A Community-Based Magazine About Latinos at Ohio State

Special EditionSummer 2012

www.quepasa.osu.edu

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rCultivating the Academic Spirit

By Christopher Gonzalez

I speak now to the OSU Graduating Class of 2012.

There are dreams that abide within us all. They motivate and feed the engines of our enterprises and ambitions. They keep our ships on an even keel in rough waters. They often give us a reason to face the next day when things go awry.

Then there are those dreams we could never have imagined.

For many of you, a series of improbable events, hairbreadth escapes, and unlikely alignments occurred during your journey toward the culmination of your degree. It is truly remarkable when one thinks of it. How many decisions had to be made in just the right way to lead you to this moment? How might things have been different if you had changed but one of those decisions? Is it not remarkable?

I write this as my own graduation in the August 2012 commencement ceremony approaches. As I close in on this once-unthinkable moment in my life, I have reflected upon my own journey. The names are too numerous to list in this small space. The forks in the road that I encountered as I made my way down the path leave me shaking my head. There was a time in my life when the thought of attaining a PhD was not even a dream. Perhaps you are like me in that you thought the significant accom-plishment represented by your degree was unthinkable. For me, such a dream was unthinkable not because I was uncertain of my ability or potential; it was unthinkable because I did not believe I would ever have the opportunity to stand in the light of such a monumental success.

Who do we thank at such moments as these? The people who believed in us and encouraged us? The people who told us it was impossible and thus gave us all the motivation we ever needed? Or the people who silently inspired us without ever knowing it? Surely it must be a combina-tion of all of these and much more. We must take that which leaves us exalted equally with that which threatens to pull us under.

We must remember to give thanks, and not just in the immediate aftermath of the graduation ceremonies. Beyond the hugs and handshakes of congratulations and

gratitude, we must abide in a perpetual state of appreciation for the opportunities we have been given. While it is undeni-able that ultimately you were the one who attained this impressive achievement, we must also acknowledge that many who came before us also toiled to make the inroads we now enjoy. The present is always indebted to the past, just as the future is made possible by what we do now.

I extend to the OSU Graduating Class of 2012 my sincerest congratulations. I also want to exhort you to go forth into the world with the knowledge, skills, and expe-riences you have amassed at The Ohio State University while keeping one eye on your alma mater. As alumni of this world-class institution, I urge you to stay connected to the university, but especially the Latino/a community at OSU. For too long higher education has not even been a dream to many in the Latino/a community. We, as graduates of one of the premiere Research-I public universities in the world, have the unprecedented chance to make attaining higher degrees an unremarkable option in our respective communities.

We can do this by being ambassadors for higher education to Latinos both young and old. Latinos are an ever-expanding segment of the American population, but if Latinos continue to lag in academic achievement, our voices will never rise to the level of our potential.

Thanks to social media, you have an unparalleled opportunity to use your expe-rience and your degree in ways other gen-erations could not have imagined. I, like you, consider it an honor and a privilege to make my mark upon the world as a proud member of Buckeye Nation! From all of us at ¿Qué Pasa, OSU?, congratulations!

As I close, I also make a personal farewell to the staff of ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? as I begin my position as Assistant Professor of English at Texas A&M University-Commerce. It seems that I was just settling in as editor of this important publication. But I feel that I have continued the momentum generated by the past editors and staff, and have done so with the best team an editor could want. I salute Yolanda Zepeda for her leadership and tireless efforts to make this the best publication it can be; I honor Emily Strouse for her vision and steadfastness that are the structure and glue that holds every issue together; I thank Theresa Rojas for her true friendship and kindness. I leave the stew-ardship of ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? in Theresa’s more-than-capable hands.

Paz,

Christopher Gonzalez

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EditorChristopher Gonzalez

Designer & Photo EditorEmily Strouse

Staff WriterTheresa Rojas

Editorial Board Jose Cabral, Chair Frederick Luis AldamaFrancesca AmigoNormando CabanJeff CohenIgnacio CoronaAndrea DoseffFrancisco-Xavier Gómez-BellengéIndra LeyvaVictor MoraPatricia Palominos-DunaeffAbril TrigoFernando UnzuetaYolanda Zepeda, Ex Officio

Contributors Valerie E. LeeLauren Lopez Levy Reyes

This publication is supported by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, through the auspices of the Hispanic Oversight Committee. Issue production is a collaboration of the ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? Editorial Board and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The Ohio State University is not responsible for the content and views of this publication. The publication does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the staff and Editorial Board. All submissions for publications must include the name and phone number or e-mail address of those responsible for the submissions. ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? reserves the right to refuse any submission for publication.

For questions and inquiries, please contact quepasa@osu.edu

Note: We use the term "Latinos" to represent both Latino and Latina.

All photos by Emily Strouse unless otherwise noted. Cover: Bernardo Rameriz Rios, PhD and Levy Reyes, PhD.

www.quepasa.osu.edu Summer Semester 2012 3

Dear Ohio State Graduates,

Congratulations, you have achieved an important milestone on your journey of success. Many of you traveled a great distance to study at The Ohio State University, and for others, the distance was more metaphorical than geographic. Whatever your starting point, I hope that your Ohio State education --the ideas and experiences, the challenges and possibilities that you encountered here—have led you to new vistas and vantage points.

Just as the university has impacted your growth, so have you shaped Ohio State. Your presence on the uni-versity campus, your participation in the classroom, and your interactions in your residence halls have enriched what it means to be a Buckeye.

Along with the market value of your degree, I hope that you fully profit from the value of your diploma in compassion, perseverance, and a commitment to inclusion. As you take your place as a citizen of the world, bear in mind the wisdom of Gloria E. Anzaldúa, “Do work that matters. Vale la pena.”

