Silvia Gramajo Mazariego

Silvia Gramajo Mazariegos  is a sophomore who is double majoring in Psychology and Social Justice with a minor in Spanish at Dominican University of California. Born and raised in San Rafael, California. She is a proud daughter of Guatemalan immigrants who is fluent in Spanish and English.

What inspired/motivated you to become a major in Social Justice?

What inspired me to become a SJ Major is the drive to help others. Growing up a Latina in the canal community I understand the struggles that minorities go through in many aspects such as economically and emotionally. I understand the fear that goes through the Latinx community when they see police officers and the amount of discrimination, they go through without realizing it at times. I want to use the struggles that I have encountered in my life to help my community and many others. I strongly believe that my SJ Major will help me throughout my dream job which is to become a Police officer and later on become a Detective.

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

If I were to make a policy, I would start with our justice system. The reason being that our justice system oppresses the black and brown. What we need to do is reconstruct it. What we need to do is create a program that allows them to reconstruct their life. Such as rehab facilities and other programs that would teach them life skills to help them improve their lifestyle. We need to stop dehumanizing people that are in the system.

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

I want to put to use the skills that I learn at Dominican University in my career in law enforcement. I know that the skills that I acquire will help me not only carry out justice but will help me do it in a way that I will not dehumanize individuals which sadly is what we see a lot of today. 

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

An Important class for my major is Community-Engaged Research Methods because that class has taught me so much about how to use my critical thinking and critical listing skills on such a deeper level, not even within myself but within the community. It has also taught me ways to integrate myself into the community without invading their traditions and culture.

What personal experiences set you apart?

I would say that the personal experiences that set me apart are the ones that live on a daily. Growing up a Latina in the canal community I’m able to understand the people I work with on a deeper level. I might not understand all their struggles, but I can help them locate the resources they need or just be a listener when they need one.

Describe an impactful moment from working with your community partner.

An impactful moment from working with my community partner is every day. Every time I’m done working with my community partner for the day I just sit in my chair and just wonder how my life would have been if my mother had these resources. It brings me to tears because it reminds me of all the struggles that my mom faced to even be able to put food on the table for me. I see how hard these parents are trying to better themselves not just for themselves but for their children. It goes to show how much strength the Latinx community has when it comes down to fighting for their family to have a better tomorrow or as we like to say in the Latinx community “El sueño americano” which means the American dream.