Student shares “love-speech” to combat recent hate speech incidents

Dear Editor, 

I know it must be hard for everyone to be united when our beautiful campus was attacked with hate speech. However, maybe I can tell you a story that will show you how much Elmhurst College truly means to me. 

Imagine a young Latino boy who is on the autism spectrum being alone at the playground. For years and years, true friends were hard to find, and the friends he did have went to different schools. People bullied him relentlessly. That is, until he was admitted into EC.

Imagine the young adult crying at the table of the first day of orientation. Then, he is approached by a group of newly-formed friends and finally is included. He feels loved and feels part of a community.  

That boy was me, Jorge J. Davila. 

I made so many new friends who helped me open up about myself and made me feel welcome. They helped me realize I was asexual. They helped me grow my relationship with God and the universe. They helped me for being there for me. 

Thanks to these wonderful people, I proudly am on eSports and felt part of a team. My love of writing and reading were reborn.

I found my people. We are all so similar but also different, like a family.

This is why I still have hope that we can combat hate speech with love speech. EC has changed my life. I encourage you to say one kind thing to every person you encounter today, tomorrow, and forever. Together, we can all unite and be the best community I know we can be.

I am proud to be autistic. 

I am proud to be Christian. 

I am proud to be asexual.

But most of all, I am proud to be a part of EC.  

Jorge J. Davila (Freshman: Class of 2023)