Sincerely,

Valerie E. Lee, PhDVice Provost for Diversity and InclusionVice President for Outreach and EngagementChief Diversity Officer Professor of English

Dr. Valerie Lee And Latino Graduation Celebration Speeches

Latino/a Buckeye Graduation Celebration Undergraduate Graduation SpeechBy Lauren Lopez

Lauren Lopez is from Youngstown, Ohio and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Criminology. She was president of Alpha Psi Lambda, the Vice President of The University-wide Council of Hispanic Organizations, and the Executive Vice President and Council Delegate of the Multicultural Greek Council. Lauren will be moving on to Indianapolis to serve as a high school math instructor for the renowned Teach for America.

Four years ago, I walked onto campus without any expectations of what my experience was going to be. I only knew two things for sure; I would become super involved and I would be the first in my family to graduate from college. The latter will be happening for many of us in only two more days. And the former…well I can say that I am pleased with my involve-ment on campus.

Without any expectations, I quickly immersed myself as much as I could into the Latino community. Along with my fellow graduates here--man were we

shocked at the lack of Latinos here on campus. We all became pretty close and created a sense of familia amongst our-selves. The first and second years here at OSU were spent with many trials and errors, laughs, and a lot of support along the way. Let me help you understand how the community was to me, four years ago.

There was only one Latino-interest Greek lettered organization here on campus, Alpha Psi Lambda, of which I am a proud and noble sister. All of the Latino organizations kept to themselves. At the end of my second year things really changed. I became the Vice President of an organization called the University-wide Council of Hispanic Organizations. Alongside Miguel Guevara, who was the President, the Latino community started to change. Our little cohort grew. We as a community started wanting and seeing the possibilities that we as students could create in the small 3% population of Latinos here at OSU.

That next year, UCHO hosted a Latino leadership retreat that had representation of all of the Latino organizations here on campus. During that weekend, the Latino Student Association was created. LSA with the leadership of Marcos Cruz made our

senior year quite an awesome one. Over four years, we helped in changing the expectations of our community.

We should all be proud of the things we have accomplished. And, let’s be honest, socially, we have been pretty awesome as well. Don’t remember? I’ll jog your memory—Apartment A9…the LSA Ball—mostly the first year for celebrating David and Miguel’s birthday—fun times… the LSA Social—really fun times…..Marcos’s 21st--sweatpants and beaters….last but not least the last hooray for the year… “Bro” fun at David and Miguel’s…. Socially we all rejoiced in each other and have many exciting memories to last us the rest of our lives.

Overall our time here is one for us to always remember. It is now time for us to step forward and be the awesome individuals that I truly know we can be. It is now time for us to be respon-sible and to take ownership of our lives. Be proud. WE are the masters of OUR fate and the CAPTAINS of OUR soul.

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Latino/a Buckeye Graduation Celebration Graduate Graduation SpeechBy Levy Reyes

Prior to coming to Ohio State, Levy Reyes earned his B.S. in Physiology from the University of Arizona. He has held post-baccalaureate research positions at the University of Colorado-Boulder and the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Campus. In 2008, Levy became a National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutes Minority Supplement Awardee, an award that included a full tuition waiver and yearly stipend. Levy has presented his work on the recovery of coronary artery function post heart attack at multiple national conferences. He leaves The Ohio State University with a PhD in Biomedical Science.

When my friends found out I was speaking at the Latino graduation their response was, “It better be inspiring!” I joked in response that if that was the case I would just come up here and recite President Obama’s “Yes we can” speech. But don’t worry that’s not what I am going to do here today. Instead, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell a few stories and hopefully by the time I am done, you might take something away.

When I was 7 years old, my dad had this tendency to take me out of school 15-30 minutes before class ended for the day. He would tell the principle that I had a doctor’s appointment, even though there was no appointment. My dad would explain to me that if he waited until school let out then he would have to worry about a bunch of elementary school kids running around, and then we would be stuck in the parking lot for another 10 minutes. “This is just faster, son,” he would tell me. “Now, you wanna get something to eat?” With the promise of a Rally burger and fries why would I question him? It was on one of these days after my dad had pulled me out of school early when he began asking me what I wanted to be, I remember the love and hope in his eyes when he said the words that have stayed with me my entire life. He looked at me and said “Son, you can change the Reyes legacy.”

You see, at that time, my father was a struggling plumber. Work was scarce and some days when he set off to find work in the pre-housing boom in Phoenix, he would come back empty handed. My mother was a teller working downtown at

Arizona Bank. It was the same job she had since she was in high school.

To a young and impressionable mind those words soon became a burden. And it became the reason for my obsessive nature toward education; I saw it as the only way to get a good job. In my mind, my dad had just asked for my help, and so I worked as hard as I could. I studied hard, got good grades and went to the premiere college preparatory in the state of Arizona. The college prep was expen-sive; the tuition was twice the amount of college tuition at the in-state schools. My parents scrounged enough money together to meet the monthly payments, and I worked after school with the janito-rial staff, to cover the rest. I gave up spring breaks to clean under bleachers in the gymnasium to earn extra money at the school. I worked during the summers with my father, where I spent much of the day in a ditch 15 feet deep hooking up sewers to new homes. But I survived and made it, and was admitted to the University of Arizona, Soon I thought, I would be able to answer my father’s plea for help.

But things don’t always turn out the way you might anticipate. College, as I am sure most of the graduating class here can attest, is overwhelming. I floundered with the lack of guidance. There was no blueprint for me to get what I wanted out of college, and by the end of the first semester it was too late.

I remember it like it was yesterday. A letter had just come in the mail from the University. It said that my GPA of 1.8 was not sufficient to continue at the collegiate level. I would be given 2 semesters to bring up my GPA to at least a 2.0; if I failed to meet that mark, I would not be allowed to come back to school. It was a sinking feeling, and in my mind, I thought about all the people I failed. I thought about my father, my mother, and my two kid sisters. I thought about my father and the words he said to me as a child, “You can change the Reyes legacy.” I dreaded telling my dad, but finally the day before I was going back to school I gathered up the courage to tell him. It was late—10 p.m.—when he walked through the door; work

had picked up and the housing boom in Phoenix offered us a good life, but that meant long days and nights for my dad. He walked in toward the kitchen and I sat down next to him as he ate. I showed him my grades and he grabbed the sheet bluntly from me. He stopped eating and looked at me. The disappointment and sadness in his eyes would have been enough.

