Q&A: ECC’s TRiO’s Vanessa Macias Arias Publishes New Book

Vanessa Macias Arias spends her workdays as the administrative assistant for TRiO’s Student Support Services at Elgin Community College (ECC). But outside of work, one will often find her crafting a story.

In September, Arias became a published author with the release of “Chingona Playbook: Secrets to Dance To Your Own Beat.” The anthology book features 21 Latina writers sharing personal stories about how they became who they are today.

We spoke to Arias about her journey to becoming a published author, her work at ECC, and her future career aspirations. 

How did the book come to be? Have you always been a writer?

“I’ve been a writer since I was little, and I majored in English throughout my undergraduate and master’s degrees. So, writing is in my blood. I love it so much, and I always saw myself writing a book. 

When Miriam Simon [Simon is the publisher of the Chingona Playbook] approached me, she was writing a book and looking for Latinx women who wanted to write their own story. I was like, ‘Hell yeah!” That sounds like something I want to do.”

How did you first connect with Miriam Simon?

I was in a program called the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement. I was doing part of its inaugural cohort for LGBTQ individuals, and she was one of the program's hosts.

What made you decide to tell that specific story in the book?

When I first started writing, I knew I wanted to tell my coming-out story. 

I called it “LGBT-Qué?” because my mom said it in Spanish. She was like, “What is that?” I wanted to write my story because a lot of people don’t have that coming-out story.

I’m a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient, LGBTQ, and a first-generation student, so I wanted to capture all of that in one story. I wanted to tell it on my terms.

I was forced out of the closet instead of coming out on my own terms. It felt like the right time to tell my story my way. 

How has your experience at ECC been?

It’s been great. I love my team. We are definitely a little small powerhouse. They welcomed me so well, and I fit in very well with the team. They’re supportive of all my endeavors, such as writing or my doctoral program.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I would say it's meeting the students and seeing their progress here. I get to see them become more confident and become friends with other TRiO students. It’s been very refreshing to see. I yearned for that when I was in undergrad. I was looking for friends and a place to belong.

Do you still see yourself writing both professionally and personally?

I definitely do. I write all the time personally, and I’m hoping to work with Miriam Simon again. That’s hopefully my dream. I would like to write professionally again and tell more stories because I feel like I have a lot of facets: DACA, first-generation, and LGBTQ.

How does it feel to have this book come out during Latinx Heritage Month?

It’s very special. I feel like the stars aligned. And it’s near October 1, Chingona Day, which connects to the book’s title. 

Editor’s note: A “chingona” is defined as a strong and independent Latina woman. 

It puts out this narrative that we’re all very multifaceted women, and Latina women are so vastly different. Becoming a published author has been such a dream. To have it come out during Latinx Heritage Month has been icing on the cake. 

What would you say to students at ECC or any college student who is looking to write professionally?

I would say don’t give up. Because I had imposter syndrome, and a lot of students can feel that way. Students need to keep going and look for opportunities, such as working as a writing tutor. 

If you’re going to be a writer, take journalism or writing classes, or do an internship on the side.