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Immigration Is Beautiful: A Conversation with TEDxCU Speaker Rodrigo Salgado Vallarino

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:05:31 +0000

Immigration Is Beautiful: A Conversation with TEDxCU Speaker Rodrigo Salgado Vallarino Spijkerman, Br… Thu, 04/17/2025 - 13:05

When Rodrigo Salgado Vallarino (IAFS & ECON '27) stepped onto the TEDxCU stage, he wasn’t just delivering a speech—he was sharing a story that needed to be heard. As a first-generation college student and immigrant, Rodrigo used the 2025 Student Voices Competition and the TEDXCU event as a platform to speak on the beauty of immigration and the urgency of understanding in today’s world.

In this interview, Rodrigo reflects on the journey that led him to TEDxCU, the inspiration behind his message, and how storytelling can foster connection, courage, and change.

What inspired you to apply for the 2025 Student Voices Competition, and what was the process as a TEDxCU speaker like?

There were several different aspects that inspired me to apply for the 2025 Student Voices Competition. My girlfriend encouraged me to apply initially because she knows about my passion for public speaking and that is how I was initially introduced to this opportunity. After this, I was inspired to apply for the 2025 Student Voices Competition because of the political climate in the United States. At that point in time, the 2024 election was coming up and there was a sense of stress and urgency over many issues, immigration being one of them. Knowing the importance of immigration and how it was being portrayed in the media, I thought it was important to share my story and my perspective on immigration.

The process as a TEDxCU speaker was incredible from the very beginning. After applying for the 2025 Student Voices Competition and being accepted as one of the 10 contestants, I started the process of drafting my original speech. The Student Voices Competition was an event where the 10 undergraduate students competed against each other with their respective speeches for a spot on the official TEDx Event later in the year. I drafted my original speech, presented it at the competition, and won the Student Voices Competition. After being selected as one of the nine official speakers, I worked closely with my coach, the winner of the 2024 Student Voices Competition, to update my speech, polish my message, and overall get ready for the event. Throughout my preparation, I had the opportunity to attend special events with the other speakers where we shared ideas and our speeches to give feedback. Finally, the TEDxCU team organized the entire event, and I gave my TED Talk on April 5th.

What was your favorite moment during TEDxCU?

It is really hard to pick one specific moment from this life-changing experience. I had some incredible moments with my coach, and now friend, Kate Nam. She is a student at CU at the Leeds School of Business. We would meet multiple times throughout the months leading up to the event practicing the speech, brainstorming, talking about international affairs, and developing a friendship. My coach taught me the importance of sharing my story with others and the power my voice can have on someone else’s mind. She also taught me the importance of taking a step back, taking a break, and giving myself some grace for speaking on such a heavy and important topic.

I have two favorite moments. First, the moment I finished my final script, I went over it with Kate. I could see my effort, tears, and sweat in a 9-page manuscript. It has taken me months to complete this manuscript and to develop the idea embedded in all of those words. Looking at the manuscript and knowing I had the opportunity to share it with the world was one of my favorite moments. My second favorite moment was at the stage of the event. Standing in front of a little over one thousand people, and sharing my story, gave me a new perspective on the importance of sharing our stories with others. I also really enjoyed a moment when I asked for some audience engagement, and the audience engaged with my speech.

Can you share a bit about your own journey with immigration and how it has shaped your perspective?

My journey with immigration and being a first-generation college student have shaped my perspective in many more ways than I can count. It has taught me many valuable lessons that I carry with me and apply on a daily basis.

Being an immigrant at a higher education institution such as CU Boulder has definitely changed my perspective on how I approach certain topics, lessons, and global events. As someone who has lived in two very distinct countries, I usually pay attention to the other side of the coin that is often left out. It has given me a wider perspective on the world and has made me realize that the real world is way more complicated than a textbook makes it seem. As an immigrant, I have also developed the ability to be open to new experiences, cultures, and points of view. The ability to understand and accept has an immense amount of power that often leads to innovation and development.

What is something discussed in your talk you wish everyone at CU could hear?

Something I discussed in my talk I wish everyone in CU, the country, and the world could hear is that immigration is beautiful. This message is really rare in the world today; however, I believe it is of extreme importance. Immigration has been the building block of societies across the entire world. Throughout my speech, I explained how immigration has shaped this country and the entire world. But I would encourage all students to stop making assumptions about immigrants and instead be open to all the incredible perspectives they bring along. Immigration is beautiful and I would encourage everyone to stop listening to the negative message the media is sharing and instead be open to new ideas and perspectives that immigrants bring with them.

