Zelazzie Zepeda
Linguistics
Los Angeles, Calif.
What was your favorite class and why?
A lot of classes and professors have left a profound impact on my academic journey. However, my favorite would have to be LING 222: Introduction to Language Endangerment and Revitalization. It was during that semester that I first met Prof. John Whitman, who would later become my advisor for my honors thesis and a great support for my own personal goal of becoming a linguist in Yoem Noki (Yaqui) [language]. The class really opened my eyes to new pedagogies for endangered language documentation, the history of Indigenous language policies globally and ways to get involved as a community member to reverse large scale language shifts. I think that class has changed my life, along with providing me the framework to work with other Indigenous communities on preserving tribal sovereignty through our languages.
What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?
One of my proud accomplishments has been the completion of my seniors thesis for the Humanities Scholars Program. It primarily focuses on re-analyzing early language grammars written by Jesuit priests and the larger impact they have had on Indigenous communities in the Sonoran Desert. This is research that means a lot to me as it somewhat chronicles the history of my family, as well as gives me an opportunity to highlight gaps in the existing literature about Taracahitan languages.
Outside the classroom, I was able to work on transcribing interviews from survivors of the Yaqui genocide in Sonora and contribute to the "Second Volume of Hiaki Grammar" that will soon be used to teach tribal citizens on the Pascua Yaqui Reservation in Tucson.
How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?
I think Cornell has changed my perspective on the importance of higher education and has given me a new profound respect for my mother. Growing up in a single parent household in Los Angeles, I remember seeing my mother struggle trying to balance a full-time job while pursuing her bachelor's in psychology on top of raising a child on her own. That time in our lives was filled with a lot of struggle and I remember how proud I was when I finally saw her walk during her graduation. Coming up on my final year of undergrad, actually experiencing college life firsthand, I believe I appreciate all my family has sacrificed for me to attend Cornell. This accomplishment is as much theirs as it is mine.
Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?
I think my community growing up in Los Angeles really has influenced my Cornell education the most. I attended Anahuacalmecac International University Preparatory of North America, an Indigenous Mexican public charter school in Los Angeles, which when I look back has greatly impacted my commitment to Indigenous languages and community work. All the teachings that I received from Tata Cuaxtl and the whole Semillas community provided me with the understanding that I can be proud of my Native roots and be successful later on in life. In retrospect, my current life goal of becoming a linguist truly started there and I am deeply proud of where I came from.
Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 2026.
