Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

By Clarissa Breard ’26, psychology

What is one thing you cannot live without? Most people might immediately think of food, water or oxygen. But in my time as a Q*mmunity Leader, I can definitively say: community. Built into the name, yet it’s also the heartbeat of who we are.

Three years ago, I moved away from Los Angeles to expand my horizons in Dayton, Ohio. I was drawn to the midwestern spirit of living in a smaller city and proud to call it home.

Being out on campus has been a difficult journey to navigate alone. While I have met people who love and accept me; there are still moments that have left a lasting sting. My first two years at UD, I started from scratch to build courage and seek out the queer community here. I first connected with the LGBTQ+ Ministry through a National Coming Out Day event, where I met others who shared similar experiences and began to feel a sense of belonging.

Now, in my junior year, I realized that this is my time to become a queer peer educator. Through my internship at Daybreak (an emergency shelter for homeless and vulnerable youth ages 10 to 21), I connect with my clients every day. I have met and listened to many queer homeless youths’ stories that have influenced me to help lift their voices. 

This work helped me realize that I wanted to be the change in my community. The first event I helped plan was our Heartstopper (a popular graphic novel turned TV series) event in partnership with Peers Advocating for Violence Education. We watched the first episode and discussed the harm of stereotypes about queer relationships head-on.

My first lesson as a peer educator: being visible is being vulnerable. That in itself is scary. When we’re uncomfortable, it’s easy to want to run away. 

My first lesson as a peer educator: being visible is being vulnerable. That in itself is scary. When we’re uncomfortable, it’s easy to want to run away. 

Another time I could’ve run from was participating in the Ally+ workshop student panel. I had the opportunity to share my coming out experience and hear other students’ stories. Leading these conversations is difficult but incredibly necessary. I am proud to discuss the beauty as well as the hardships faced. However, it is important to note that I would’ve never been able to do it alone. I needed my community.

I can’t say it isn’t hard to stay, because it is, but it is important to plant a positive seed in someone. Even if I don’t get to see it flourish, that’s when the next person will see growth.

I love the relationships that have formed between my fellow educators. Our individual stories and paths have led us to lean on and support one another. I’ve found my people. I hope you’ll follow our path of joy, be present for our events, and be part of the impact we’re creating in the University of Dayton community.