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What have been some of the challenges to getting a degree?

The challenges to getting my degree have been financial burdens; my family has been very supportive of me getting a degree. However, they haven't been able to provide much financial support.

I also experienced a culture shock when I first arrived to the university and walked into my first class. I couldn't believe the lack of diversity on this campus. It was very difficult to pay attention in classes when I noticed how few minority students there were in my classes. It was quite a challenge to overcome. I think this was a greater challenge than anything else, knowing that I was the only Mexican woman in a class. The University of Idaho has a lot to do to improve on in this aspect.

What is the most rewarding experience you have had?

I've had a lot of wonderful experiences throughout my time at the University of Idaho.

Getting awarded the Outstanding Freshman/ Valkyries Award [presented to freshmen who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, academic achievement, and who are committed to serving the university community] meant a lot to me. It inspired me to keep moving forward. I've learned a lot through my involvement with organizations. I've truly grown as a leader as a result.

It's been rewarding starting a group and working three years until becoming a sorority. That has to be the most rewarding, because bringing our chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha to University of Idaho meant opening a chapter in a new state and now there is a chapter at the Lewis-Clark State College and it was us - Delta Eta from the University of Idaho - that helped them accomplish this goal.

I've had an amazing time being a PACE Mentor and helping other students in their transition just as someone once helped me.

I am a McNair Scholar [a program designed to increase the attainment of the Ph.D. by students from underrepresented segments of society] and this has truly helped me in my educational experience. I've had the opportunity to visit many graduate schools and work on a research project that I'm extremely proud of. I was the TRiO Achiever last year and it's been amazing to get such recognition because I only do what I'm in college to do and that is learn and be the best that I can.

Another rewarding experience was going to Waveland, Miss., last year for the Alternative Service Break. I enjoyed being able to help with the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. That was an experience that I shared with many University of Idaho students and I'll never forget working together to help a community in need.

It's been extremely rewarding being in McNair, getting involved with Student Support Services who've contributed greatly to my success, and having wonderful professors such as Dr. Debbie Storrs [associate professor of sociology] and Dr. Traci Craig [assistant professor in psychology and communication studies and anthropology], Dr. John Mihelich [assistant professor of anthropology, sociology and American studies] and Dr. Margaret Salazar [associate professor of Spanish] to mention a few.

The University is trying to make itself more appealing to minorities and people from diverse backgrounds. How can it work to accomplish this goal?

By offering financial assistance and by helping the existing organizations, such as CAMP, Lambda Theta Alpha, OELA, PACE and others, because these organizations draw in the minority students.

When I looked into coming to the University of Idaho, the first questions I asked were, "What multicultural organizations exist on this campus? What Latino organizations? What scholarships? Is there a multicultural office?"

This is what is most important to me and I think to other minority students as well. Knowing that CAMP and the Office of Multicultural Affairs existed on campus was such a factor when I made my decision to attend the University of Idaho. But then I got to campus and saw that there were only one or two students of color in my classes.

I believe that more and more minority students are coming to campus as CAMP allows more students in and as OMA works on recruitment, but these efforts need to come from other offices as well.

Another thing that needs to be done is that when cultural events are advertised on campus the university needs to get involved. For example, Cinco de Mayo is an event put on by Latino students. It doesn't benefit only Latinos, so why is it that very few people attend these events? The administration should be there supporting it, ASUI [Associated Students of the University of Idaho] representatives should be there. Otherwise the culture at the university remains the same.

It's important to become culturally competent about many cultures, not just your own. We put on these events to educate people about our culture and to promote it, so that others can appreciate it and respect it, just as we appreciate and respect others, but we don't want to be the only ones there.

Most importantly, the University of Idaho needs to have more minority staff, more female professors, more Mexican professors. We need to be represented.

I've had a wonderful time at the University. There are certainly improvements that need to be worked on, but I'm a proud VANDAL! I've treasured my time at the University of Idaho!

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