Will and Veronica found support in the Latino group that Dr. Ana Berríos runs at the Younkin Success Center. Their success shows how a concrete resource available for Latino students can make them feel connected to OSU and help them to become successful.

Will Heilbut

Major: Biochemistry
Country of origin: Born in Miami, FL; raised in Colombia
In the US: 4 years: 3 years in Columbus, 1 year in Dallas

Challenges you faced?

Nobody was there to support me financially. I couldn’t get involved in the university life. I had my own apartment, had full financial responsibilities and commuted every day to work and school. I held a full time job as a department manager in a retail store and had many responsibilities. As soon as I moved on campus and was able to focus more on my studies instead of my job, things started to look up. The lack of a support group at the beginning of my freshman year, since I lived by myself, proved to be challenging. My parents still live in Colombia and it is expensive to call them, so I seldom spoke to them.

What helped you to adapt?

The most helpful thing in adapting has been getting involved in the university. After I moved to the dormitories, I still had to work because I had financial responsibilities and bills to pay, which, with classes, left little time for anything else. After I did research in the Summer of 2003, I took on an RA job. Having a life/job IN the university made a big difference. The financial responsibilities, although still there, are not as visible. Financial aid pressure is off my back and that has helped me to think more about my career than just about surviving. Involvement has made me more comfortable in the university.

Veronica Yoo

Major: Economics and International Studies
Country of origin: Argentina
In the US: 2 and a half years

Challenges you faced?

I guess one of the biggest challenges when coming to OSU was trying to adapt to the large body of students. I also had to get used to new teaching and learning techniques which were quite different to those used in my home country.

What helped you to adapt?

Getting involved is one of the best ways to deal with the adaptation process. Especially in my Freshman year, I tried to get into as many student organizations and campus activities I could. Once you get involved, you feel that you are part of the whole community at OSU, and having that sense of belonging is what makes adaptation a lot easier and better. I’ve also tried to take advantage of all the free services that OSU has to offer. Many students are not aware of all the resources that exist on campus with the main purpose of aiding students in their college experience. Either a counselor, an advisor or a tutor, there’s always going to be someone to help you.