Centro Student Leaders Share Stories of Empowerment and Growth

San José State's Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center, known as Centro, is dedicated to providing culturally relevant programs and services to support the success of Latinx students. Although these programs and services are intentionally designed to address the unique experiences of Latinx students, all SJSU students are welcome to engage with Centro.

Currently, there are 13 student employees who work at Centro. Through the Adelante Mentorship and Leadership Program, six Adelante peer mentors provide support to first-generation Latinx students who are in their first year of college. Centro also has seven student success leaders who offer personal support and guidance to students who visit or frequent the Centro. A few of those students are profiled below.

Alberto Jose Chacon Arias

Alberto Jose Chacon Arias, '25 Finance, works at Centro as a student success leader.

As an immigrant from Jalisco, Mexico, Arias feels deeply connected to his culture.

"It has shaped who I am today, from the food I eat to the characteristics that I carry. My values and family are the reason for my end goal," shares Arias.

When he first started attending SJSU, he felt lost and disconnected from any sense of community. Then a friend told him all about Centro, and everything changed.

From the moment he set foot into the Centro space in the Student Union, he felt instantly welcomed. There was a sense of familiarity and ease. The community that Arias was deeply longing for had been waiting for him this whole time.

A student success leader at Centro is a student employee who provides personal and academic support to their peers. Student success leaders work to create a warm and welcoming space at Centro, so that students feel at ease and are able to engage with all the resources and opportunities being offered. Becoming a student success leader has helped Arias to grow in numerous ways. One of them is public speaking.

"Public speaking has never been my strong suit," says Arias. "But because of my job description, I learned to moderate student panels with over 70 students from middle schools, high schools and colleges. My shyness quickly faded away, and public speaking became a common norm."

"Whether you are a commuter student or an on-campus student, places like Centro are just a few steps away," says Arias. "There is so much community to be discovered through clubs, student organizations and other classmates."

Fernanda Tapia Marin

Growing up, Fernanda Tapia Marin, '25 Mechanical Engineering, always remembered her parents telling her: "Échale ganas!"

This Spanish phrase translates to "give it all you've got." It's about going for it and putting all of your effort into your work.

"My Mexican background has taught me the importance of working hard to achieve my goals," says Marin.

Marin is a first-generation college student, and is currently in her first year working as a student success leader at Centro.

"I wanted to work for Centro because I enjoy the environment that Centro provides, as well as its celebration and appreciation of Latin culture," she says.

In fall 2023, Marin transferred to SJSU from San Joaquin Delta College. Before she started at SJSU, Marin was concerned that she wouldn't find a space that supported her authentic self. But her concern was abated when she attended Admitted Spartan Day in 2023.

"On Admitted Spartan Day, my family and I came into Centro because we heard it was the Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center, and we stayed because my mom liked that they spoke Spanish in the space," shares Marin.

During the '24 spring semester, Marin became a regular at Centro. She soon decided to apply to be a student success leader, because she "wanted to be a part of the team that welcomes and supports students."

"Find your resource center on campus and don't be afraid to step in and ask questions. It may be intimidating to enter a new space at first, but the benefits outweigh the nerves," says Marin. "As a mechanical engineering major, I learned about clubs related to my field of study and interests through the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program. Through Centro, I learned about community events and extracurriculars that fulfilled my artistic and athletic interests."

Nayeli Tostado

Culture has always played a huge role in the life of Nayeli Tostado, '25 Design Studies.

She was born in Mexico in the small town of San Juan de los Lagos, which is located in the state of Jalisco; and she immigrated with her family to San Francisco at a young age.

"Both my parents are immigrants and had to go through the whole transition of adapting to a new culture. In turn we learned to value both collectivistic and individualistic cultures," says Tostado.

From the moment Tostado decided she wanted to be a graphic designer, she knew that she also wanted to be involved with the community somehow.

"When I saw the application to work as a student success leader at Centro, I knew it was my opportunity to continue forth with that mission," shares Tostado. "I started as an artist. Most of my art was about my culture, and that also translated to my designs."

Tostado feels that working at Centro has really brought her out of her shell.

"I've been very soft spoken and introverted my whole life, but Centro has helped me with my public speaking skills and to be able to project my voice more," says Tostado. "It has taught me the importance of speaking up and solidified the idea that every voice matters."

Tostado feels that it's important to highlight mental health and overall health, especially within the Latinx community.

"Finding solutions looks different for every individual, but something I like to highlight is the importance of giving ourselves some grace, learning to take things day by day," says Tostado. "And there are a lot of resources like the Wellness Center and CAPS as well, along with so many counselors and professors who go out of their way to ensure their students are doing well. So never be afraid to reach out. There's always someone there; and if they can't be there, they can support you in finding the help you need."

Learn more about Centro .

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.