Meet fellow HCND writer Xitlaly Estrada! This rising junior and Bakersfield native is known for her wit, hardwork (seriously, this girl is one dedicated Starbuck barista/ newly minted LaFortune student manager), and penchant for taking some class-A selfies (hence her long reigning title as ND’s selfie queen). A Political Science and Philosophy Double Major with an International Development Studies Minor, Xitlaly demonstrates serious dedication and consideration to social causes and has raised awareness and supported discussions and events focused on race, gender, and poverty (and writes about these topics too!). When she’s not engaging writing pouring over philosophy texts, she can usually (and by usually I mean 99% of the time) be found hanging out in LaFun and showing off her signature sass. Ladies and gentleman, Xitlaly!
Name: Xitlaly Estrada
Dorm: Pasquerilla West Hall
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
Major: Political Science and Philosophy
Extracurricular activities: member of Latino Student Alliance, writer at Her Campus Notre Dame.
 Use three adjectives to describe yourself:
Passionate, humble, blunt
North or South Dinning Hall and why?
Honestly I hate dining hall food. I would vote Cambodian Thai as the winner.
Last song you listened to?
“Propuesta Indecente” by Romeo Santos
Favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie would be Pastorela. I watched it with my whole family and we all could laugh at it. There aren’t many movies that can do that as well as Pastorela did.
Least favorite movie and why?
My least favorite movie would probably be Napoleon Dynamite and I know that so many people love it, but I genuinely think it’s a stupid movie and not a stupid movie that is funny, but that severely lowers IQ points every time you watch it.
Who would you consider your role models?
My parents. They are the most hardworking people ever and they instilled in me the value of education. I have learned to work for everything I have and want, because of them. And they are the most loving parents ever. My parents are just the best.
What would your dream job be?
My dream job would be to be a corporate lawyer with extensive pro bono work. Particularly I hope to work with issues of social justice and exonerating inmates that have been wrongfully convicted.
You’re involved in and care about several social justice causes. What’s one issue you wish people would discuss more on campus?
One issue I wish people would discuss more on campus would be cultural appropriation.
You’ll be interning at NCLR in Los Angeles. Can you tell us a little bit about what you’ll be doing and what you hope to learn from the experience?
This summer while at the National Council of La Raza I hope to work with their immigration advocacy department. Every internship is catered to a students interests so I have yet to specific my current job description, but I’m excited to work with such a wonderful organization. I hope to obtain a more holistic understanding of the Latino community at large instead of an understanding that is framed by solely my own experiences as a first generation Mexican-American.
You’re known (and were even interviewed!) for creating an album of Yik Yaks that highlighted racist, sexist, and generally oppressive attitudes espoused by Notre Dame students. Why did you decide to do this and what do you think we as a university can learn from glimpsing this kind of problematic attitude among students?
I initially did this out of pure frustration, because I saw how so many (hopefully vocal minority) reacted so negatively to all lives matter week and to the death of Mike Brown. I wanted to bring to light the attitudes of students here at this university which hide behind the guise of anonymity. I wanted to remind everyone that are character is who we are when no one is looking and that Yik Yak is a space that allows individuals to show their true character. I was absolutely disgusted that so many people resorted to racial slurs, stereotypes, and threats when confronted with the reality that we don’t live in a post racial society. I started the album to create dialogue to encourage people to take a position instead of simply assuming that matters of race don’t apply to them.Â
What’s the best part about ND?
My friends, hands down most amazing people ever.
What’s the worst part about ND?
So often people here speak for the mere fact that they like the sound of their voice.
Favorite memory you’ve made at Notre Dame?
It’s not one memory, but memories I’ve made here. Reminiscing on how my friendships have flourished here has been my favorite memory.
Can you provide a favorite quote?
“A man can be destroyed but not defeated” -Ernest Hemingway
Thanks Xitlaly!
XOXO, HCND
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All Images Provided by Xitlaly Estrada