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I’m from Federal Heights near Denver and I have a really big family. I’m the first person in my immediate family to attend a four-year university. My cousin came to UNC and I had spent a lot of time here with her. I really liked the atmosphere here, it’s a close-knit family. The Music and Education programs are both wonderful. My violin instructor, Professor Fuchs has really taken the time to get to know me and help me figure out any academic issues I’ve had. We see each other a lot and we’ve gotten really close.

I’ve been playing violin since I was 8, through my public school’s orchestra program. I never had any private lessons, so I’m here at UNC on raw talent, hard work and luck. When I was growing up, I’d deal with my emotions by pulling out my violin. It also helped keep me focused on school, since I knew I wanted to go further and make a name for myself in music.

When I graduate, I want to work in the school district where I grew up because I’ve seen our music program dwindle. Even though the district is primarily Latino, it’s tough for Latino students to get involved in music, but I want to change that. I want to start a Latino outreach program to get more of those students involved in orchestra and band and get them excited about playing an instrument. If I can make one person feel as passionate about music as I am, then I’ve done what I need to do.

Trish and Eva at the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center are always here if I have a problem or need to vent. It was tough for me when I first came to UNC, I really felt alone. But when I started coming to the Cultural Center, I found a comfortable place to study and hang out. I feel a sense of belonging and I get to participate in a lot of different events and volunteer programs.

I love sitting outside on the Turner Green, relaxing and reading a book. Sometimes we go out to the movies or shopping, but we spend most of our time hanging out on campus.

I grew up in a primarily Latino area, so coming here was a little bit of culture shock for me. But I’ve learned to adapt to new situations and experience new cultures, which enhanced my knowledge of my own culture and helped me realize who I am.