“Son,” he said as he raised his hands, “My hands hurt, and I am tired, but my hands are hurting and I am tired because I am trying to give you a better life.” He put the paper down and simply said two more words, “Do better.”

I was 18 years old and the words “do better” and “you can change the Reyes legacy” echoed in my head. The sadness in my dad’s eyes and his words from my childhood weighed heavy on me. I had grown to resent his statement. Why did I have to be the one who helped everyone? Why did he shift the burden to me? Didn’t he realize how hard this would be?

With no guidance and no help,

I went back to college that winter. I knew I had to do better and I tried. I managed to bring up my grades, but I was still sitting at a 2.5 GPA. These were not legacy changing grades. That summer I was back in the ditches hooking up sewers and pushing vents, all in 115 degree whether thinking to myself “how am I going to do better?”

It’s hard to describe what it’s like when you work all day in the desert sun. You can feel the sun burn the back of your neck, your arms, your face. You rub your arms and neck and it provides momen-tary relief, but the sun just keeps burning. The concrete that you spent hours trying to break; your hands still tingle from the reverberations. After 10 hours you’re completely fried. You’re tired and drained and you just yearn for the relief of the air conditioning. Once you make it inside, your body is still hot. It takes hours for your body to dissipate the heat you accu-mulated, and by the time you do, its time to go to bed and get ready to do it all over again. How my dad did and has done this for 20 plus years is beyond me.

In my sophomore year, I received an email from Dr. Maria Theresa Velez. She asked me to come into her office for a visit. I walked in and sat down. After pleasantries were exchanged she looked at me and said in a slightly Cuban accent full of Latina flair, “Why aren’t you doing better in school?! On paper, Levy you should be doing great but, your barely treading water.” She went on and asked the question no one asked me before “What do you need to be successful?”

Six months later I was in a program that was paid me four grand for three

months of work, which allowed me to research diabetes. My

grades took off and I had a new pur-

pose--a career in biomedi-cal science.

My interaction with Dr. Velez was nothing short of life saving. And is something that drives me today, it’s the reason I put so much effort into SUR. If you are a young

Latino at this university I have probably tried to talk to you. If I have ever tried to help you, if I have ever asked you how things are going in your life, that is me channeling my inner Dr. Velez. I am asking you because, whether or not you see it in me, I see a little of myself in you.

In fall of 2006, I entered Ohio State. I was excited and looking forward to the challenge of graduate school. Bolstered by my ever-growing resume in Biomedical research, I was confident I would excel. But graduate school was more different than I could have imagined. My course-work included modules on DNA, nucleic acids, histones, and how methylation sites of histones regulated DNA transcrip-tion and how these same sites could be silenced. I came into those classes and was lost almost immediately. My mistake was thinking that there would be a review period. I knew my class was a consortium of varied specialties, so they would have to bring us up to speed together. Well, I was wrong. In the sink or swim mentality I was sinking and fast. I was being lectured to by people who were at the forefront of their discipline, people who were pushing the boundaries of biomedical science. There were no textbooks, only research articles that were months old. By the end of my first quarter I was sitting at a 3.0 or a B minus. In graduate school a B minus is also known as failing.

Here I was 5 years older, and here again came the letters; those damn letters. And here I was in Columbus, Ohio, thousands of miles away from home, in the cold and all alone. I sat there reading the letter and thought, maybe this is it. Maybe this is too hard. Hadn’t I given my best effort? Maybe this is not where I need to be. Maybe this is just too hard.

No, hard is working in the Sonoran desert putting plumbing into new homes. Hard is coming up with reasons why you can’t hang out with your friends after school because you had to stay and clean up the classrooms you were just in. Hard is missing my young sisters grow up into young adults from 1500 miles away. No, this, graduate school was not the hard part; this was the part where I was supposed to shine.

Some 20 years later, I know now what my dad was trying to tell me as a child. He wasn’t asking for help. He was trying to explain to me that my life, my legacy could be different. My children, my future could determine what people thought

of the Reyes name. But I am not sure my father really understood that his lot in life too could be changed.

My mother started out at 18 working as a teller for Arizona Bank. Now she is a VP for the Corporate Trust division at US Bank. My father started out as a plumber, doing piece work for multiple compa-nies. Now, he is the owner and operator of his own business, Newmatic Plumbing. So Dad, you see, I am not changing the family legacy, I am simply continuing it.

I told you my story because I know that words can be hollow sometimes. I can come up with clichés that sounds pretty and may inspire you today, but in a matter of days I am sure you will have forgotten what was said. In the age of American Idol or Top Chef, where popular culture dictates that spending nine weeks on a TV show will propel you into a life you always wanted, the graduating class here knows that, that is not reality. I told you my story because I am almost 100% positive, that at some point, you graduating Latino’s both at the under-graduate and graduate level could relate. At some point you have felt the burden to change your family’s legacy. I hope that my actions and my story show you that life is difficult and that you will fail, but all of us at the Latino graduation, we are used to adversity, and as is evident by the graduating class here, we have shown we can overcome it.

And so I leave you with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s a quote you won’t find at his memorial, but I think it’s fitting as this speech was written for the student.

When you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. Don't just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead or the unborn couldn't do it any better. If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music, sweep streets like Leontyne Price sings before the Metropolitan Opera. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept [and did] his job well.

Thank you and congratulations to the graduating class of 2012.

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Parting Words From Graduates

Rachel Sandoval

Veronica Weber

Miguel V. Guevara

Rachel Sandoval, Industrial DesignMassachusetts

The most rewarding part about attending Ohio State is learning that the entire university is a huge playground for research and innovation. There are an infinite number of resources and opportu-nities to pursue your own projects, and I think the most important skill any Buckeye learns is to take the initiative. Make phone calls to someone you’ve never met or ask library staff to point you in the right direction; almost everyone is willing to help a student who asks politely. I think the students who merely attend class and take tests are not taking advantage of the best parts of Ohio State. Above all, I am most proud of independent study projects and co-ops that I pursued. For some of them I was completely unqualified, but after badgering some of my professors, they willingly let me volunteer for those projects and I later got hired to finish them up. A similar thing occurred when I worked on an Engineering Capstone project, where I did my best to help out where I could and then managed to get some freelance work for the summer. Doors will always open if you’re willing to put the time and effort into it.

