Finding her people
“As a first-generation student, the prospect of going to college was nerve-wracking – especially a big school. I worried I would never find my people,” said senior Rachell Pena. “But once I entered the O’Neill School, I found a close-knit group I could relate to.”
Before her freshman year, Pena came to campus early through the Groups Scholars Program. There, she met a few friends who ended up enrolling in her same introductory classes. She was glad to see them again. And again. And again.
“The O’Neill School is a relatively small community within the larger context of IU. You start to see recurring faces in your classes — even if you’re not in the same major. I’ve been able to develop some really deep relationships because we share so much commonality,” said Pena.
She also appreciates the things that she and her O’Neill peers don’t share. “It’s a diverse group of people — not only in terms of background, but also in the types of majors that people are pursuing. Despite our differences, we all share the same aspiration of ‘leading for the greater good.’ O’Neill has a very caring vibe.”
Finding her major
Pena chose to major in Law and Public Policy because she wanted to learn how the nonprofit sector, the government, and laws work together to build people up.
“The more I learn about my Latin heritage and reflect on my life experiences and background, the more I want to shift public policy in a way that helps to build equitable communities,” said Pena.
Pena was drawn to the O’Neill School’s hands-on emphasis on experience. “I wanted to learn tangible skills so that wherever I go, I will have the tools I need to help people in terms of resource allocation and community development.”
In one of Pena’s favorite classes, she and her peers partnered with a local nonprofit to do some hands-on research on affordable housing. After assessing housing needs in Bloomington, they developed a set of recommendations for how the organization could better serve low income households.
“Ultimately, I’m passionate about using research to help facilitate and inform equitable policies and address systemic issue affecting marginalized communities.”
Finding her purpose
At the end of her sophomore year, Pena needed to complete an internship. She joined the Indiana Leadership Program (ILP), a professional development program that connects students to local public and nonprofit organizations. Through ILP, she interned with the City of Bloomington’s Community and Family Resources Department. One of her notable projects involved doing media promotion and putting together an online newsletter for the city’s annual MLK Birthday celebration.
She also conducted accessibility inspections in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines at local restaurants and retail establishments to promote access to places of public accommodation, housing, programs, and services.
“It was good hands-on, local-level advocacy and community outreach. I got to engage with stakeholders doing work on behalf of the people of Bloomington,” said Pena. “I believe that change often happens at the local level and trickles up, so it was awesome to get that experience.”
Finding her path
After graduation, Pena plans to work with the IU Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy before pursuing a joint MPA-JD program.
“I came in not really sure where I was going to go with my interests, but through O’Neill, I had the ability to curate my degree path in a way that aligns with my own core values.”
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