“We’ve Always Been Here: History of LGBTQ+ at Swarthmore” Project by Christopher Chen
In its fourth year, this project (part of the Inclusive Excellence Fellows Initiative) is focusing on the histories of student affinity groups and organizations at Swarthmore College such as the Swarthmore Queer Union and COLORS.
Welcome & About Me
Learn more about me (Chris!), the Inclusive Excellence Fellow working on this project for this year.
About Me
My name is Chris (he/him)! I’m a current sophomore at Swarthmore College double-majoring in Economics and Asian American Literature, and I’m from New York City.
In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, spending time with friends, and exploring new genres of fiction and literature! I love uplifting and helping increase representation for marginalized communities in any way possible, which is partly why I’m so passionate about this project and hope to make real substantial change with its implementation.
Why This Project
I believe that integrating DE&I into all aspects of education and life is valuable, because having diverse identities represented everywhere is important towards ensuring that people can learn and grow. In particular, I hope that by documenting and showcasing underrepresented aspects of queer history at Swarthmore, more students and even prospective community members will achieve a better understanding of what different identities at this institution historically have and do currently look like.
My Personal Philosophy
My personal philosophy revolves around the simple belief that life is an ongoing adventure, where each experience we encounter plays a crucial role in shaping who we are and where we’re headed. I see life as a journey filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Every moment, whether it’s a small victory or a significant challenge, contributes to the story we’re crafting for ourselves. Life should be exciting and fun, and I try every day to make it that way!
Experiences & Academics
Below are some of the academic and learning experiences which have significantly shaped the work that I do now.
Student Academic Mentor (SAM)
Working as a Student Academic Mentor, I’ve had the privilege of guiding fellow students through their academic journeys. From providing tailored support to facilitating workshops and hosting events for my residents, I’ve been deeply invested in fostering a culture of academic excellence and student empowerment.
Co-Founder & Vice-President – Swarthmore Literary Association
As the Co-Founder and Vice-President of the Swarthmore Literary Association since May 2023, I’ve been instrumental in cultivating a vibrant literary community on campus. From organizing engaging meetings to hosting renowned authors, our association serves as a hub for celebrating diverse voices and narratives.
President & Executive Board Leader – Swarthmore Southeast Asian Student Association
At the helm of the Swarthmore Southeast Asian Student Association since August 2022, I’ve led initiatives to foster cultural awareness and community engagement. Through innovative outreach campaigns and dynamic events, we’ve created a space where students can celebrate and explore Southeast Asian heritage.
Community Engagement Chair – QuestBridge Scholars Network Chapter
As an Executive Board Member of the QuestBridge Scholars Network Chapter, I’ve been committed to empowering prospective and current QuestBridge scholars. From spearheading mentorship programs to organizing networking events, I’ve championed initiatives to support students on their academic and personal journeys.
Resume/CV
