Hello, y’all! My name is Sulay Sierra-Leon, and I am a sophomore double-majoring in Global Communication with Spanish Track and Business Administration with International Business emphasis with a minor in Dance. I am from a small town

Sulay as a Resident Advisor for first-year students (2025-2026)

called Olathe, Kansas. The idea of leaving Kansas and moving to California for college was daunting—especially since Kansas was all I’d ever known. But when I visited Chapman, those fears faded. From the moment I stepped on campus, it was clear that the students, faculty, and organizations were all committed to helping us grow personally and professionally.  

This sense of community has been incredibly comforting; as a sophomore, I now feel both comfortable and at home, which further reflects the open and welcoming environment Chapman University develops amongst the campus community. Even though I’m far from home, I know I can rely on seeing familiar faces in classes, at events, or around the beautiful town of Orange. Living in California has been amazing. I have developed a stronger love for the beach because it is just 20 minutes away, and the student events and involvement opportunities add so much to my experience here, as they allow me to truly do what I love–connect with people.

With that said, I currently serve as a Resident Advisor for First-year students in Glass Hall, School of Communication Peer Advisors, a member of the Latinx Club, a committee member of UPB, and lastly, I hold an on-campus job as an office assistant for Residence Life and First-Year Experience. These involvements are a few opportunities where I have been able to connect with people and connect others with each other.

Picture of Sulay

One of the things that stood out to me about Chapman was its dedicated School of Communication. Many universities overlook this field, but it has a special place here. Coming from a bilingual household, I’ve seen firsthand how vital communication is in bridging cultures, connecting people, and fostering community understanding. Growing up, I had to learn how to navigate two cultural worlds, which sparked my fascination with the “superpower” of communication. Chapman’s diverse program allows me to explore and discover the path that truly fits me and pursue my different interests at the same time. I was especially drawn to the Global Communication and World Languages Program that is unique to Chapman because it opened the opportunity for me to continue weaving and further develop my superpower of bilingual communication into my career and study the interactions of human beings from an international perspective.

I applied for the Student Advisory Board because I want to positively impact my peers, whether through significant initiatives or small acts that resonate. The insights of others have enriched my journey; therefore, I hope to do the same by helping the futures of fellow students. The advisory board’s community of dedicated, forward-thinking individuals inspires me, and I’m thrilled to be surrounded by peers passionate about growth and innovation. I feel that this environment will help me grow personally and professionally while simultaneously contributing to Chapman’s ongoing success.

Please feel free to reach out—I love meeting and interacting with other students! You can reach me at sierraleon@chapman.edu.

Best,  

Sulay Sierra-Leon