Rachel Ramirez-Hammond

¡Echale ganas! (Keep it up!) This edition should find you well rested after a break and ready to get back to work. The first stage of the academic year is done. Hopefully, you are starting to feel comfortable with the new environment, the new pace, and even if you are returning to Ohio State, the changes that have occurred in you and your surroundings since your previous year here. Now is the time to concentrate on doing well and getting ready for what is coming next.

In my eight years of university experience, winter has always felt different. The change in weather inevitably impacts routines and schedules. View Juan Sanchez’s article to find ways to not only survive the winter, but embrace and enjoy the season. This edition of ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? has focused on issues of preparation for upcoming events in your life, and how to be ready for the future. It includes information on undergraduate research, which can help you take advantage of all Ohio State has to offer and also find direction for the future. Check out the article on graduate school, which highlights some of the advantages of taking your education to the next level. Do yourself a favor and do not make plans to live off campus or sign a lease without reading the article on off campus housing and what you need to know. Be aware of critical financial aid deadlines that happen much earlier in the year than you might expect. The financial aid office has provided you with important information and tips as to how to best manage your future financial aid packages. Finally, read the article about relationship abuse, which impacts many college students. Making smart and safe decisions sets you up for a happy and healthy future.

One of the most enjoyable parts of my job at ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? is getting to meet Latin@s at Ohio State who are doing fascinating research, projects, or other work. Our profiles tell you about a professor of optometry, a graduate student in soil management, and an undergraduate glass artist, each of which are contributing to their own academic disciplines and the wider campus community. Qué Pasa also features a story about Columbus Department of Public Service Director Henry Guzmán, a Puerto Rican who is mayor in Columbus while Mayor Mike Coleman is out of town. Read about Cuban exile Rafael Saumell-Muñoz’s experiences, both in Cuba and in the United States.

Finally, Silvia Mata, an Ohio State student from a migrant-worker family, shares her touching, powerful story in our new section, Mi Experiencia. I was moved to tears when reading of her determination, dedication and drive to overcome many powerful obstacles and barriers to be a student at Ohio State. Silvia’s story reminds us of what we take for granted, and Silvia’s spirit shines through her story. It is a honor to have the opportunity to share her story with you.

This quarter has been full of new experiences, challenges, events, and people. Qué Pasa also welcomes a new staff member, Giovana Covarrubias, to our team. She is a new first year student, and will be helping us with the magazine and website.

This edition of ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? is my first as editor, and it has been a joy and pleasure (and a lot of hard work) to watch it evolve from ideas to this magazine you hold in your hands. I hope that all of you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together!