How do you think universities and communities can better support immigrants and help them feel a sense of belonging?

Universities and communities can better support immigrants by having open conversations on the impact of diversity. Many colleges highlight the importance of diversity but don’t highlight the impact of diversity as much. Immigrants have visible and real impacts anywhere they are standing. More conversations and openness can better support immigrants and help them feel a sense of belonging. Another way in which universities and communities can support immigrants is by providing them with tools and resources to adapt and engage in a foreign country to their own. Adapting to a new country and being in a completely different environment can be challenging and frustrating at times. Having a university that provides us with resources to make this transition easier creates a sense of community and connection, which helps us be comfortable and develop successfully in this new environment. Also, it is important to create and promote a club or organization of immigrants to have an open discussion on anything and everything, current events, resources and tools, events, student life, community building, etc. I have been working with some other students on establishing a group like this on campus to create an even stronger community within CU.

What’s next for you? Do you plan to continue sharing your message in other ways?

What is next for me? I am a first-year student at CU looking to graduate with my bachelor's degree in Economics and International Affairs in May of 2027.

Once done, I will pursue graduate school and maybe law school in the future. I do not know where I will attend graduate school or law school yet. I do plan to continue sharing my message in other ways. I know I want to continue sharing this incredible message with the world. This might take the form of a club inside of CU, or joining an NGO or organization dedicated to protecting and promoting immigration.

If you could give one piece of advice to other students who want to share their stories, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice it would be to be yourself and don’t be afraid to showcase that to the rest of the world. Each one of us is a unique individual with many perspectives, ideas, and viewpoints that are valuable and shape who we are. To share your story effectively, you first have to accept yourself and be yourself. It can be hard to share this self with others , but it is liberating and impactful to be yourself. You don’t need to be on stage, write an article, or write a book. You can share your stories by being yourself, and by having the courage to tell them to others.

Thank you, Rodrigo, for sharing your story. We are incredibly proud to have you as a part of the IAFS community!

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IAFS Club Meeting - 4/15/25 @ 6:30pm

Eileen Brown — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 21:08:18 +0000

IAFS Club Meeting - 4/15/25 @ 6:30pm Eileen Brown Thu, 04/10/2025 - 15:08

Join the IAFS Club for their next meeting on Monday, April 15 at 6:30pm in Club 4! They will be chatting about highlights from this year’s Conference on World Affairs (CWA) sessions - come share your takeaways or just listen in. Free pizza and drinks will be provided, and you don’t need to have attended CWA to join - all are welcome!

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Politics & Pizza - Monday April 7 @ 5:45pm

Eileen Brown — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 21:40:42 +0000

Politics & Pizza - Monday April 7 @ 5:45pm Eileen Brown Fri, 04/04/2025 - 15:40

[A&S Magazine Article] Join us on April 7 from 5:30–6:45 p.m. in HALE 230 for a timely convo on U.S. foreign relations in the Trump era — from tariffs to migration and everything in between. Hear from CU experts on how Trump administration policies have shaped regions across the globe.

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Check out the Conference on World Affairs - IAFS Related Talks!

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:50:53 +0000

Check out the Conference on World Affairs - IAFS Related Talks! Spijkerman, Br… Thu, 04/03/2025 - 12:50

The Conference on World Affairs will be from Monday, April 7th through Thursday, April 10th. This year's CWA week will be livestreamed (apart from the Opening Keynote on April 7th) and all sessions will be available on the CWA website. Register today!

Here are a few CWA talks that we thought would be particularly interesting for our IAFS Community! Visit the CWA website for the full schedule as well as locations!