Jerry Zavala, Film StudiesDelta, OH

Hands down, the most rewarding thing about my time at The Ohio State University would be the friends I have made over the years. Before coming to OSU I didn't have a true grasp on the meaning of “The People, The Tradition, The Excellence.” Now that motto has meaning for me because of the experiences I've had with these people with whom I've been on this journey—people who I will carry with me long after my time at OSU is over.

Sormane Fernandes, World Economy & BusinessRecife, Pernambuco, Brazil

Being a college student in the United States was very challeng-ing for me, since I am from Brazil and not fluent in English. So, my major accomplishment was learning how to speak and write well in my second language. Of course, a significant barrier for Latinos or any other foreign student is definitely the language barrier. But do not let this hinder your dreams because you have to convince yourself that your dreams are bigger than any obstacle. I have to tell you that it is not easy. By the end of your college career, however, you will be rewarded with knowledge that nobody can take away from you.

Miguel V. Guevara, Political Science and PhilosophyHouston, TX

The accomplishments of the Ohio State Latino community in the four years I have been here are tremendous and incredible. We have increased in size, representation, and engagement within our own community as well as the broader Ohio State community. We

have created numerous student organizations that shall hopefully improve the quality of student life on campus. The resurgence of UCHO through the Latino Buckeye Dinner and Latino Leadership Retreat; being a founding brother of the Ohio State Colony of Lambda Theta Phi Fraternidad Latina, Inc.; being a member of the 2011 Homecoming Court; bringing Dr. William Perez to campus; and assisting in the creation of the Latino Student Association are by far my most satisfying and fulfilling accomplishments. In short, the accomplishments of the Latino community from 2008-2012 and the progress we have made is what makes me a proud Buckeye.

Thalia Amador Lastra, World Economy and Business from the College of International StudiesVillahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico

I plan to continue my studies and get my master’s degree in International Studies and International Affairs. My career goal is to work for a Non-Governmental Organization in programs of economic development, and improving education.

Jose Luis Cruz Jr., SpanishCrescent City, FL

The most rewarding thing about attending The Ohio State University is being able to share the experience of obtaining a college education with a diverse group of students and faculty. There are people from all over the world, and Ohio State is a great place to not only meet new people but to establish life-long rela-tionships. I have had the great opportunity to form a great network of friendships that will last a lifetime and leave me with great memories.

Sylvia Rodríguez Vargas, PhD in Educational AdministrationUSA

I began my graduate work at OSU in 1992 in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese (Latin American Literature) and have enjoyed, on and off, being a part of the university the past twenty years. I completed my MA in 1994 and was invited to continue in the doctoral program, which I did. I later decided to interrupt my graduate work to pursue a teaching career (I had begun teaching as a GTA at OSU in 1992) and returned to NYC to teach middle school and high school. I then obtained an Ed.M. from Columbia University in 2003 and returned to Ohio in 2004 to join the Columbus School for Girls as the Middle School Director (principal). The following year I began the doctoral program in the School of Educational Policy and Leadership. After working full time as an administrator and studying full time as a doctoral student, I left Ohio to work as the Associate Head and Dean of Academics at Saint Mary's School in North Carolina. I returned to Ohio in 2010 to finally complete my dissertation! When I began my career at OSU there were very few Latinos on campus, and I have seen the University and the City of Columbus grow more diverse over the years. continued on page 11

Rachel Sandoval Jerry Zavala

Sormane Fernandes

Sylvia Rodríguez Vargas

Veronica Weber

Miguel V. Guevara Thalia Amador Lastra Jose Luis Cruz Jr.

Alison Vasquez Guillermo Bervejillo Jones

PHOTO BY BRIAN LUIS VARGAS

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Commencement400th Commencement Marks a Historical Day for Graduates

Commencement week included the Latino Graduation Celebration, sponsored by the Multicultural Center on Friday, June 8th, 2012 in the Ohio Union West Ballroom. Family and friends joined gradu-ates in an intimate setting as they received their commemorative stoles, offered personal thanks, and celebrated their accomplishments. On Sunday, June 12th, The Ohio State University held its 400th commencement at the Ohio Stadium, fondly known as “The ‘Shoe.” The newly minted Class of 2012 included the largest group of graduating Latinos and Latinas in the history of The University. Graduates, families, and friends endured a scorching day of pomp and circumstance with proud, smiling faces.

In her commencement address, Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations offered a patriotic reminder of the importance of the event: “Class of 2012, when we look at you, we see the future of the country we love…Buckeye spirit and American spirit. What will keep America great is you.” Through commencement we celebrate the country we love and the honors and achievements of our students. In particular we celebrate this historical moment and the achieve-ments of our Latino and Latina graduates.

Congratulations, Buckeyes, we are proud of you all!

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Karla M. Figueroa González Laura Acosta Bernardo Ramirez Rios Issac Espinoza

Mary Batista David Bueno

Manuel Martinez Elsie Vega

Astrid Riva

www.quepasa.osu.edu Summer Semester 2012 11

continuted from page 6 Getting involved, sharing your stories, and educating others about the strengths and talents that you and the larger Latino community bring to OSU and beyond is very impor-tant. Find a mentor to work with, network across communities, and take a genuine interest in your work beyond the university walls knowing that "Sí, se puede," and that the world is a better place because of the strength and grace you bring to all that you do!

Veronica Weber, Health SciencesWesterville, OH

There are two major accomplishments I am most proud of during my time at OSU. I have had the opportunity to work for the OSU Medical Center in the Department of Anesthesiology Research. The expierences that have come from this student job are endless, and now, upon graduation, I am able to present the research study I have been working on at The Ohio State Research Day. I am also proud of a student organization I have lead for the past three years: The Diversity Ambassadors. We are a volunteer based student group, that promote OSU to underrepresented high-school students. This has been very rewarding.

