Scherina Chi

Scherina Chi is a Biology major with a double minor in Chemistry and Community Action & Social Change (CASC).  Born in Oakland, California, Scherina primarily grew up in the Bay Area and now attends Dominican University of California. Interested in health and the medical sciences, Scherina values her service-learning experience that allowed her to build human connections with her community members.

What inspired/motivated you to become a CASC Minor?

I came into Dominican as a CASC minor because of the Reimagining Citizenship Program. As a young student fresh out of high school, there were a lot of things I didn’t know about. I knew that racism and poverty existed, but never explored any further. I wanted to make the effort to become a more informed person, and hopefully an advocate for both myself and for others.

If you were a policy maker what is a change or policy you would make?

It’s not exactly a policy, but I do hope that higher education will become accessible for all. For this to happen, we must start building at the foundational level and work our way up, much like the grassroots organizations we see in our communities. Quality education should be available to all students, but also quality education should be made accessible to all students. There needs to be understanding between educators and their students which is why cultural competency is so important. 

How do you want to put the skills you learn at Dominican University to use after college?

In the future, I plan to attend graduate school. I am still on the fence of either pursuing my Masters, PhD, or MD. The interactions with and the compassion that I’ve experienced from the community at my community partners have taught me a lot. It has also shaped the kind of person that I want to be and what kind of career that might be suitable for me. I’m thinking of taking my knowledge from Dominican into being either an educator or a physician.

What has been an important class in the major for you so far and why?

My favorite courses that I have taken for my CASC minor have definitely been my service-learning electives. I was able to tie in religion, ethics, and art to my experience with my community partner. This is something unique to service-learning that I very much enjoy. Through these courses, I have learned a lot about myself and where my positionality and identity lies.

What personal experiences set you apart?

Like many others, I am a first-generation college student. I grew up as the eldest in a single-parent household. I struggled with balancing schoolwork, housework, and taking care of my younger siblings. Though we are affected by different systemic issues, I often empathize with my community members because I share some similar experiences.

Describe an impactful moment from working with your community partner.

At Health Hubs, there are always this group of Vietnamese elders who come really early. During the week of Halloween, my supervisor asked me to help with some of the decorations and festivities. While I was struggling with putting up some of the decorations, one of the older ladies started helping me. I learned that she spoke Cantonese as well, which was my mother tongue. Though I may not be fluent anymore, I still felt a bit of familiarity and warmth when she volunteered to help me. She didn’t need to, but she did, and it showed me how interconnected this community is.