Laylin Chong, a Malden local and "Passion for Action" scholar at Wheelock College, celebrated 4 years of undergraduate work with her capstone presentation on March 29, 2012.

As a Passion for Action scholar, Chong participated in a comprehensive developmental experience that focuses on leadership development and service work. Chong's capstone presentation highlighted her efforts to expand Latino-led organizations on the Wheelock campus. 

Chong is a founding member of Wheelock's student group La Herencia Latina, an organization dedicated to embracing Latino heritage and history, and integrating it into Wheelock campus life. The goal of La Herencia Latina is to create a campus environment that understands, respects, and legitimizes Latino culture.

Chong said she created La Herencia Latina because, "I wanted to be able to have a space where I could share my feelings and concerns with other students who felt the same way and where we could help educate each other about our Latino heritage and history," she said. 

Growing up in Ecuador, Laylin said she has a deep connection to her Latino heritage which has taught her to be humble and appreciate her religion and family.

During her time at Wheelock, she has helped grow the support system for minority students all over campus. Creating La Herencia Latina has taken a great deal of time and effort, but Chong said it was all worth it. Today, Chong feels that "[Latinos] are a lot more accepted now and are actually feeling the respect" she said.

Chong will graduate from Wheelock College on May 11, 2012 with a bachelor's degree in social work.