Her Campus: Where are you from?
Diego: Guatemala City, Guatemala
HC: What is your class year?
2016
HC: How long is the flight home?
8 hours with one stop normally in Dallas, Miami, or Houston
HC: What’s the temperature in the winter/summer?
75
HC: During the summer?
Kind of all year round. It get’s as low as about 42 but it generally is in the 70s, which is nice. Never too cold and never too warm
HC: What are some things you like to do?
I play the ukulele, I love soccer and squash! I really enjoy Guatemalan literature.
HC: What do you do at home on a typically Saturday night?
I usually go out for dinner with my friends and then go back to one of our houses and just hang out.
HC: How did you hear about Amherst? What influenced your decision to come here?
One of the Deans of Admissions visited my school and I really liked the idea and how he described it to me. I knew I wanted to come here because it had all I wanted. Small school, very academic but at the same time very lively. I liked the fact that there were no core requirements. It was kind of like a love at first sight kind of thing.
HC: Where did you school?
UWC Atlantic College in Wales
HC: How do compare your experience in Wales to your experience here?
First of all, in Wales I was in a school of 350 people from 90 different countries. So coming to Amherst has been a shock in that everyone is American. I think that my time in Wales was definitely a time when I learned much more from my experiences with other people than I did through academics.
HC: So you had experience being away from home?
Yeah, this is my third year being away from home.
HC: What are some differences that you’ve noticed between home and Amherst/what have you found surprising about Amherst?
Just the simple fact that I can walk outside and know that I’m completely safe, that’s a big difference. Also the fact that Guatemala is a third world country- not as many people had the same opportunities that I had. Coming here I am surrounded by people who have always had these opportunities and have taken them.
HC: Do you plan on staying in America after Amherst?
I want to go back to Guatemala as soon as possible. I wouldn’t mind staying here to a bit but long term I want to live in Guatemala
HC: What are some things your involved in here at Amherst?
I am in an acapella group: The Zumbyes. I’m also a research assistant for Javier Corrales who is a political science professor.
HC: Are you thinking of going to politics?
I would like to work in international organizations such as the World Bank and IMF. I would love to study economic development in third world countries.
HC: What has been your best experience so far here at Amherst?
One of my favorite parts of being here at Amherst is Zumbyes. I enjoy every show. I really like performing and singing and doing it with a group of really talented people next to me is amazing.
HC: What do you miss about home?
I miss the food!! My friends. My family is pretty spread around because a lot of them live abroad so I miss them. Since I have been away for three years it’s a bit easier though.
HC: What do you hope to get out of the rest of your time here at Amherst?
I want to take advantage of all of the learning opportunities. I expect to have a lot of really good friendships. I hope the friendships that I have now become even stronger and last.