Interview time! Whether you already had them or still got some late ones, this is often the last step in the application process, aren’t you relieved?

Some tips though- I know you have heard this before, but be yourself! Of course, you want to get cleaned up and dress nice but don’t feel like you have to put up a front and be someone you’re not. You want the school to want you for you. I remember for my Harvard interview, I was crazy nervous. While I was waiting, all kinds of thoughts were going through my head. Thoughts like, “They’re not going to like me because of the way I talk or look or smell or..” No, just kidding, I wasn’t worried about that last one haha.

When the time finally came, I took a deep breath and had a regular conversation with the guy! He was really nice and we talked about my experiences in high school and why I wanted to go Harvard. I shared my experiences as a first-generation college student amongst other things and I think I was able to really connect with him. I did my best to show my true self because if you try to act fake, they’ll be able to tell.

Look, you made it this far! There is no need to worry- prepare what they ask you to prepare, comb your hair, smell nice, and do you.

Now that you’ve finished interviews, focus in school, don’t slack off, and try to keep your mind off the letters. I know it’s hard but at this point, the only thing you can do is wait. Go out and do something in your community! That’ll help keep your mind off things haha.

Also, Video Blog coming soon! Things have been way hectic with events and event planning but I think it’s about time for one with LOTS of updates.

Until next time!

The first semester definitely had many lessons to learn. One thing I didn’t mention in my previous blogs is that I was pledging for Phi Iota Alpha, a Latino fraternity that focuses on uplifting the Latino community and bringing together the different people of Latin America. I feel strongly about my fraternity’s goals and that is why I chose to pledge my first semester.

For the next semester, I am definitely going to be even more involved with the Latino community on campus and try to reach out to the Latino students in the Boston area who are trying to make it to college. Now that I am a member of Phi Iota Alpha and involved with other Latino groups on campus, I am going to try to use my membership as a tool to reach out to the students who come from similar backgrounds as me.

Pledging for a fraternity and remaining involved in campus activities was very challenging but I definitely have learned how to manage my time in a way that I never thought possible. It was tough but my family back home and friends at school definitely gave me their support and with that I was able to be successful my first semester.

I am currently in Washington State right now as a guest speaker for a program called LCP, Latino College Prep. I shared my experiences as a first-generation American and first-generation college student and spoke about the importance of going to college and breaking the cycle. The students that I met in Everett, WA have definitely motivated me to continue reaching out to students and to continue working as hard as I can to succeed in college.

Remember, you need to go to college and be role models for all those who believe they can’t go to college because no one else in their family has.