Itzell Amaya: ‘I felt more aware of my identity and how I was perceived.’
Itzell Amaya, 21, is an advertising and public relations major at the University of Minnesota –Twin Cities.
“I was born in Glencoe, Minnesota, and grew up attending a small school in Lester Prairie. My father immigrated from Mexico to build a better life for our family. As a Latino student in a rural high school, I often felt like an outsider. I did my best to form relationships with other students, but at times, I could sense racial tension as one of the few Latino students in my school.
“I was super excited to leave my small rural town and attend the University of Minnesota. As a first-generation college student, this was a huge accomplishment for both me and my family. I looked forward to meeting new people on campus and throughout the Twin Cities. My start in college was challenging when it came to finding friends, but by my senior year, I had truly flourished and found my community. The best part about campus is that there is always a new day and a new opportunity to meet someone great.
“My experience during Operation Metro Surge was uncomfortable at times. The increased presence of law enforcement created a sense of tension in everyday spaces. As a Latina student, there were moments where I felt more aware of my identity and how I was perceived.
“At the same time, I was very involved in the protests and took a lot of pride in being part of them, even in harsh weather conditions. I showed up no matter what because it was important to me, and I’ve always been passionate about standing up for my community and speaking out on issues that matter.
“I do think Operation Metro Surge reshaped the Twin Cities community I’ve come to know. It changed the energy in certain spaces and made things feel more divided at times. The Twin Cities is known for its diversity, and while that is still true, there were moments where that diversity didn’t feel as celebrated as it should be. At the same time, the protests showed how much people here care about one another and are willing to come together, even during difficult moments.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Interview by Dylan Petersen
