OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Interview by Carmen Wilson, University Housing & Dining Services marketing intern
Ever wondered exactly what a Diversity Learning Assistant (DLA) does? The DLA student staff position is part of Residential Education, offered through University Housing & Dining Services. We are here today with one DLA in particular: Viv Cai (gender pronouns: they/them/theirs). They will detail their experience being a member of the DLA team.
A DLA is a Diversity Learning Assistant. We are live-in student staff who are resources for students for social justice. We host workshops throughout the year and are available for interpersonal dialogue with residents throughout the residence halls.
It changes from day-to-day. We are responsible for the planning and execution of programs centered around multicultural education.
Along with workshops and interpersonal dialogue, large-scale programs are where we put a lot of our energy. These may require us to plan for the entire term. Collaborations are important to us. We have workshops we co-facilitate with other DLAs outside of our separate workshops.
We also collaborate with outside partners such as Residence Hall Association (RHA) and the Cultural Resource Centers (CRCs) around campus. Leading up to this event, the day-to-day activities could include: gathering supplies for event, talking with panelists and coordinators, booking the location. On the day of the event, I will be the MC. I will talk to panelists and ensure things run smoothly.
We also have desk duty from 8 PM to midnight with Resident Assistants (RAs). This is to build a greater presence around the residence hall so that residents know we are around. We want them to feel comfortable approaching us.
During my first year on campus, I was getting used to the idea of social justice and what being a “social justice warrior” meant. After attending a DLA workshop, I was hooked. I became a DLA because I wanted to address the lack of understanding of social justice for first-year students. I strive to help these students understand their place in social justice, build communities, and ultimately help them thrive.
Identities are the different parts that make up the masterpiece called you. I am a queer, trans, person of color immigrant. These things are not separate from each other. Each identity influences the other and my overall experiences. This is where the term ‘intersectionality’ comes from. These identities affect how I see privilege and oppression on OSU’s campus and in the U.S.
I strive to step up and be the voice for those who may not have the privilege to do social justice work. I want to bridge the gap between those who can and those who can’t.
Become involved in your community. Understand what residents need and help them find the resources they need. Many residents picked their residence hall to be in community with others like them. Helping them find those connections helps them and yourself succeed.
Existence is resistance. Your presence within a community is activism itself.