On Thursday, Oct. 23, Carlos Sanchez will add his voice to the ongoing Diversity Lecture Series here at Grand Rapids Community College as he invites students to “embrace the uncomfortable”.
With the Fall 2025 semester passing its mid-point, Sanchez, Executive Director of Casa Latina at Davenport University, recognizes there are plenty of students who are beginning to feel the weight of discomfort. Whether it’s the stresses of academia, work, or simply the fatigue that comes from constantly trying to live up to unrealistic standards, the pressure is real. Without sufficient support or guidance, the task of relieving this pressure becomes that much more cumbersome.
“Young people are being bombarded with unreasonable expectations from the media and so-called influencers: ‘become a millionaire,’ ‘follow your passion,’ ‘just work harder,’ etc.” Sanchez wrote in an email interview with The Collegiate. “But not everyone wants to be a millionaire, or they are not sure what to do. My message is take stock of what you are going through right now so you don’t have to repeat it again. (You’ll see what I am talking about…)”
Born in Mexico City, Sanchez joined the Grand Rapids community in his mid-30s. Originally a GRCC student himself, he eventually transferred and graduated from Davenport University before earning his graduate degree from Kendall College of Arts and Design. Beyond his current role at Davenport, Sanchez was also the previous executive director at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and interim executive director at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.
While discussing his own experiences as a Latino educator and long-time student, Sanchez was asked if he had any advice to share before Thursday’s upcoming lecture. In general, he wants students to know that “they are not alone, their experience is not unique and, as such there are other individuals out there that could offer advice. Seek those individuals, become a mentee, ask for help, but be prepared to receive the support and act on it.”
As for GRCC’s diverse and multicultural community, Sanchez emphasizes the value and power that their voices carry.
“The lesson I hope they take from the current situation is to realize how fragile our political system is and how quick our society can turn,” Sanchez continued. “Their voices matter, use them. We all need to embrace the current situation so this doesn’t happen ever again.”
“Embracing Uncomfortable” is not asking students to ruminate on tense topics or publicly dig into sources of internal conflict. Rather, it is encouraging them to discern between healthy discomfort and actual pain or harm.
“Pain would be seeing a loved one being taken away, being beaten up because of their sexual orientation; that is not what I am talking about. I am talking about not getting the promotion within the first year in your first and new employment. Not getting into the graduate program you wanted, even being rejected by your crush, something like that.” Sanchez wrote. “We need to take care of ourselves. Because we are in an uncomfortable situation, we feel that working harder is the solution. I don’t believe that is the case. There’s a difference between hyper-productivity and exceeding your employer’s expectations.”
The lecture will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 168 of the ATC Building , with brunch being served from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Those interested in attending can either RSVP, or catch the livestream.
