Matthew Camacho-Edwards, Department of the Navy - Office of the General Council.

Coming to OSU was my first experience outside of my home in California. It was a time of adjustment not only to the academic rigors of graduate school, but also to the unpredictable weather, the distance from family, and from a decent Mexican taquería. However, I was fortunate enough to work in the Office of Hispanic Student Services, which gave me the opportunity to network with other Latin@s and students of color, and to help create quality programming for Latin@s.

After leaving OSU, I worked for a business consulting company in California, but a downturn in the economy and a family tragedy turned my focus back to my lifetime dream of becoming a lawyer. Thus, I applied and was accepted to the Syracuse University College of Law in New York.

After graduation, I was offered a position with the Navy Office of the General Counsel (OGC) in my home state of California. Navy OGC is comprised of civilian lawyers who provide legal advice to the Navy.

My advice to Latin@s, based on my own experience, is don’t be afraid to venture out and embrace a new opportunity, even if it is far from home. If you are a student here, know that you are attending a world-class institution, but don’t settle, go after your highest goals with all you’ve got — and good things are sure to come.