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“The Latino Exploration Day at Â鶹ÊÓƵ was an incredible experience for our first-generation students, providing them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in college life. Throughout the day, students were able to explore the campus, engage with current university students and staff, and learn about academic programs and resources available to support their success. For many, this was their first time stepping onto a college campus, allowing them to envision themselves as future college students. The event was both inspiring and empowering, as it gave our students valuable insights into the college experience and the confidence to pursue higher education.”

“This year was MILPA’s (Movement of Immigrant Leaders in PA) first time participating in the Latino Exploration Program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity. The program helped students from our Youth Committee better understand and prepare for the college application process. Having Latino university students and faculty who could connect with our high school students gave them the confidence to see that higher education is possible for families like ours. It also got them excited about the possibility of being part of the learning community at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. The program was not only informative but also so much fun, and we will definitely be back in future years!”

“Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Latino Exploration Day was a huge success! Being a part of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Latino Exploration Day was so much fun! There have been hundreds of students from all over the world on our campus to explore all that we have to offer. The students were engaged with faculty and presenters throughout the university. As a faculty member and Latina myself, it was awesome to get to meet and interact with students with similar backgrounds.“

“Over the last few years, I have realized that Â鶹ÊÓƵ is truly my home far away from home. I am a Crimson Hawk at heart. Everything, from the professors who teach us to the many organizations on campus, has made my time at Â鶹ÊÓƵ unforgettable. I have grown tremendously and that is thanks to everything Â鶹ÊÓƵ has offered me.

“Although many might not like it, accounting was definitely the major that spoke to me. I took four years of it in high school and fell in love with it. I continued to learn more about it at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, thanks to the tremendous professors at Eberly and the Business Honors program. The Business Honors program has provided me with many amazing opportunities to network, as well as a cohort that feels like a family to me. While studying accounting, I became interested in the technology that is used in the field and quickly realized that it is an essential skill that I could pick up during my time at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. With this realization, I asked around Eberly and stumbled upon Management Information Systems (MIS). I added it as a second major, and, with this, I got my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.

“Besides being heavily involved in my coursework, I tried to be heavily involved outside the classroom. I got involved with the Latino Student Organization (LaSO) on campus my freshman year, and I was the vice president of the organization. We’re always working on finding ways to have more Latinx students involved on campus and promoting cultural awareness at Â鶹ÊÓƵ while working with other student organizations. Other organizations I have been getting involved with included the Student Accounting Association (SAA), which has provided many opportunities for business majors like me, the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), whose goal is similar to that of the SAA while helping underrepresented groups on campus. I also participated in ROTC, which has taught me much discipline, taught me the importance of teamwork, and provided me with some unforgettable friends and memories.

“At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, the possibilities are endless. However, you decide your path and what your future will be. You must always seek opportunities and put in the work, rather than do the bare minimum to get by. Learn outside of the classroom; self-education can get you places you never thought of. Get to know your professors, as they all can provide you with wisdom and opportunities. An accounting professor of mine presented me with an opportunity to intern at a firm I dreamt of working for, so I seized the opportunity, and I am forever grateful. I am grateful for the opportunities, memories, and friendships Â鶹ÊÓƵ has provided me with. I strive to become a better person each day, and I hope to be able to help others along the way.”

“Walking into my first LED event felt like stepping into the unknown. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was driven by a real desire to make students feel welcome and supported. I wanted to give them a clear picture of what college life is all about, the challenges, as well as the incredible opportunities that are out there. I genuinely believe LED is a fantastic resource, especially for Latino students. It gives them a chance to see firsthand that there’s a strong and welcoming Latino community here. It’s also about being honest about the experience at a PWI but emphasizing that no matter where they go, they’ll likely find a Latino student group ready to connect. Here at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, LED offers that connection right from the start, linking students with our Latino student organization, also known as LaSO. They get to meet other students who understand where they’re coming from and who’ve maybe faced similar issues. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re all in this together, supporting each other along the way.”

“When I first arrived at Â鶹ÊÓƵ (Â鶹ÊÓƵ), I was filled with mixed emotions and uncertainty. My introduction to Â鶹ÊÓƵ came through Latino Exploration Day (LED), a program that provided me with invaluable insights into the campus life and community. Although I came without specific expectations, I quickly learned so much from the students already enrolled. Their strong connection with the school, each other, and the broader Latino community was evident and inspiring.

“The Â鶹ÊÓƵ community, along with the support from various student organizations like the Latino Student Organization, played a crucial role in helping me feel at home. This sense of belonging and the reassurance from my peers and mentors gave me the confidence to embrace my college experience fully. It was within this nurturing environment that I found the courage to take on leadership roles. This opportunity allowed me to contribute to the community that had welcomed me and to help others find their place at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

“Â鶹ÊÓƵ has been a place where I have flourished both personally and professionally. I have been able to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and grow with the guidance of mentors and the support of peers who share similar experiences. While the journey may be challenging, there are ample resources, mentors, and supportive peers at Â鶹ÊÓƵ who are ready to guide and assist. I hope to play a role in helping others navigate their paths, just as I was helped along mine.”