21 Under 21 Series: Patsy Maldonado Montesinos

Hometown: Mexico

Major: MEJO major, Latino/a studies minor, Creative non-fiction minor

I want to be an inspiration for young girls especially my cousins in Mexico to go after their dreams. I want them to think outside the box and do what they want despite what people may think. It could be so easy for me to be in Mexico with my family but it’s about the bigger picture and what my accomplishments could mean to the girls who will come after me. 

How does your identity - your culture, queerness, citizenship status, etc. - motivate your work?

It’s why I do what I do. The only difference between many of my family members, friends and I, is that I was born in America. Bring a US citizen is a privilege and it allows you to do so much. I want to take advantage of that privilege to create a platform and use it to help others who don’t have that privilege .