Alicia Soto is a powerhouse of involvement at Cal State LA! In her five years on campus, Alicia has been a part of Associated Students Inc., the University Times, La Onda, P’3, and the Study Abroad department, just to name a few! Alicia is also a model student, balancing a double major in Television, Film and Media and Spanish Language with all her extracurriculars. She was also the recipient of a prestigious scholarship to study abroad in Granada, Spain! With her graduation this spring approaching fast, Alicia hopes to leave her legacy on campus with the formation of a Kappa Delta Chi sorority chapter.
How did you become interested in your major(s)?
Growing up I remember always sitting with my parents and watching news segments. Despite my young age, I would enjoy listening to news reporters speak about the struggles and incidents of the city of Los Angeles. One of the things I most enjoyed was how reporters played the role of detectives, always looking for more information and were like mini celebrities. I would play dress up and hold a mic like a news reporter, making this a dream I hope to one day fulfill.
How has your experience at Cal State LA been so far? What have you been involved with in the past?
When entering CSULA as a freshmen, I noticed a lack of programs which supported student involvement and their academics. When this happened, I figured if I wanted to be part of something unique, I would have to take the initiative into representing the students. I joined ASI going into my sophomore year where I learned a lot of what I could do and not do for myself and others. While in ASI, I became a better leader and started engaging with several departments among CSULA, including meeting my college Dean. My experience at CSULA has been unique. As I’m in my fifth year at CSULA, I feel very proud in what I’ve accomplished and know I’ve done all I can to enjoy my college years.
What are you currently involved with on campus?
I’m currently a contributor for La Onda (the Spanish page within the University Times), but helped start the formation of the page. Before La Onda, I was the first person to publish a Spanish article in the school newspaper. I’m also an ambassador for the International office and as a study abroad alumni, I help students apply to programs overseas. I’m also part of P’3 which is a program at CSULA which helps students plan, promote, and participate. I also enjoy taking leadership programs with the Center for Student Involvement.
What inspired you to help start the La Onda page?
Students interested in Spanish journalism are only offered two courses every two years. Even though these two courses help you develop your skills in Spanish journalism, I personally think they don’t offer enough practice for someone like myself who wants to pursue a degree in a Spanish network. Therefore I started writing in Spanish and getting involved more with what I could do in order to get my stories published in the school newspaper. Also, in a campus where its student population is 60% Hispanic, I knew a page in Spanish was more of a necessity for CSULA to communicate with the students and the community. La Onda is a project which gives an opportunity to students in the broadcasting journalism program to write in Spanish and for Spanish major students to publish and help those students whose skills in Spanish aren’t so strong yet have the motivation to learn how to write for a Spanish page.
What’s the newest organization under your belt?
I’m currently a prospective charter for Kappa Delta Chi sorority, Incorporated. As president of the Interest Group, I’m excited to be a prospective sister and set the standards for an organization which will emphasize on academic achievement and sisterhood. I chose Kappa Delta Chi because most of their chapters are located in Texas. Since I have plans of attending grad school at the University of Texas at Austin, I figured out that having sorority sisters would be a good way of aiming support in grad school since I don’t have family in Texas. Their principles of unity, respect, leadership and integrity are values that my family emphasized on me while I was growing up. Since my family values and sorority values are the same, I thought I would be a great candidate for this sorority.
What are you currently involved with off campus?
Off campus my time usually goes to helping my parents in their small business. As food concessioners in county and state fairs, they are busy most of the time therefore I try to also help with duties at home.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to become a national Spanish news reporter for CNN, Univision, etc. Furthermore, I hope to continue my parents’ business.
How was your experience studying abroad? Where do you go and did it help your major?
Students, family members, and staff told me that I couldn’t afford to study abroad, which was definitely discouraging. When the time came to apply I submitted my application in the very last hour when it was due. On August 25, 2012 I took off from Los Angeles International Airport to London. A couple of days later, I flew to Granada, Spain where my journey began as an American Student studying overseas. I was given one of the most prestigious scholarships to study abroad, The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Besides the scholarship being granted to me, I was also offered loans and several other grants to cover the costs of my study abroad program. While abroad, I would attend class twice a week, teach the English Language and participate in community service. When the weekend came, I would travel around Spain and the surrounding countries. While abroad I had the opportunity to live with a Spanish family and was given the chance to learn and experience the Spanish Culture.
What’s your favorite part about going to Cal State LA?
The diversity of our student body is something I truly love about CSULA. I take pride in my campus because it’s very interesting and remarkable to come to a campus where tolerance and engagement among cultures is seen. While in class, I can’t deny to see my surroundings and realize the power of education, what education does for us in bringing people from all backgrounds and cultures together in one place.
What are things that you can’t live without? Other than your family and your friends, of course!
I can’t live without my boyfriend German! He’s taught me a lot and the fact that he’s so supportive in my education and dreams, makes me be more thankful for having him.
What are some tips you have for incoming students?
Believe in yourself! Be ambitious in your dreams but also be humble.