Alison Vasquez, Master of Fine Arts, Theatre, in Acting eand VoiceSan Antonio, TX

The impetus to go to grad school began with the need to find the “more” in my theatre craft and in my understanding of the art form. I was naïve and a bit dreamy-eyed about the way it would actually impact me as a person and as an artist. I was not prepared to enjoy teaching or for learning from the amazing work of the teachers and practitioners with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Stand Up For Shakespeare program. The most challenging and reward-ing production I worked on while here at OSU was Othello. I must say that working with Alison Bomber from The Royal Shakespeare Company, was truly thrilling. Without the support of Les Wexner and the Royal Shakespeare Company/Ohio State University part-nership I would not have had these amazing opportunities.

Guillermo Bervejillo Jones, B.S. in Economics with a minor in International StudiesPaysandu, Uruguay

What I am most proud of, as I prepare to graduate from OSU, is that my time here has been well spent. By well spent I am not referring to grades or prizes or honors or even career preparation. I am referring to the life experience and learning I have gained on and off campus over the past four years. I have made sure to enjoy my time here, to make friends, to have fun, and to define myself as an individual. The most important thing I learned was the capability of forming and defending my own opinions, the ability to think critically, and most importantly, originally. I learned that my professors and the university are by no means infallible, and I gained the courage to question them but also to appreciate their humanity. My advice to other Latino students would be to define their purpose at OSU. I would advise them to study hard but for the right reasons. Have fun but also make sure you make the best out of every learning experience. Take advantage of the on-campus community of your peers, be it with the Latinos at the MCC or whatever other community you feel identified with. Also take the time to step off-campus, explore Columbus, see the real

world, and apply your learning to it. The OSU motto is "education for citizenship" not education for career building. Take the time to reflect on your responsibilities as an American and as a citizen of the World.

Karla M. Figueroa González, Comparative Cultural StudiesTrujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

Graduating!! I can't believe I came here with such bad English, and now I'm graduating from THE Ohio State University.

Bernardo Ramirez Rios, AnthropologySacramento, CA

The most rewarding thing about attending Ohio State is the passion. From President Gee to the student body, everyone is pas-sionate about Buckeye Nation. My only advice to other Latinos on campus is to "stay hungry." Every student has trials, tribulations, and personal turmoils. Push yourself and don't let anything get in the way of achieving your goals.

Astrid Rivas, Communication TechnologyBowie, MD

The most rewarding thing about attending Ohio State has been the independence and confidence I have gained. Because I am a transfer student from another state, I did not know anyone prior to coming out to Columbus. However, the welcoming atmosphere at Ohio State has made my experience memorable.

Mary Batista, Financial PlanningSan Juan, Puerto Rico

The most rewarding thing about attending Ohio State has been coming out of my shell. I used to be very shy and easily intimidated but I have loved meeting different types of people and getting involved with the school. I truly have always felt a connection with Ohio State and have loved every minute of it even through my ups and downs. I am proud to be a Buckeye, period!

David Bueno, Civil Engineering, minor in MusicNew York City, NY

To my fellow Latino STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Math) students: We are on the highest and narrowest of roads! Not only are we unique as Latinos in academia and the workforce, but we also choose to study in the more challenging fields that are high in demand and low in supply. The road will be bumpy, especially in your beginning math and chemistry classes, but I promise you that the grass is greener on the other side. We represent a VERY small fraction of the demographic; trust me when I say graduate schools and corporations who hire STEM students thirst for our diversity. I encourage all Latino students in STEM fields to carry on their dreams and to consider graduate school, where the road gets even thinner. Remember that you represent the entire Latino community and inspire the future of our cultures.

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Manuel Martinez, Health ScienceToledo, OH

Just because the Latina/o population is very low at OSU does not mean that those students should go unnoticed on campus. Every Latina/o student has the opportunity to make their mark on campus. Get involved and meet people! It is essential to expand one's network, especially in college. When I say meet people I mean meet people of all cultures. I have noticed during my time at OSU that Latinos tend to associate solely with other Latinos. I totally understand how much easier it may be to initiate a con-versation with someone of the same background or heritage, but broadening your horizons and talking to people of different cultures will prepare you for interactions that you will encounter in the real world.

Elsie Vega, Master's in Social WorkSan Juan, TX

My career plans are to return home to Texas. I am primar-ily interested in working with child welfare and have a strong affinity to working with children in the range of early to middle childhood who have special needs. My goal is to become a school social worker after I gain the necessary experience from working in child welfare for a few years. One of my ideal projects would be combine my passion for social work with my love of baking. I would enjoy running a therapy group for kids ages 4-9 that incor-porates teaching kids how to bake as a therapeautic tool.

Anastasia Destinee Martinez, English Pre-Education, Minor in Latino StudiesCleveland, OH

I plan on working for Teach For America after graduation while working toward a Master of Arts in Teaching at The University of North Carolina-Charlotte. In the future I hope to develop my teaching skills while in an English high school teaching position and later work toward a PhD.

Robert Armendariz, SociologyChicago, IL

I am most prouid of going to a big state research school and the effect it has had on my educational development and ability to contribute to the community. Almost every month you hear about student assistantships or how Gordon Gee and other administra-tors are trying to improve our school. They are very open on how much they want to make this school one of the top universities in the nation. It gives you a great sense of motivation to advance your own education, contribute to your discipline, and OSU. As a student it’s important to weigh all of your options and be aggressive: go to job fairs, talk to multiple departments that you are considering majoring in so you can make an informed decisions. I know many Latino/a students feel pressured by their families to do the cliché doctor or lawyer route. Still, thirty or forty years down the line, you want to be able to say "I chose a career because its what I wanted and have thrived in." Make sure your major can deliver on its promises; be proactive in making sure it can work for you. In short, use your head, but make sure your heart always keeps you coming back. I think that is how you know you've chosen the right path.

