Hello yall! My name is Sulay Sierra-Leon, and I’m a freshman from Olathe, Kansas. I’m majoring in Communication Studies with plans to minor in Business Administration and Dance. Growing up in a small suburb, I often felt surrounded by limitations and barriers. 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. The close-knit and uplifting environment at Chapman immediately made me feel at home. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt genuine support from students, faculty, and organizations, all committed to helping us grow personally and professionally.  

This sense of community has been incredibly comforting. 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. There’s always someone to reach out to, which makes me feel supported and connected even in new surroundings. Living in California has been amazing—I’m just 20 minutes from the beach, and the student events and involvement opportunities add so much to my experience here.

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 broad and diverse program allows me to explore and discover the path that truly fits me. I’m also confident that, through Chapman’s connections and the performing arts community, I can continue to pursue my other passion, Dance.

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