Diego Mesa is a first-generation transfer student from Los Angeles City College. At the age of twelve Diego moved from Bogotá, Colombia, to the state of Maryland where they spent their years until graduating high school. Afterward, they attended the University of The Arts in Philadelphia majoring in dance but left school after the first year due to personal concerns. Moving to Los Angeles was a career choice for Diego as much as it was a move to explore new beginnings. Nevertheless, after four years of being in the workforce, they felt education was their true calling. Although it felt incredibly intimidating to return, the Los Angeles Community College District was replete with resources, support, and community, which has helped Diego succeed in their academic endeavors. Today, Diego is researching intimate queer relationships amongst men with hopes of understanding the performances that arise within the subjects involved, and how minoritarian identity intersects with the outcomes. In the future, Diego hopes to use feminist epistemologies to research sustainability practices and hopes to collaborate in active efforts to resolve some of today’s issues concerning global warming. Diego feels incredibly grateful and blessed to be a part of the Mellon Fellowship, and has the utmost respect for everyone who has supported their journey thus far.