Xtopher “X” Ruiz was given two choices once he graduated high school – to join the military or to go to college.
After trying his hand at San Diego Mesa College for a few semesters, Ruiz deployed with the U.S. Navy while raising four children. Years later he went back to school in 2022 to study child development at San Diego Miramar College. His studies led him to a rewarding path to aid his community and a job opportunity.
“Miramar College has been an experience to say the least. At first I was shy and kept my head down but I learned quickly that wasn't the best way to help my peers,” said Ruiz. “Every student is on a different walk of life and faces very different struggles. I yearned to be a light for them.”
He added, “I identify as an African American male however my partner is a Dreamer so finding an outlet to advance Latinx equality has become important to me.”
As Ruiz started to get involved on campus he was disappointed with the lack of sustainability for student led organizations. “When I joined the Black Student Union (BSU) it came to my attention that every club I was in was going to close and I didn’t want that. I needed to be a part of creating safe spaces that are here to stay.”
In addition to his involvement with the BSU, Ruiz is the Vice President for the Miramar College Associated Student Government (ASG) and is a member of the Muse Club, Music Club, Student Veterans Organization, as well as the Latinx conVoces organization, which promotes the well-being and inclusion of Latinx populations in higher education.
Ruiz and his partner, Claudio Nevells, joined ASG together to strengthen their mutual passion for politics and civic engagement. Now in his second term as Vice President, Ruiz is working closely with ASG President Hailey Hua and Senator Nevells to improve campus communication and student wellness.
“I love the duty of uplifting our president, embodying leadership, and being able to build a system that succeeds,” said Ruiz, who is launching the college’s first student-run podcast.
While Ruiz is a fierce voice for his peers now housing insecurity made him reluctant to continue his leadership roles and his education. “Life outside of school can be daunting. I went through homelessness and sometimes I wanted to give up,” he explained. “What pushed me to keep going is all of the students I meet who share with me that they never experienced milestone moments like prom and that they appreciate all that Miramar is doing for them.”
In between academics and volunteering, Ruiz finds time to serve as President of the college’s Club Spectrum, a center for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. Following a year of proposing that Miramar College hosts a queer prom he saw his goal come to fruition in May. Together with the Club Spectrum advisor Laura Gonzales, Dean of Student Affairs Cheryl Barnard, and a student committee, Miramar hosted its inaugural LGBTQIA+ prom with 30 students in attendance.
“Miramar College touches my heart. I didn’t know how we would pull off a queer prom and I couldn’t have done it without my team,” exclaimed Ruiz. “The full support from our district blows my mind. In high school I was a different person. I didn't think my voice mattered, but the fact that in college we have so many ideas come to life is astonishing.”
Following the widely successful event Ruiz was hired as the college’s pride project assistant, where he assists the student affairs department with outreach and the development of LGBTQIA+ on campus resources.
“I couldn’t believe they employed me after prom for a position they newly created. I am in a role I always wanted to be in. Even as a queer kid in high school, I always wanted to be an ally for other queer kids.”
Ruiz has plans to transfer to San Diego State University and to continue his work in higher education and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.
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