If Agnes had a campus celebrity, it would hands-down be Ofelia. It’s not unusual to see her making her rounds in the dining hall or touring prospective Scotties around campus. It was truly an honor to have her ask me to take care of her bamboo plant, Pedro, for the summer. I’m forever indebted to her, like many others, for her invaluable advice and authentic Mexican cooking.
Nicknames: Ofie, Ofe
Class Year: 2018
Major: Psychology and Studio Art
Relationship Status: Single
Spirit Animal: Elephant
Favorite hangover food: Pozole (A mexican soup)
Favorite ASC event: Spring or Harvest Fest
Personal project you are working on: Taking more time for myself and self-care because that’s important!
Secret/surprising talent: I’m a ceramic artist.
HC: Tell us about yourself!
OD: I was born in Chicago in 1995. I then moved to Mexico with my parents for some years. I came back to Chicago and continued my education there. I can speak two languages (Spanish and English). I also have a younger sister who is currently in college and I love her to death.
HC: What do you like to do in your spare time?
OD: I like to do all sorts of art and I enjoy learning different ways to make cool looking things. I want to become a clinical psychologist and work with children who have autism while also using art therapy methods. Cooking and crafting are my hobbies, so if you ever want authentic Mexican food come find me!
HC: What is your favorite aspect about being an artist?
OD: I love being able to throw my frustration into my art. It is very therapeutic for me. I find the art process intriguing in the many ways you can represent an idea or emotion. I appreciate the time it takes to create a piece and also allow myself to have time with my work. I am currently trying to find ways to learn how to blow glass because why not.
HC: Your least favorite aspect?
OD: I never think a piece is finished and I am my hardest critic. It hasn’t been until recent months that I have been able to comfortably call myself an artist. I have accepted that I have my own way of expressing myself and that I will always find something “wrong” with my piece when in actuality these “problems” are what gives my art its personality.
HC: What is your most embarrassing moment?
OD: I was at a summer camp this summer and I fell in front of the whole camp, including my supervisors, while doing an exercise called the Star Jumps. All I could hear was the campers saying “Cheez-It Down, Cheez-It Down”! (Cheez-It was my given camp name so the campers couldn’t find me on social media.)
HC: Why did you choose to attend Agnes?
OD: I love the size. My high school graduating class is bigger than this entire college. I came from a school with 4,000 students! Everyone is so nice and supporting. It takes a special kind of person to come to this school and I enjoy experiencing the many aspects of Agnes Scott. Also, the school is beautiful and it’s filled with professors and students who care about your well-being and support you whenever they can. I have so much pride being a part of the Scottie community.
HC: What would you tell your freshman self now?
OD: BREATHE! As most upperclassmen will tell the first year students, friends will come and go. You will find people who truly care for you and who will be there through thick and thin. I’d tell first year Ofie to be who she is and to not let anyone tell her differently. Also, that the tough moments may seem tough but it is worth the hard work and late nights in the 24/7 room in McCain or Dana.