Not so long ago, Maria Morones and Erica Lerma were complete strangers. The former, the Program Coordinator of the Transitional High School Preparation Program at Chicago Commons –New City – Comprehensive Services; the latter, the chair of UCHO and the Associate Member Educator for Alpha Psi Lambda (also the ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? Food Reviewer.)
Morones made an inquiry last quarter. She wanted to bring a dozen high school juniors and seniors from Chicago’s Inner City Schools to visit Ohio State University. Lerma stepped up to the plate.
Quickly working through e-mail conversations, they decided on a plan to bring the students to campus and give them a memorable visit of Buckeye Country.
On Friday April 18, 2003, the African-American and Hispanic students, accompanied by Maria Morones, Tanya Leon and a few parents, arrived at Ohio Union were they were received by host students who took them to their homes for the night. A reception dinner and a movie followed.
On Saturday the students toured the campus and residence halls, and were given presentations regarding the admission process and the student organizations. After a barbeque lunch the students were encouraged to engage in vivid discussion during a question and answer panel.
To summarize the visit, Lucille Chenhalls, photography major and member of Alpha Psi Lambda said, “It was a great opportunity to have outsiders come in to see a typical day full of activities on campus. It was a wonderful experience, and I would like to see us do it again next year.”