsty for knowledge, passionate about embracing the learning opportunities IU Southeast has to offer, and dedicated to helping empower others than Leo and Ashley!”

Ashley is majoring in political science and pre-law, and she was drawn to the social sciences because of the many activities open to students and faculty. Since entering college in 2017, she sought out a community for guidance and support. One of her favorite events is Social Sciences on Tap, where she developed strong relationships with faculty at the monthly series where community members, students, and professors meet up at a local restaurant and enjoy an evening with one another while discussing timely topics.

Dr. Rhonda Wrzenski, associate professor of political science, commented that “Ashley is the type of student every faculty member is happy to have in the classroom. She actively participates, radiates maturity and professionalism, has a positive outlook, and desires to make the world a better place. She sets high standards for herself, feels things deeply, and I believe she is capable of accomplishing anything she sets her mind to achieving.”

Exhibiting a passion for social justice and American politics, Ashley’s extracurricular activities also speak to her interests. She is the vice president of Spectrum, an organization that raises awareness of LGBTQIA issues, and she likes to think of herself as “a representative for political science” on campus.

As a freshman, Leo was a psychology major who enrolled in a sociology course. The course was only a requirement for him, but the class spoke to his interests in the societal challenges of people of color. He sought “the truth of my existence” through his education and eventually became a sociology major. Like Ashley, he’s been active on campus and held positions at the LatinX Leadership Conference and helped with sexual education panels on campus.

Leo is eager to discuss the many challenges he’s faced to stay in school. He’s a working adult student, and for him to remain in college he must pay for it himself. Being a first generation student was “another hill to climb” for him, as he learned to navigate campus life without more traditional support. It is perhaps this struggle that makes him and Ashley so empathetic towards others too.

Dr. Medina reflected that “Leo is a compassionate and supportive classmate; he advocates for those who might not be comfortable advocating on behalf of themselves. Leo is brave and has shared his own experiences of marginalization with his peers in the hopes of reducing stigmas, promoting inclusion, and building community.” Having Leo in the classroom clearly expands the learning opportunities for everyone.

In 2018, Ashley and Leo joined forces to create a talk radio program on Horizon Radio called “Brown Kids at the Theater.” They discussed American movies and television shows, with particular attention to matters of race and culture. It was through this creative endeavor that Leo Lopez began to develop thoughts about his future career path.

Although obtaining an education has been challenging for Ashley and Leo, they’ve grown a lot over their time at IU Southeast. Both are model students taking every opportunity available to reach their goal of obtaining a degree. Ashley and Leo’s personal stories of perseverance serve as reminders of what a passion for humanity and persistence in reaching your goals looks like on a college campus.

Ashley and Leo are greater than their circumstances, and we’re proud of the role IU Southeast and Social Sciences are playing in their college journeys.

— D’Andre Richardson