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Orgullosamente Soy

100 Words on College

Artist Statement

My name is America Meza, and my artist name is Sher. I was born and raised in East L.A., where I found poetry, my greatest passion, from reading and writing to performing it. I began writing in 2019 as a small curiosity, and in 2023 I decided to share my poetry by performing it. Among my handful of poetry performances in L.A., my favorite one is from my high school poetry showcase because my English teacher encouraged me to take this curiosity to the next level. There I met wonderful people who shared my passion, and they guided me through the process of overcoming my fears and finding my voice. I make poetry because I believe it holds the power to reshape society into one built upon equality, inclusivity, and social justice. I write about anything and everything, and these poetry pieces are some of my first-generation-inspired pieces embodying the admiration and respect I hold for all first-gen students actively working to achieve their dreams. 

What does it mean to be a first-generation college student? 

First-generation college students tend to undergo a multitude of educational and professional barriers for numerous reasons, however, they find supportive people and willpower to push through. I believe first-gen students epitomize the word "determination" because we don't let the struggles overpower the greatness of our dreams and instead go against the odds. I love being a tenacious and goal-bearing dreamer like many first-generation college students at UCSD.