Name: Christina Flores
Age: 19
Year: Class of 2017
Hometown: Aspen, CO
Major: International Studies Global Environment Track (Probably)
Activities: ISAK, Eco, BFEC Field Trips
Power animal: Kodiak brown bear.
Hi Christina! You’re one of the students living at the ISAK theme house this year. What has it been like to work directly within the International Student Association at Kenyon?
My heart belongs to the International house, but I actually live in Mather! That being said, getting involved with ISAK has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had so far at Kenyon. ISAK is a really sweet community to be a part of and an even sweeter one to work within. The process of brainstorming event ideas on Saturday afternoons, eating some nice ‘lil snacks, and then taking and transforming these ideas into real events are super gratifying. It’s nice to take the time to orchestrate something and see it be received by the broader community in such a positive way!
What has been the best thing about working with the other students on such an important part of Kenyon’s diversity?
A key component of ISAK is the different perspectives you find within. In my experience, it has been pretty easy to be overwhelmed by the sense of the “Kenyon bubble”; to feel a sort of disconnect between Kenyon and the rest of the world. Through ISAK I’ve met a bunch of super interesting lords and ladies who have experiences, thoughts, and knowledge that have added spice to my life and have allowed me to feel, all around, more connected.
What kind of events have you had so far this year?
Come to think of it, we’ve had multiple events revolving around food! Our biggest event has probably been The Taste of Kenyon, where a range of other campus organization collaborated to bring food and entertainment from all around the globe to Gund Commons. We’ve also had some smaller events such as the International Student Brunch and our upcoming Dessert Night! Additionally, we’ve co-sponsored bringing in some speakers. I’d say our events really aim to share and appreciate the diversity that we have here at Kenyon.
ISAK is always planning new activities on campus. What can the Kenyon community expect next semester?
The Kenyon community should get stoked for Spring semester! Some of the key events we have in the works include a potential International Music Festival, several Cultural Nights, and a Mario Kart tournament to benefit a (to be determined) charity.
On to the personal questions: You’ve got a wrench tattooed on your shoulder. What’s the story behind that?
The natural environment has always been a huge part of my life. When I was in elementary school we would go to Environmental Ed class once a week, where we learned about the water cycle, herbivores/carnivores/omnivores, and other environmental basics. Then in middle school we got to go on outdoor education trips once a year, where we got to experience the wilderness and really form a connection to it. There’s a book out there by a man named Edward Abbey titled The Monkey Wrench Gang. At the core of the book is the preservation of the American Southwest wilderness. I absolutely love the wilderness. So so so much. It’s such an inherent part of myself that, when I decided to get a tattoo, I wanted it to be a symbol of my everlasting desire to protect the Earth in anyway that I can…so I got a monkey wrench.
If Jeni’s made an ice-cream just for you, what flavor would it be and why?
I’d be down for a raspberry ice cream with some brownie chunks thrown in. Raspberry rocks, and I feel that the brownie chunks would add a really nice dimension to the ice cream itself.
Finally, what is one thing on your Kenyon bucket list?
Tubing down the Kokosing, for sure.