Matilde Arroyo, Master of Health AdministrationTennessee

Most rewarding about my time at Ohio State: obtaining the Lachner award, meeting new people, and learning about the healthcare industry. My goals are to grow professionally and build my own business. My advice to others: read as much as you can—knowledge is power—and make sure you to develop a competi-tive advantage that leverages your position in the market.

Levy A. Reyes, PhD Biomedical SciencePhoenix, AZ

While I was a studious graduate student, I still allowed myself to experience the Buckeye traditions. Jumping in Mirror Lake for the Michigan game, going to tailgates, involving myself with campus clubs, attending OUAB sponsored events and going to football and basketball games all gave me that great Buckeye experience. I am happy I came to Ohio State and cherish the great traditions I will take with me always. Every time I hear “Carmen Ohio” I will remember the campus, the people, and the memories I made here.

Alexis del Sol, Dance MFANew Jersey

I did many things that I was scared of. I travelled to Cuba by myself, four times! I wrote grants and won them to support my research. I taught ballet with a live accompanist. I collaborated with three amazing Latina artists to create a show that was per-formed at the Wexner Center.

Blanca Ruiz, Speech and Hearing ScienceWauchula, Florida, United States

The most rewarding thing about attending Ohio State for me has definitely been the opportunity to meet a huge variety of diverse people. Ohio State brings together many people from all over the world. We, as a populous, make part of this diverse group. By communicating our differences, we realize that we share so much in common. This experience has definitely been reward-ing for me. After graduation I plan to further my education in the nursing field. I have always been interested in the medical profes-sion and hope to fulfill this goal in the near future. I enjoy interact-ing and meeting new people. This career will definitely introduce me to a diverse population and new experiences. Knowing that I can make a difference in people's lives by aiding them in any way I can brings me great satisfaction. I plan to continue my career in this field and hopefully become part of a hospital where I know helping people will be part of my job.

