​College was never an option for me. It was always a certainty. My parents, who never obtained degrees, had always encouraged me to make something out of myself. Therefore, I am not only attending college for myself but also for my parents and younger brother. College has not only been a privilege for me but it has also helped me find out who I am. Being b-racial, half-Mexican and half-White, I never knew how to identify. All my dad’s side of the family lives in Mexico and I am not fluent in Spanish; therefore, I never felt that I could identify as Mexican. My mom’s side of the family does not communicate or keep in touch; therefore, I never felt as if I could identify as White. I did not have the privilege of growing up and going to school in a diverse place. Thus, I felt as if I was the only biracial person on the whole planet and that there was not anybody else who identified themselves as I had. I did not let this stop me from feeling proud of my heritage though. Once I arrived on the campus of The Ohio State University, I had made it my goal to become involved in Latino group in which I could thrive and grow with others who similarly identified as Hispanic. I discovered a student organization called Latino Student Association (LSA). I was also accepted into a group I had applied to be a part of before I came to campus called Latino Leadership Development Institute (LLDI). Both groups had made my first two years of undergrad at OSU memorable and much more enjoyable. During my first semester of my first year or college I had a very hard time adjusting to my new lifestyle due to homesickness. I would go home every weekend because I couldn’t bear to stay on campus during the weekends. But, I found people I could finally identified with through these two Latino groups. I have broadened my involvement with the Latino community at OSU. I have been involved with the University-wide Council of Latino Organizations (UCLO) and Alpha Psi Lambda (APsi). I pledged APsi during the Spring ’17 semester. Through APsi, I have finally earned that big Latino family that I never had the privilege of having. I decided to be involved with the Latino community because I wanted to give back to a community that has given so much. I am both privileged and happy that I could finally see that I am certainly not the only biracial person in the world and I have learned how to embrace both my Mexican and White heritages through these groups at OSU. I am proud to say that I am one of many who make up the 4% of Latinos at OSU.

Joclyn Cabanas
Human Development and Family Science & Spanish| The Ohio State University Class of 2018
Latino Student Association| President
Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. -Alpha Chapter| Member
Student Associate| Multicultural Center

​It has been such a privilege to receive a scholarship from ECHHO throughout the last several years. Through generous support from organizations such as ECHHO, I have been able to focus diligently and excel in my studies.  Now, after four years at the Ohio State University, I have graduated with a double degree in Psychology and Italian with a minor in Spanish. I am certain that my course of studies as well as my future professional goals have been fundamentally shaped by my experience as a Hispanic-American woman living in the United States and I feel proud to be a part of so many wonderful communities.  Financial support from organizations such as ECHHO has allowed me to graduate Magna Cum Laude, push myself academically, and has ultimately allowed me to pursue out-of-state internship and job possibilities. I would like to remind students to have faith in their ability to pursue higher goals and to know that the key to success is often failing many times. Have confidence in yourself and know that there are other individuals, and organizations, that are rooting for you too.
 
​Ana Medina Fetterman
The Ohio State University B.A. in Psychology - 2017
Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Research Assistant 

I am both honored and extremely grateful to have been awarded the ECHHO Award Scholarship for the 2016-2017 school year, representing Ohio Northern University. This award allowed me to confidently enter the school year knowing that I had the financial assistance to obtain the textbooks, codes, and other supplies required for the rigorous coursework of the pharmacy program. The ECHHO award removed one of my biggest stressors, giving me peace of mind in allowing me to concentrate on adapting and adjusting to college life. I encourage others to apply for this scholarship, represent their university, show pride in their heritage, passion in their studies, and one day give back, whether in service, guidance, or financial help like we have received.
Again thank you for this amazing opportunity.
​
Ciara Bella-Rose Sauto
Ohio Northern University
P1 | 2022 PharmD. Candidate

Arlington, VA (Jan. 25, 2017) — The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) issued the following statement today in advance of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee’s vote on the nomination of Betsy DeVos, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education:

With the growing importance of a postsecondary credential in today’s economy, it is critical that the federal government continues to invest in our nation’s public schools and their capacity to produce students who are college- and career-ready. After the 2008 recession, most states cut funding to both K-12 and postsecondary education—cuts from which many state educational systems have yet to recover. If the federal government follows suit, our nation’s students, and the businesses that rely on a well-educated and well-trained workforce, will suffer.
Before the HELP Committee votes on whether to confirm Ms. DeVos, NACAC urges committee members to consider the following priorities for education:

LINK TO READ THE ARTICLE

Increase your chances for success by making the most out of your high school years.
- Take rigorous classes
- Look for courses that require lots of writing and critical thinking
- Develop good study habits and time-management skills
- Get involved with groups that interest you
- Develop your leadership skills
- Finish strong in your senior year

READ MORE HERE

In looking at the tapestry of cultural diversity in Ohio, one growing Hispanic population deserves a closer look. Here are some articles and resources to help expand the awareness of the Hispanic influence in Ohio and how Boricuas in particular, otherwise known as Puerto Ricans, play an important part in our colleges, universities, and communities. 

​Did you know that 27% of Hispanics living in Ohio identify as Puerto Rican?  They are currently the second largest Hispanic group in Ohio.  Click here to link to the article.  READ

Puerto Ricans in Cleveland, OH - A Brief history.  Click here to link to the article.  READ

Some 18% of Puerto Ricans ages 25 and older compared with 14% of all U.S. Hispanics have obtained at least a bachelor’s degree.  Click here to link to the article. READ

The changes in population in Puerto Rico
Click here to link to the article. READ