Student Spotlight - Monica Fonseca

Vea la historia de Mónica en español

Why did you choose EvCC?
I think it is important to mention that I came to the United States in April  2014. When I came to the U.S, I wasn’t clear which university or college I was going to attend. I visited several colleges from the area but I chose EvCC mainly because I really liked the atmosphere of the college. Additionally, the college offers a variety of programs to choose from. Since my major is oriented to the arts, many of the art classes that are offered caught my attention.

What are you studying at EvCC?
Currently I’m completing a general transfer degree, which is an Associate in Arts and Science. Once I transfer I will start with the Industrial Design program at a 4-year institution.

What do you plan to do next? (Job, transfer, etc.)
I will graduate in spring and transfer to a 4-year university. For now, I’m not clear which university I will be transferring to, but I’m looking forward to transferring to an institution which has a great Industrial Design program. I will, however, continue with the involvement of clubs and on campus jobs and as always be focused on my academics.

What leadership roles have you held at EvCC?
I’m currently part of Student LIFE. As a student ambassador, this position has helped me grow as a leader. Additionally, early this year I had the opportunity with a couple of students to represent EvCC in a program called Latino Leadership Initiative. The Diversity and Equity Center was in charge of the selection process, and fortunately I was selected. The program really shaped me and taught me many things that have helped me to be the student leader I am.

Why did you decide to get involved as a student ambassador?
I found this position highly interesting as I can work in college, help with activities on campus, continue to focus on my academics, and have fun doing them all. Moreover, being a student ambassador will give me the opportunity to continue growing as a leader.

Tell us about your involvement with the new Latino Student Union student organization?
I am the vice president of the Latino Student Union. This new club surged with the interest of strengthening the Latino community here on campus. Although there are some other diversity clubs on campus we didn’t feel that there was a representation that could encompass the whole Latino population. For me this is a great achievement. I would have never imagined I would be so involved in college that I would become one of the core members of the Latino Student Union.

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC?
There has been a series of people that have helped me during this college stage. The whole Diversity and Equity Center staff have helped in several ways. They provided me with opportunities to grow as a student and leader such as the Latino Leadership Initiative and the Students of Color Conference; at the same time they have been mentors for me.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC?
Probably the best experience that I have ever had in EvCC was the event of Las Cafeteras. It was an event organized by the Student LIFE programs board and Latino Student Union. During the event I had the opportunity to showcase my art while Las Cafeteras were playing. It was the first time I had the opportunity to share my art with others here in the United States. It felt really good to see people’s faces while they were taking a look at my art.

What advice do you have for new students?
Three things: priorities, time management, and fun. If you have your priorities and goals clear, it will be easier for you to accomplish what you want in life. Time management is really important. Now you are a college student; you are expected to be responsible with your academics. You will have more free time, so organize yourself, organize your schedule, and pick your classes wisely so you know that you are not overloading yourself but at the same time are picking classes that make you grow as a student. And the most important part is to have fun. Really, college is not intended for you to be frustrated over classes, but for you to become a better human being. Get knowledge and have fun during the process. Get involved, join a club, participate in all those activities that the college has to offer, and have fun.