www.quepasa.osu.edu Summer Semester 2012 13

Spring 2012 Graduates

Associate’s DegreesName Citizen Degree Major

Chanfrau, Victoria USA AA English

Lesch, Anna USA AA Early & Mid Child Education

Martin del Campo, Jesus USA AA Dairy Production & Mgt

Powers, Rosa USA AA Early & Mid Child Education

Ricci, Gabrielle USA AA Zoology

Velasquez, Lydia USA AA Biology

Bachelor’s Degrees Name Citizen Degree Major

Acosta, Laura USA BA Chemical Engineering

Aguilar, Angelica USA BA Speech Pathology

Aguirre-Moreno, Jazmin USA BS Edu Policy and Leadership

Alvarez, Bianca USA BS Molecular Genetics

Alzate, Federico COL BS Social Work

Amador Lastra, Thalia MEX BA International Studies

Amaya, Andres HND BS Pharmacy

Arvizu, Andrea USA BS Intl Business Administration

Balderas, Andrew USA BS Computer Science & Eng

Barcos, Silvina ARG BS Intl Business Administration

Barker, Jonathan USA BA Linguistics

Barranada, Zeboney USA BS Human Resources

Baylor, Anna USA BA Sociology

Beltran, Daniella USA BS Architecture

Beltran, Ricardo USA BS Accounting

Benitez, Cristina USA BS Finance

Berrios, Jenan USA BS Edu Teaching and Learning

Bervejillo Jones, Guillermo USA BS International Studies

Bill, Victoria USA BS Performance

Bleasdale, Deborah USA BS Food, Agriculture & Bio Eng

Bonacci, Krysten USA BA Spanish

Boone, Jessica USA BFA Dance

Boyd, Nicholas USA BA International Studies

Bramlage, Michelle USA BS Human Resources

Bruner, Jake USA BA Criminology

Bruno, Noelle USA BA Political Science

Bueno, David USA BS Civil Engineering

Buenrostro, Elizabeth USA BS Biology

Burgos, Cynthia USA BS Psychology

Cabrera, Juan MEX BS Human Resources

Capetillo, Jeremy USA BS Dentistry

Carrillo, Sandra USA BA Psychology

Carvajal, German USA BA Political Science

Caso, Adrian USA BA International Studies

Castle, Armandina USA BS Nursing

Castro, Juan USA BA Communication

Clark, Alexandra USA BA Math

Coello, Alexander USA BS Finance

Colina, Raquel USA BS Biochemistry

Colson, David USA BS Actuarial Science

Contreras, Britni USA BS Human Dev & Family Science

Contreras, Rolando USA BS Mechanical Engineering

Cortes, Aaron USA BS Respiratory Therapy

Cuba, Alejandro PER BS Marketing

Czaplicki, Lauren USA BS Environmental Engineering

Del Rosso, Mark-Antony USA BS Human Dev & Family Science

Delgado, Aaron USA BS Biology

Diaz, Nicholas USA BS Operations Management

Diaz, Jacob USA BS Medical Laboratory Science

Dokos, Theodore USA BS Math

Dominguez, Neysa USA BS Biology

Doughtry, Benjamin USA BS Computer & Info Science

Du, Yue BLZ BS Accounting

Edwards, Andrew USA BS Computer Science & Eng

Escobedo, Paloma USA BA Communication

Espinosa Martinez, Gabriel PAN BS Chemistry

Espinoza, Issac USA BA Criminology

Fernandes, Sormane BRA BA International Studies

Fernandez, Robert USA BA Criminology

Fernandez, Ilse USA BS Chemical Engineering

Fernandez, Allura USA BS Health Info Mang & Systems

Figueroa Gonzalez, Karla USA BA Comparative Studies

Fontes, Adrian USA BA International Studies

Fourman, Nathan USA BS Logistics Management

Francus, Andrew USA BS Risk Management & Insurance

Gaines, Michelle USA BA Psychology

Gallay, Cyrana USA BA International Studies

Garcia, Kaitlyn USA BA Chemistry

Garcia, Raul USA BA Spanish

Garcia, Monica USA BA English

Garza, Victoria USA BS Chemistry

Gil, Alexander USA BA Economics

Gonzales, Steven USA BS Biology

Gonzalez, Scott USA BS Accounting

Gonzalez, Marissa USA BS Zoology

Gould-Saltman, Cameron USA BS Finance

Grisales, Sebastian COL BS Construction Systems Mgt

Groot, Andrew USA BS Computer & Info Science

Guarneros, Cassandra USA BA Speech & Hearing

Guevara, Miguel USA BA Political Science

Gutierrez, Luis MEX BS Marketing

Gutierrez, Braulio USA BS Landscape Architecture

Gutierrez del Arroyo, Jose USA BS Elec & Computer Engineering

Haddock, Michael USA BA Communication

Harlan, Jessica USA BS Biochemistry

Henderson, Jazmen USA BA Theatre

Hernandez, Megan USA BA Comparative Studies

Hernandez, Markus USA BA International Studies

Hickman, Carlos USA BS Agribusiness & Appl Econ

Higuera Rodriguez, Ana COL BS Intl Business Administration

Howell, Derek USA BS Animal Science

Huezo, Rafael USA BA Communication

Iacovone, Nicholas USA BS Finance

Jara, Karina USA BS Human Dev & Family Science

Jones, Elizabeth USA BA International Studies

Kochheiser, Nancy USA BS Early & Mid Child Education

La Rosa, William PER BS Actuarial Science

Laird, Sara USA BA Film Studies

Larenas, Derek USA BA Japanese

14

Bachelor's Degrees (continued)Name Citizen Degree Major

Lash, Kelly USA BA Psychology

Levanduski, Kristi USA BA Anthropology

Long, Angela USA BS Environmental Science

Lopez, Lauren USA BA Biochemistry

Lopez, Amanda USA BS Fashion & Retail Studies

Lowry, Catherine USA BS Nursing

Lucio, Karissa USA BS Biology

Lucy, Christina USA BS Elec & Computer Engineering

Mace, Marianella USA BA International Studies

Maestas, Nicole USA BS Animal Science

Marowitz, Michelle USA BS Nursing

Martin, Thomas USA BA International Studies

Martin, Johanni HND BA Biology

Martinez, Anastasia USA BA English

Martinez, Jimmy USA BS Construction Systems Mgt

Martinez, Manuel USA BS Health Science

McPherson, Sarah USA BA Biology

Meadows, Irene USA BA English

Medrano, Karisa USA BS Radiologic Sci and Therapy

Melendez, Samantha USA BA Biology

Melvin, Elena USA BS Architecture

Mena, Joshua USA BS Biomedical Engineering

Mendoza, Juan MEX BS Biochemistry

Menendez, Jason USA BS Marketing

Meyers, Joseph USA BS Medicine

Molina, Mallory USA BS Astronomy & Astrophysics

Mook, Joseph USA BME Music Education

Mora, Vincent USA BA Economics

Mora, Maria USA BS Medicine

Morales-Dvorak, Christina USA BS Human Dev & Family Science

Moran, Saegan USA BFA Art

Moss-Masaquiza, Gabriel USA BS Landscape Architecture

Mudarth, Michelle USA BA History of Art

Mull, Vincent USA BA Psychology

Muller-Cooper, Carla VEN BA Speech & Hearing

Nadro, Nicole USA BA History

Navarro, Ali USA BA Edu Teaching and Learning

Ng Zheng, Jorge PAN BA Pharmacy

Novello, Nicholas USA BS Elec & Computer Engineering

Ortega-Simo, Jaime USA BA Journalism

Ortiz, Mallory USA BS Health Science

Otero, Christina USA BA Law

Pedrozo, Tomas USA BS Marketing

Pereira de Almeida, Isabel USA BA French

Perez, Julio USA BS Architecture

Phero, Heidi USA BA Intl Business Administration

Price, Mark USA BA Geography

Puente, Kevin USA BA Arabic

Quinche, Andres COL BA International Studies

