- You fear the chancleta
- You were most likely raised catholic and make the sign of a cross when you go past a church
- You know you should never, ever doubt the authority that is your mother
- Your greatest fear is checking your phone and having a missed call from your mother
- You’re really, really loud and people tell you to stop screaming when you’re talking normally
- Your mother is the loudest person in the audience when she cheers for you during a competition or event
- You’re the best daughter or son on earth and your parents will go completely out of their way to prove it and debate it with the world if anyone says otherwise
- You clean whilst simultaneously dancing to some music
- Everyone asks why you’re always so emotional about everything
- You have a very big family and are close with every member of it
- You spend half of the day with your family and the other half talking on the phone with them
- Your entire family gets together on Sundays at abuela’s house
- Everyone in your family has a nick name
- You call your parents close friends “aunt” and “uncle” because although they’re not family by blood, when you’re Latino everyone is family at heart
- You greet everyone with a kiss on the cheek and again as goodbye
- Your parents are not fund of piercings and tattoos, it’s like every time a needle goes through your skin, a needle goes through their hearts
- There are one too many condiments in your kitchen because food must always taste heavenly
- You have tortillas or rice with almost every meal
- You probably like coffee but you like dipping your pastries into your coffee even more
- If the TV is on, someone is probably watching telenovelas
- Vicks VapoRub has saved your life about a million times because “it cures everything”
- Everyone asks if you’re Mexican
- You speak fluid Spanglish
- You absolutely love and embrace every aspect of being Latino
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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