Kenmel Guzman
Miami Dade College
Kenmel grew up in Honduras, surrounded by violence. At the age of 10, he traveled more than 3000 miles through Guatemala and Mexico, by himself, in search of the American Dream and to reunite with his mother. His early years in the US were marked by fear and uncertainty, but he found his voice at MDC. He was elected SGA President of our Wolfson campus. He earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for hundreds of hours of service to the campus and community – including helping lead relief efforts for the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian and helping operate an on-campus food pantry. He has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights, and the rights of undocumented students. He has led important student initiatives such as #BeKind21, a campaign to encourage kindness and human connection in partnership with the Born This Way Foundation. Kenmel hopes to become an immigration rights attorney, and even possibly run for political office. As Kenmel says, his life mission is “to lead others in a life of honesty, kindness, and integrity,” and to “act as a catalyst for positive social change and demand action on social issues that affect others in every corner of the world.”
Personal Statement
I fled my home country at just 10 years old because of violence and poverty. I traveled more than 3000 miles through Guatemala and Mexico, by myself, in search of the American Dream. Growing up in the U.S, I learned about my documentation status, and began to live in fear as a non-US citizen Latino. However, I realized that I could not live in fear anymore. I dedicate myself to social advocacy and making my campus inclusive and collaborative. At MDC I serve as the Student Government Association President, where I lead college-wide initiatives such as BeKind21, a campaign to encourage kindness and connection in partnership with the Born This Way Foundation. I also advocate for the undocumented and for immigration reform, and I’ve earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for my commitment to service. I am also a Point Scholar, a prestigious award for LGBTQ leaders transitioning from community college to four-year universities. I have developed a deeper understanding of the issues facing LGBTQ individuals, and how I can be a better advocate for my immigrant and LGBTQ communities. Now, I have found my voice; and stand ready to advocate and face adversity, inspiring other to do the same.
