Saturday, November 23, 2013

DUH DUH DUH DIVERSITY!

SO GUESS WHAT I WENT TO TODAY EVERYONE?! DIVERSITY DAY!!! It was BY FAR one of the BEST days of the year at USU so far! This event really hits close to home for me, so I couldn't resist, but to let you know all about it. Diversity Day happens every Fall semester at Utah State; it is an all-day event that invites multicultural students to visit campus and participate in motivational workshops, network with students, enjoy entertainment, and recognize the importance of obtaining a higher education. This year we had about 270 students attend and we had such a great turnout!
Eunice and Julia rockin' their Polynesian number during entertainment !
Fiefia's doing what they do best! 

My group leader was Anapesi and we were over the orange group! We had students from all over Utah and Idaho that were present, which was awesome! Not to mention that I reunited with my little sister Gissell, and I was so lucky to have her in my group! There's no doubt we showed these students what the life of an Aggie is all about and all of the great things they can accomplish here. But for real tho, group orange was where it was at all day!
My group leader Anapesi!

Duckface with my little sis at Diversity Day!
For many multicultural students, this is a very impactful event to come to. Many times students like us are doubted, judged, or have to overcome difficult circumstances to continue our education in college. Diversity Day gives life changing opportunities to students who interview and qualify for the Educational Opportunity Scholarship. It is such an incredible experience to witness these amazing moments of students receiving this award. We all couldn't help, but to shred a tear or two seeing the reactions of the scholarship recipients when they got  their names called to step up on stage. For me, being an Educational Opportunity Scholar made such a huge difference not only in my life, but in my family's. As a first generation college student, my goal was and continues to be to pursue my dreams of obtaining a four-year degree, be a role model to my younger sisters, and providing a better life for myself and my family.
USU Recruiters announcing Educational Opportunity Scholarship recipients

I took so much today from helping with Diversity Day this year and I'm so grateful to be able to participate in special events like this. This goes to show that we are all one happy Aggie family here at Utah State University, and we are all here to pursue one goal, attain a higher education. Thank you to everyone who came, and we look forward to seeing some future Aggies! #EXPANDYOURWORLD
DIVERSITY IS UNITY 

PEACE.

Alex

Sunday, November 3, 2013

FALL IS COMING TO AN END...

Hey Aggies! It's been a while!!! Espero que todos esten bien! The month of October just flew by super quick I feel like! Mixed feelings about finals getting closer and closer and the fall semester coming to an end, but I'm starting to get in that Christmas mood after having our first snow fall this year in Logan, UT! But let me fill you in on a few things I did this month!

First, I experienced MY FIRST HARRY POTTER ANYTHING! Growing up, my classmates in elementary, middle, and high school would always rage about Harry Potter and I never carried any interest for it. Every time I'm around any HP peeps, I usually just nod and smile to pretend like I know what they're talking about. To any of you readers whom I've done this to, I sincerely apologize, but you know I still love you. ANYYYYYWAYYYYY, just a couple weeks ago the Transfer Ambassadors threw the most wicked Harry Potter party I have ever witnessed! Get this, as soon as I walked in, I got a sweet decked out wand, then I took a picture with two LIVE owls, and we all got assigned to one of the four houses (team #ravenclaw baby)! We also had a magician, that literally blew everyone's minds away! It was crayyyyy!!! After this experience I've contemplated, and I think I'll give Harry Potter a try!



Laura and Cho Chang! Hollllaaaaaa







Next, I attended one of the happiest and cutest events this year. Two of my friends got married! I have been so fortunate to meet so many great people from the valley, and these two are such good friends. Colby and Kat hosted their wedding at the American West Heritage Center in the coolest barn I've ever been to and it looked just like a Pinterest wedding! The decorations, the ambiance, and the setting was just perfect. But like really tho, no joke, it was so neat and I'm pretty sure I'll be pinning this on one of my boards. There were also horse carriages that picked up you and dropped you off at the reception! Congrats you two!

Colby and Kat during their slow dance.

Arturo, Laura, Chris, Ale, and I at the wedding!
Continuamos with the Access & Diversity Center Halloween Party! Access & Diversity is on the third floor of the Taggart Student Center (TSC). For those of you who don't know what Access & Diversity Center (ADC) is, it helps diverse students at USU become better leaders, learners, and helps us work hard and value the opportunity we have of obtaining a higher education. The Latino Student Union put together a spooktacular Halloween event, inviting all students and other clubs in the ADC to celebrate, eat lots of pizza, play games, and more! Good work LSU!

#coolkids




Laura (LSU '12-13 VP), Mario, Me (LSU '12-13 President)
One of the biggest reasons for this party was to celebrate Mario Pereyra's birthday! Mario has been a HUGE part of Access & Diversity. He has helped many of us diverse students achieve a lot of our academic, leadership, and personal goals. Last week was his last week here as he has been given the opportunity to continue and pursue his educational and career goals at BYU. Thanks so much for everything you have helped us with Mario, words can't express all of our gratitude! We're gonna miss you so much, but as we all know, "ONCE AN AGGIE, ALWAYS AN AGGIE!" Best of luck!







Sandi looked beautiful!
And lastly, I finished off the month by taking a trip back home to Idaho for a very special event! In the Latino culture, one of the biggest traditions is QuinceaƱeras. A QuinceaƱera is when the daughter of a family turns fifteen, her family and friends host a very big celebration in in honor of her turning into a young woman. I love going to quinces because a) I love seeing my family and friends b) there's always great Mexican food and c) I love dancing Latin music!!! There is usually a "banda" or "conjunto" (musical groups) that play music during the "baile" (dance) for the entire event, so there is never time to stay seated! Everyone is literally dancing unitl the night is over. My dad's step sister, Sandra, had her quince this past Saturday and it was so much fun! I was so lucky to be a part of her celebration and be present in great festivity of my Mexican culture! Felicidades Sandi!

My sister Gissell and cousin Crystal dancing the night away!
 Until next time Aggies! Stay warm y cuidense!

PEACE.

Alex