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Meet Cecilia Alcalá Barajas, of Grandview, Wash., a newly minted alumna of the University of Idaho. She earned bachelor of arts degrees in sociology, criminal justice and Spanish. Barajas has a perspective on diversity at the university through her participation in the College Assistance Migrant Program, known as CAMP.

How did you learn about the University of Idaho?

My cousin Jaime Barajas, who now is an alumnus of the University of Idaho, invited me to attend the university for an event called Vandal Challenge, put on by the Organizacion de Estudiantes Latino Americanos (OELA). This organization puts on this event every year at the University of Idaho. I came and liked the university, and my cousin spoke great things about the University of Idaho.

What made you decide to attend?

I decided to attend because I had a good time when I visited the campus for Vandal Challenge; I really liked the students that I met. My cousin was studying there and then I got into CAMP and that was what really drew me in. I felt a sense of family from CAMP and I knew that I would like the university.

Was it a difficult decision to attend school after high school?

It wasn't difficult because I had a support system. I had CAMP and that was my family away from home. They helped me tremendously with my transition from high school to college. We had events, workshops and tutoring. CAMP provided information on many offices on campus. My cousin also gave me advice since he had already been at the university for two years. I also had a Peer Advising on the College Experience (PACE) mentor from the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).

What activities have you been involved in at the university?

I've been involved in many organizations and have held many leadership positions within them. I served as chair, co-chair and public relations officer for the Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha. I began the formation of this group at the University of Idaho and worked with other women until it became Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. in spring 2006; I also served as sorority president. I was a PACE mentor for two years and OELA secretary for a year. I also served as vice president for the College Assistant Migrant Program Organization of Students (CAMPOS), public relations officer for the Multicultural Students Organization and student co-chair for the Coalition of Diverse Voices.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I plan to attend law school after working for a year. I hope to study either public interest law or immigration law. Then I would like to work for a non-profit organization working with minorities or women - basically anyone who is underrepresented.

CAMP has a record number of graduates (28) this year. In your view, what does this say about the program?

I'm so excited to be a part of such a large graduating class! It says that CAMP works, that they are doing something very important for their students. CAMP is helping us succeed in college by providing us with all of the tools necessary to get through college. Having such a graduating class says that CAMP contributes to this success by providing us with tutors, transition courses, advising, guidance and assistance with whatever we need.

Over the years CAMP has been able to admit more students to the program, but only as many as funding has allowed, so it says that the students are coming to the university with a desire to succeed and they don't take this opportunity for granted. I know that I didn't take for granted being in the program. There are a select few that have been blessed with the opportunity of being part of the CAMP family and many have to be turned down because funding only allows for so many. I can assure you that CAMP has had a tremendous impact in my educational experience and I'm truly grateful.

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