El Futuro Eres Tu



A University is a place to learn. We learn by class lectures, lab experiments, research papers and of course through our interaction with other students, faculty and staff. When I joined the Ohio State family in the summer of 2001 I found an institution committed to learning through diversity. Inside and outside of the classroom all opinions are valued and contribute to the enhancement of the University experience.

Hispanic students have a strong support system available at Ohio State and I am proud to have been part of it since my arrival in Columbus almost three years ago. Last autumn from the collaboration between Hispanic Student Services, the Multicultural Center, and the Diversity Services Office began the weekly discussion series "El Futuro Eres Tu." One of the main objectives for this group is to provide a place for Hispanic students to meet each other and discuss, in an informal relaxed setting, events related to their academic and personal development. It is also an opportunity to develop relationships with University faculty and staff.

Past topics this year have included a discussion on the terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" and what it means to be part of this culture at this moment on campus and in the country; a conversation on race and ethnicity; a dialogue on war and its implications for our future; as well as lengthy chats about OSU majors. Additionally, every other week we have "Food for Thought," an open topic evening where we enjoy refreshments and talk about any issue the students bring.

"El Futuro Eres Tu" celebrates the diversity of the Hispanic culture and is enriched by the contributions of non-Hispanic students; thus the discussion is open to everyone and all contributions are welcome.

For more information feel free to contact me at arias.11@osu.edu or Carmen Alvarez-Breckenridge at breckenridge.1@osu.edu. You may also visit http://www.usas.ohio-state.edu/dso for a description of past discussions and upcoming events.