Shadow Forces: The Impact of Terror, Violence, and Non-State Actors in the Global System - April 8th 10:30-11:40 am
Improving the World through Innovation, Investment, and Entrepreneurship - April 8th 2-3:10 pm
- How entrepreneurship, innovation and investment drive sustainable growth, create opportunities and reduce inequality in developing countries.
Cyber Battlegrounds - April 8th 3:30-4:40 pm
- Cyber espionage, cyber security and their impact on economies, governments and international affairs.
America First or America Alone? A Look at Isolationism - April 8th 3:30-4:40 pm
- A discussion on what an isolationist approach to foreign policy means for geopolitics, international relations and global security.
Social Movements and Changing the World - April 9th 9-10:10 am
- A discussion on how activism, social movements and organizing can be used to create change in the world.
The Pendulum of Global Power Dynamics - April 9th 10:30-11:40 am
- What determines a state's strength, how do world leaders negotiate power and has the era of U.S. hegemony come to an end?
Office Hours with International Affairs Experts - April 9th 12-1:10pm
- CU Boulder Students Only. CWA panelists and students are invited for an information conversation on topics in the fields of International Affairs.
The Tiff 91��Ѽ Tariffs: How Trade Tensions Affect You - April 9th 2-3pm
- Learn how tariffs, trade tensions and supply chain restructuring could affect everything from smartphone prices to grocery bills.
After the War: Post-Conflict Development and Building for the Future - April 10th 2-3:10pm
- What are the steps to end cycles of violence, poverty and war? Why is post-war rebuilding important and how does it affect geopolitics as a whole?

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Tasting Chile and Tackling Volcanoes: The Ultimate Study Abroad Adventure!

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:39:11 +0000

Tasting Chile and Tackling Volcanoes: The Ultimate Study Abroad Adventure! Spijkerman, Br… Thu, 04/03/2025 - 12:39

Margo Church, currently a Junior and International Affairs Major, is studying abroad in Chile through the ISA Chile: Valparaiso Spanish Language & Latin American Studies program for the Spring 2025 Semester. Read about Margo’s incredible experiences and adventures in Chile below!

Life with my host mom has been going smoothly, and she has been showing me many different Chilean cuisines, like Cazuela, sopapillas, and various kinds of soups. A few days ago, a Chilean student moved in with us as well, so I'm curious to see how that will go! 

My ISA program has taken us on multiple field trips to learn about other sections of Chile! A few weekends ago, we traveled to Pucón, a town in the lake region of Chile, home to the Villarica Volcano. On the first day, we went to a Ruka, a traditional Mapuche house, to learn about Mapuche culture and ways of modern and past ways of living. We tried different types of bread that were freshly made in the fire that sits in the center of the Ruka. We learned how strong the Mapuche connection with the earth is and how they practice sustainability. On the second day, a few of us checked out Huerquehue National Park and learned about the different flora and fauna. On our final day, we all trekked up to the top of the volcano, where we got to see a panoramic view of the lake region. It was one of the hardest hikes I have ever done. 

Another field trip we've done was to some of the northern beaches in the Valparaíso region. We started at Horcón, a fishing village with a lot of small local artisans and restaurants. They have a tradition of using horses to pull in fishing boats. After Horcón, we went north to Zapallar. This beach was very secluded and clean. It was surrounded by houses owned by the wealthiest of Chileans, as well as high-end restaurants. It was super interesting to see the economic disparities on the short drive from Horcón to Zapallar. 

Semester classes have started at the university, and it's a big change from the early block I took in February. Instead of 10 international students in the entire school, there are now around 100 total international students, as well as all the Chilean students back from summer break. It has been tougher to make Chilean friends than I would've expected. However, I am taking every opportunity I can to interact. For example, we had a language exchange where exchange students and local students could all come together and practice each other's languages and form connections. 

I am very interested in my courses as well. They consist of globalization, colonization and decolonization, and dances of Latin America. All my classes are taught in Spanish, which is giving me good speaking and comprehension practice. My favorite class is the dance class. We learn different dances from all around Chile and while we are learning them, the professors give us the history and cultural significance behind the moves and the music. 

Thanks Margo for keeping us updated on your adventures in Chile!

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Listen to Actress and Activist Diane Guerrero! - 4/10

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:33:40 +0000

Listen to Actress and Activist Diane Guerrero! - 4/10 Spijkerman, Br… Thu, 04/03/2025 - 11:33

[CU Boulder Today Article] The Cultural Events Board is excited to welcome actress, advocate and author, Diane Guerrero to campus on Thursday, April 10 at 7pm in the Glenn Miller Ballroom! Tickets are currently on sale for students, staff/faculty, and community members. Guerrero will speak at CU Boulder this spring, sharing her personal journey as the daughter of undocumented immigrants who were deported when she was just 14 years old.

