When Nephtali Peñate sat down for dinner with the Holy Cross College president Dr. Marco Clark earlier this week, it was a moment of reflection.
As a first-generation college student from South Bend, Indiana, Nephtali faced numerous challenges on his path to higher education. The Holy Cross junior couldn’t have imagined this scenario during early academic struggles two years ago.
“It’s a privilege to have a one-on-one conversation with the president… being able to express what we think and having him listen and respond was really empowering,” Peñate said.
The president invited Peñate and student organization Latinos Unidos to his residence to hear more about their experiences. He came away from the April conversation blown away.
On his Instagram account, the president posted a photo with students saying, “These young people give me hope for the future! Thank you for being with us tonight, LU, and thank you for your leadership on campus!”
Coming from John Adams High School in South Bend, he was no stranger to hard work and ambition. But the transition to college life brought its own set of challenges. “I applied to over 50 schools and got into most of them,” Peñate recalls. “But Holy Cross felt different. It was small, and I liked the idea of connecting with professors.”
Peñate, a Mexican American, says his heritage, plays a significant role in his life.
His family’s expectations were high. “My parents wanted all of us to be doctors, but I knew science wasn’t for me. I wanted to break those expectations and show my younger siblings that we can do other things and still make a great impact.”
Peñate‘s journey was not always smooth academically.
“I really struggled my freshman year. My grades were just not good,” he admitted. “I decided to go into graphic design, thinking it would help me get closer to my goal of going to grad school for architecture.”
As a first-generation college student, Peñate faced early bumps in the road. “When I arrived, I felt very alone. I came from a large high school with many friends, and suddenly I found myself in a small school with no one I knew,” he explains. Nevertheless, his outgoing personality enabled him to make friends and get involved. “I joined the Latino Unidos and First-Generation College Student Club and eventually became its president. It was essential for me to incorporate various Latin cultures into our events.”
Nephtali’s involvement does not stop there. He became a commuter senator in student government.
“Being a commuter student was difficult because everyone else had their dorms and activities,” Peñate said. “I wanted to make a difference for commuter students, ensuring they felt comfortable and involved.”
A major turning point for his academic performance, ironically, was when he began to take on more duties, including playing the clarinet in the neighboring University of Notre Dame Marching Band. The iconic band traveled during the football team’s journey through the College Football Playoffs and the National Championship earlier this year.
“Marching on the field during pregame and performing halftime shows is thrilling,” Peñate said. “It’s a lot of work, but the energy from the crowd makes it all worth it.”
Peñate’s aspirations extend beyond his undergraduate years. “I plan to apply for grad school in architecture. I hope to leave a good mark here, especially as a first-gen student. I want the next president of First Gen to follow in my steps or even be better than me.”
Penate’s leadership is driven by his desire to support others.
“I want to be the voice for first gen and Latino students, letting them know they’re not alone,” Peñate said. “We’re here for you, and we want to make sure you’re involved and comfortable.”