How are you doing?
This question likely brings to mind different thoughts and emotions ... Some are very positive, while others are very challenging. I would like to offer you the opportunity to make a choice while at OSU.

For many years, I have been leading different Latino groups on campus. I have seen students searching for their identities, asking who they are and who they want to be. I’ve seen the value of decision making and the power of a group when students join each other to walk the college journey. I’ve seen different academic activities being created, as well as fun social events. I’ve seen students selecting majors, careers, jobs, graduate school, partners, lifestyles... I’ve shared with them their fears and enthusiasm, their goals and needs, their mistakes and successes, their frustrations and need for tolerance. Each year, new members share their experiences and create a sense of belonging, discovering that -indeed- they ARE the group. They realize they have a common bond and share a common identity. We listen to our experiences and, together, we create memorable stories.

When I think about the group’s outcomes, I see the value and importance of support and connectedness. I see students networking and becoming more knowledgeable about academic and non-academic services. I see young students investing in themselves, respecting human differences, and learning how to coexist with different world views… I see them accepting the challenge of making choices about themselves, both personally and professionally. I see students becoming more involved at OSU and with the Latino organizations. I see students in leadership positions, both on campus and within the Columbus community. I see students performing better. I see retention and graduation rates increase. I share with parents their best wishes and desire to see their children succeed at OSU.

Our group experience pays special attention to major and career exploration processes, as well as to personal achievements and other college environmental concerns. I believe that having clear career goals and a sense of direction will make you feel more committed to concrete and realistic educational and personal goals. Your overall experience in college and successful move to the job market will be greatly eased when you can count on excellent friends and resources at OSU. Why should a student join our group? In my experience, students should join simply because they will be able to create valuable opportunities and connections. My sincere hope is that next time you are asked, “How are you doing?” you know you can share…

Dr. Ana C. Berríos-Allison is a Career Counselor within Career Connection. For more information about this program or to make an appointment with Dr. Berríos-Allison, you can call 688-3898 or e-mail her at berrios.7@osu.edu. You do not need to be a Latino student to join the group. The group meets every Thursday at 3:30 -5:00 in the Younkin Success Center room 224.