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Apply for Studio Lab - Deadline 4/4

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 21:17:09 +0000

Apply for Studio Lab - Deadline 4/4 Spijkerman, Br… Mon, 03/17/2025 - 15:17

[Studio Lab Website] Studio Lab provides top-notch, experiential learning for undergraduate students at CU. Students are matched with projects from across the College of Arts & Sciences, and work on these projects for about 5 hours a week. Studio Lab students receive an honorarium. Apply today to work on exciting projects in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

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Queer Chimerica: Speculation and the Futur(h)istory of Homopostsocialism - 4/2

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 21:12:04 +0000

Queer Chimerica: Speculation and the Futur(h)istory of Homopostsocialism - 4/2 Spijkerman, Br… Mon, 03/17/2025 - 15:12

Wednesday April 2nd, 2025

4:00 - 5:30pm

Gates Woodruff Cottage

What’s the relationship between the discourse of queer fluidity and the rise of China since the 1990s? In what ways are queer history and futurity shaped by shifts in global postsocialist conditions? What stories are amplified or sidelined through the performativity and theatricality of queer politics? And what does it mean to write queerness as critical fabulations?

Blending archival work, ethnography, and cultural analysis with memoir, graphic arts, and science fiction,

Dr. Shana Ye’s Queer Chimerica: A Speculative Auto/Ethnography unpacks the ways in which the transnational circulation of queer culture, politics, and institutions are structured through the antagonist interdependence of China and the US.

Dr. Shana Ye is an Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto. Her research areas include transnational feminism, queer theory, post/socialist studies, affect studies, and Sinophone science and technology studies.

This event is wheelchair accessible and will have ASL Interpretation. Please contact WGST@Colorado.EDU for specific accommodation requests.

Co-sponsored by the LGBTQ Studies Program, the Departments of Women and Gender Studies, English, History, the Center for Arts and Humanities, and the Pride Office.

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Apply for the Civic Embers Pilot Program - Deadline 3/28

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 21:02:05 +0000

Apply for the Civic Embers Pilot Program - Deadline 3/28 Spijkerman, Br… Mon, 03/17/2025 - 15:02

Read more about the Civic Embers Pilot Program:

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Civic Embers Pilot Program, an exciting initiative designed to empower young leaders in both Ukraine and the United States. Developed by leading researchers from top U.S. and Ukrainian institutions, this program offers a transformative experience for students passionate about making a difference in their communities.

Why Join? Civic engagement has never been more important, and this program gives you the skills and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges. Whether you're passionate about making a difference in your school, addressing environmental issues, or standing up for your community, the Civic Embers Pilot Program equips you with the tools to create lasting change. Plus, studies show that young people who get involved in civic activities early are more likely to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Virtual Exchanges: One of the most exciting parts of the Civic Embers Pilot Program is the opportunity for virtual exchanges between students in Ukraine and the U.S. You'll work together on projects, share ideas, and learn from each other's experiences. It’s a unique chance to broaden your perspective and understand how different communities tackle similar challenges.

Who Should Apply? This program is perfect for high school and college students who are eager to make a difference in their communities. If you’re passionate about leadership, community service, or civic engagement, this is your chance to shine. Selected participants will gain valuable experience that can enhance college applications and future career opportunities. Don’t miss out on being part of something truly impactful!

What Do I Have to Do? What is the Time Commitment? We are anticipating your participation in 2 virtual sessions with Ukrainian high school students in April 2025. The exact time and dates are still to be determined. Each session would last 1-1.5 hours. You may choose to participate in 1 or both sessions. You may choose to participate (or not) in the online Canvas curriculum about civic engagement that is part of the Civic Embers program.

Questions? Email Prof. Sarah Wilson Sokhey (sarah.sokhey@colorado.edu).

Sign-up here to express interest in participating no later than Friday, March 28, 2025.

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Join the Social Equity Committee!

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:52:54 +0000

Join the Social Equity Committee! Spijkerman, Br… Mon, 03/17/2025 - 14:52

CUSG is starting a new committee entitled the Social Equity Committee. This committee is responsible for analyzing, evaluating, presenting, and collaborating on social equity issues and topics at CU Boulder. This committee would meet once a week and discuss ways in which the CU community, as well as Boulder as a whole can improve its efforts in all aspects surrounding social equity.

Topics can include but not limited to:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Marginalized group issues
Advocacy to stakeholders
Protecting vulnerable groups on campus
Retention practices for minority/low income students

If you are interested, email cusg.attorneygeneral@colorado.edu and cc the Chief of Staff (cusg.chiefofstaff@colorado.edu) with the application filled out, along with any supporting documents such as your resume.

Note this position is unpaid and will be starting at the end of the spring semester and carrying over into the fall

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