Franklin Ocaña II

Crafting Connections
Franklin Ocaña II returned to Oakton in 2022 to study Fine Arts. In his art, Franklin explores themes such as his Puerto Rican identity, the concept of home and mental health. Interested in working with various mediums, his first class back at Oakton was pottery.

“There’s a social element that comes with working in the ceramics lab at Oakton. Clay has the ability to connect people to the human experience, to each other and to cultures—it's one of the oldest art forms in human history. I hadn’t touched clay since I was a kid playing with Play-Doh at my Titi’s house. It took me four weeks just to learn how to keep the clay in the center of the wheel. Time in the ceramics lab was therapeutic, and I learned who I was as an artist. It’s helped me open myself up to the community here at Oakton and then outside of it. I’m grateful that I had that space at Oakton where I was able to grow and that made me comfortable taking up more space.”

From Pottery to Powerful Advocacy
His time spent in the ceramics lab not only honed his craft but also fostered meaningful connections with peers, sparking conversations about their unique experiences in higher education. Becoming increasingly involved on campus, he felt a growing desire to address the needs of his peers. This passion for advocacy led him to become a student trustee, where he now amplifies the voices of the student body and champions their needs and concerns.

“I was talking to students about their needs and what was troubling them. That inspired me to join the Student Government Association (SGA). I wanted to be in a space where I could gain a deeper understanding of higher education and do my part to make positive changes for students. As a Latino, first-generation student navigating higher education, I often have to teach myself. It’s almost like learning a new language. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, and that led to wanting to advocate for others when I learned more about their goals and obstacles in higher education. Now, as student trustee, I sit on the Board of Trustees representing the student body, and I meet with SGA weekly to better advocate for students at Oakton.”

Legacy and Growth
Franklin is committed to making a lasting impact in higher education, striving to be a source of inspiration on campus. His passion for learning continues to fuel his personal and professional growth, embracing new opportunities and connections that continue to shape his role as a student advocate.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a student worker for the Emory Williams Academy for Black Men. Through this employment, I’ve been able to gain experience in community based work where I can actively give back and get involved. I help organize events, keep the community informed through newsletters and help with student outreach. I’ve been in that role for two years now, and it’s great work.”

“I want to leave something of substance behind for generations of students to benefit from. I want my fellow students to reimagine themselves in higher education. I can do that by building community and connecting with my peers in these spaces. I love to learn and that’s something I want to continue to do. I’ll be going on a trip to Washington with the Board of Trustees soon for a conference—another great opportunity to make connections and gain a deeper understanding of higher education. A lot of students feel like they don’t belong in these spaces but like me, they can do it, it’s just about showing up and doing everything you can to succeed once you are in that space.”