Michelle Bello ’18

Name: Michelle Bello ’18

Hometown: New York, N.Y.

Academic focus: politics and Spanish double major

Selected campus involvement: I am the East Coast Chicanx Student Forum representative of MEChA de Mount Holyoke, a student political organization that has supported me since my first year. In my sophomore and junior years I was a member of the Undocumented Immigrant Alliance, and its representative to the Student Government Association.

Proudest accomplishment at Mount Holyoke: Throughout my years at Mount Holyoke College, I've taken actions to bring awareness of the necessity of having diverse resources for students of color. A project I took on in a politics seminar was archiving the history of MEChA de Mount Holyoke, which has had many inspiring women who help mold it to become a space for healing and community. As a first-generation student and woman of color, I am proud to have discovered how to become an advocate for issues I’m passionate about, and of my blossoming confidence.

How a close connection with a faculty member has shaped you: Nieves Romero-Díaz (chair of Spanish, Latina/o and Latin American studies) is an inspiring woman who has been my advisor since sophomore year. She’s encouraged, supported and most importantly, believed in me during some difficult times. She pushed me to grow, which ultimately allowed me to go abroad to Buenos Aires, Argentina. My Mount Holyoke college experience wouldn't be complete without her or Ali Aslam (visiting lecturer of politics), who inspired me to keep pursuing my politics major.

Best takeaway from internship or research experiences: I had the opportunity to work for the Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center in New York City. This project provides legal assistance to underrepresented communities to obtain tenants’ justice, housing rights and equitable neighborhoods. It also provides policy, research and legal support to grassroots organizations. I had the opportunity to work with attorneys who speak to tenants about their rights and help them secure adequate housing conditions. Through this experience, I found myself increasingly concerned with the political and cultural factors that affect the livelihoods of low-income communities because of gentrification and inadequate housing.

Favorite Five College experience: Indigenous World Politics at Amherst College was eye-opening about the idea of sovereignty, modern societies and politics. Given that indigenous peoples are one of the most marginalized communities, it’s important to reflect on the impact of colonization and modern societies have caused to the land. This seminar has taught me to reflect on land use, indigenous injustices and allyship, the idea of expressing solidarity with an oppressed group.

How Mount Holyoke has shaped your global outlook: Thanks to a Laurel Fellowship, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Being abroad in a Latin American country allowed me to study international relations through a different lens.

Future plans: I am applying to several future opportunities in legal, community and grassroots organizations. My strategy is to work for two to three years and gain experience so I can narrow down which area of law I wish to practice when I apply to law school.