Razek, Brittany USA BA Criminology

Reed, Karen USA BS Biology

Rhoden, Abigail USA BA Communication

Rivas, Astrid USA BA Communication

Rivera, Gina USA BS Human Dev & Family Science

Rojo-Carrillo, Laura VEN BS Marketing

Rokicki, Kurt USA BS Industrial & Systems Eng

Ruiz, Blanca USA BA Speech & Hearing

Sall, Maximilian USA BS Consumer and Family Finance

Sandoval, Rachel USA BS Industrial Design

Santamaria, Erik USA BA English

Santiago, Sara USA BA Geography

Sarmina, Michael USA BS Accounting

Segarra, Rachel USA BS Radiologic Sci and Therapy

Seiler, Elizabeth USA BA Edu Teaching and Learning

Silbiger, Dylan USA BS Chemical Engineering

Silverblatt, Emma USA BS Architecture

Solis, Andrea USA BA Psychology

Sotelo, Daniel USA BS Finance

Spates, Vanessa USA BA Journalism

Spiegel, Joshua USA BS Biology

Sprockel, Abigail USA BS Biochemistry

Stone, Elliot USA BA International Studies

Suarez, Richard USA BS Economics

Sullivan, Matthew USA BS Agricultural Systems Mgt

Swisher, Liane USA BS Environment & Natural Res

Tang, Valerie USA BS Social Work

Tebben, Zacharias USA BS Economics

Tijerina, Joslyn USA BS Zoology

Trevino, Daniel USA BA International Studies

Trujillo, Kimberly COL BS Radiologic Sci and Therapy

Turner, Kevin USA BS Architecture

Umana, Steven USA BS Law

Valdez, Luis USA BA Communication

Verdin, Matthew USA BA Comparative Studies

Villanueva, Maria ARG BA Intl Business Administration

Villarroel, Wladimiro USA BA Spanish

Villasmil, Diego USA BA International Stds

Weber, Veronica USA BS Health Science

Weston, Alexa USA BS Finance

Winkler, Anthony USA BA History

Woolf, James USA BA Japanese

Woten, Kimberly USA BS Consumer and Family Finance

Yejo, Randy USA BA Psychology

Zavala, Jerry USA BA Film Studies

Zavala, Jose USA BS Economics - Business

Master's DegreesName Citizen Degree Major

Adkisson, Tory USA MFA English

Alvarez Araya, Javier CRI MBA MBA

Alza, Jairo PER MS Civil Engineering

Amaya, Peter USA MS Biomed Engineering

Araya Salvo, Claudia Lorena CHL MS Astronomy

Armendariz, Robert USA MA Sociology

Arroyo, Matilde USA Master Health Management & Policy

Barwari, Vian USA MA Edu Policy & Leadership

Borror, Danielle USA MPA Public Policy & Management

Broshious, Ashley USA Master Edu Teaching and Learning

Bueno, Daniel COL MBA MBA

Carrillo, Aurelio USA MBA MBA

Casablanca, Carlos USA MBA MBA

Caveda, Ashley USA MFA English

Chavez, Natividad USA MS Nursing

Ciprian, Kimberly USA Master Law

www.quepasa.osu.edu Summer Semester 2012 15

Master's Degrees (continued)Name Citizen Degree Major

Clark, Carmen USA Master Edu Teaching and Learning

Colin, Jazmin USA MA English

Crespo Batalla, Esteban CRI MBA MBA

Del Sol, Alexis USA MFA Dance

Dominguez, Sara USA MA East Asian Studies

Dorrance, James USA Master Finance

Douglas, Christina USA MS Nursing

Espinosa, Dominic USA MA Linguistics

Garcia, Anna USA Master City & Regional Planning

Garcia Blizzard, Monica USA MA Spanish & Portuguese

Gordillo, Luis USA Master Finance

Green, Marisol USA Master Edu Teaching and Learning

Grubb, Jonathan USA Master Architecture

Gutierrez, Duren USA MS Nursing

Gutierrez, Angelica USA Master Edu Teaching and Learning

Hill, Kim USA Master Labor & Human Resources

Kerr, Justin USA MS Nursing

Lettenberger, Cayla USA MSW Social Work

Lopez Alonzo, Karen NIC MA Spanish & Portuguese

Mas, Amanda USA MA Edu Policy & Leadership

Meza, Carmen USA MA English

Munoz, Victoria USA MA English

Orozco, Joanna USA MSW Social Work

Padilla, Benjamin USA MS Environment & Natural Res

Palacio, Derek USA MFA English

Panzeri, Emily USA MSW Social Work

Pasos, Norajill USA MSW Social Work

Pena, Paloma USA MSW Social Work

Perez Rivera, Alina GTM MS Allied Medicine

Pineiro, Angela USA Master Edu Teaching and Learning

Pujol, Jaime CRI Master City & Regional Planning

Ramos, Marina USA Master Accounting

Ribeiro, Bruno BRA MFA Design

Riederer, Caitlyn USA Master Labor & Human Resourses

Rivera-Cerezo, Mei-Ling USA MSW Social Work

Ruiz, Alexandra USA Master Architecture

Rutherford, Andrea USA MS Mol Cellular & Dev Biology

Salinas, Jaime BOL MA Spanish & Portuguese

San Agustin, Leah USA Master Health Management & Policy

Sandoval, Elizabeth USA MA History of Art

Santos, Ibsen BRA MFA Theatre

Smith, Charles USA Master Finance

Sosa, Julie USA MBA MBA

Torres, Michelle USA MS Geological Sciences

Vasquez, Alison USA MFA Theatre

Vega, Elsie USA MSW Social Work

Wilson, Tanya USA Master Edu Teaching and Learning

Woeste, Andre USA MA Phy Activities & Edu Services

Wolford, Carl USA MBA MBA

Doctoral DegreesName Citizen Degree Major

Abreu, Alejandro USA JD Law

Alghothani, Lana USA MD Medicine

Anderson, Mike USA PHD Bus iness Administration

Bello, Brian USA MD Medicine

Bernal, Blanca ESP PHD Environment & Natural Res

Blanco, Caroline USA JD Law

Burton, Ashley USA DDS Dentistry

Carloni, Jamie USA DVM Veterinary Medicine

Cosgriff-Hernandez, Meghan-Tomasita USA PHD Anthropology

Da Gloria, Pedro Jose BRA PHD Anthropology

Davila, Denise USA PHD Edu Teaching and Learning

Diego Rivera Hernandez, Raul MEX PHD Spanish & Portuguese

Feria-Arias, Enrique MEX MD Medicine

Ferrey, Antoney USA MD Medicine

Flynn, Matthew USA MD Medicine

Garcia, Sierra USA OD Optometry

Gonzalez, Roberto USA DVM Veterinary Medicine

Guzman, Nicole USA PHD Chemical Engineering

Hajek, Christine USA PHD Psychology

Hernandez, Lorraine USA JD Chemistry

Hookway, Catherine USA JD Public Policy & Management

Inoa, Ernesto DOM PHD Electrical Engineering

Isabella, Andrea USA JD Law

Jacky, Alejandro USA PHD Spanish & Portuguese

Knoerzer, Larecia USA Pharm Pharmacy

Lagos, Lisa USA JD Public Policy & Management

Lautar,Daniel USA JD Law

Layba, Cathline USA MD Medicine

Lindsey, Blake USA DDS Dentistry

Lopez, Justin USA JD Law

Martinez, Antonio USA MD Medicine

Muniz, Richard USA JD Law

Nave, Renata BRA PHD Horticulture & Crop Science

Perrino, Carmen USA MD Medicine

Prats, Michael USA MD Medicine

Prestwich, Brendon USA DDS Dentistry

Reyes, Levy USA PHD Integrated Biomedical Science

Rios, Bernardo USA PHD Anthropololgy

Roman, Kenny USA PHD Integrated Biomedical Science

Sciortino, Ryan USA JD Law

Torres, Michael USA DMA Music

Torres-Garcia, Jose USA MD Health Management & Policy

Trejo, Brock USA MD Medicine

Vargas, Sylvia USA PHD Edu Policy & Leadership

Winton, Lisa USA MD Medicine

Zaldivar-Lopez, Sara ESP PHD Comp & Veterinary Medicine

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