ºù«Ӱҵ

When I received my acceptance letter to MSI, Occidental’s Multicultural Summer Institute, I was worried. I was worried about leaving Philadelphia earlier than I’d imagined and not being able to enjoy my last summer at home before college. But I was also excited about experiencing college and L.A. before the school year began. I was hesitant about accepting—considering I didn't know anyone who was doing the program—but deep down I knew that I wanted to take part in the opportunity.

Looking back, MSI was foundational for me as I made the transition from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, from home to college.

MSI gives incoming first-year students a preview of life at Occidental before the first semester begins. Our cohort lived together for four weeks, taking a full four-unit class (for college credit) and exploring L.A. Class ran Monday through Friday in the mornings; once a week, we took trips to locations connected to what we were learning about. One of the trips was to the Japanese American National Museum where we connected our class discussions about Japanese internment camps and prejudice Asian people faced to the art and photographs in the museum. There were also field trips that introduced us to L.A., like going to the beach for surfing lessons and our trip to a black-centered festival with vendors and performers. Additionally, we had sessions to reflect on social justice and how our identities inform our lives. 

The focus of the course was immigrant communities in California (specifically, in Los Angeles). The summer was filled with interesting lectures from a rotating group of three professors who each had a focus or specialty in the unit. My favorite part was when we looked at East L.A. We talked about the East L.A. walkouts and the forceful removal of the people who lived in the Chavez Ravine in order to make space for Dodger Stadium. We even talked about Highland Park—the neighborhood adjacent to Occidental's campus—and the role the College and new businesses played in its gentrification. Exploring L.A. through MSI was special to me because as we were shown big tourist attractions like Dockweiler Beach and Dodger Stadium, we also got to visit culturally significant locations such as Olvera Street and Little Tokyo. Learning about L.A. and exploring it at the same time gave me a deep appreciation for its history and communities. 

The program—a once in a lifetime experience—had practical benefits too. I earned an early four academic credits, became acquainted with L.A., and learned more about myself and my own identity in the context of the city’s history. I met some of the most important people in my life, including some of my best friends, and continue to stay in touch with my cohort and the faculty and staff. Because of MSI, I felt prepared to start at ºù«Ӱҵ and the whole new phase of life that college is, especially as a student coming from far away. MSI meant so much to me that I returned and served as an R.A. for the program this past summer, an even better experience because I was able to help (re)create a memorable program for new students.  

Looking back, MSI was foundational for me as I made the transition from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, from home to college. It was a cumulative experience covering academics, college life, important discussions about our identities, and an introduction to life in L.A. The program brought me close to new peers (including my roommate!), and some of my biggest supporters—the staff and faculty who taught and mentored us. MSI has had a lasting impact on my life: I can do nothing but recommend it to new students. 

Top image: Yemale is second from right. Images courtesy of Yemale Febres '27.