Autumn 2010

Volume XVIII Number 1 Autumn 2010 An Independent, Community-Based Magazine About Latinos at Ohio State

www.quepasa.osu.edu

In This Issue: Ohio State's Beautiful New Study, Living, and Playrooms Life as a Latina Diver at Ohio State University Adjusting and Thriving as a Minority is Key to Your Success U.S. Economic Policies at Work in Latin America Short Story: Hell to Pay

The Life and Legacy of Sor Juana InĂŠs de la Cruz

New School Year Brings Fresh Start

By Michael J. Alarid

He that hath no musical instruction is a child in Music; he that hath no letters is a child in Learning; he that is untaught is a child in Life.

Esquina del Editor

— Epictetus (c.A.D. 50–c.A.D. 138), from The Golden Sayings of Epictetus

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Welcome to the 2010-11 school year here at Ohio State University and to another year here at ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? For those who are new to campus, we are so pleased you have decided to become part of the Latino community here at OSU. Our role within the community is to act as an outlet for Latinos who would not otherwise have a voice, to be a source of information and education for the Latino community, and to foster a sense of what it means to be a member of this community and an Ohio State Buckeye. As a community based publication, and now a product of the Office of Minority Affairs, this publication has never been more dedicated to its mission than it is this year.

Having settled into our new office, ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? continues to change with the times. Now under the direction of our new director Normando Caban, and benefiting from the creative input and hard work of Professor Jose Cabral and our editorial board, ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? readers can trust that our publication is in good hands.

Other changes have occurred as well: we bid farewell to our outstanding designer Bruno Ribiero, who leaves to begin his teaching career, and welcome our new designer and talented photographer Emily Strouse.

For students who are reading this publication for the first time, you enter OSU at a very exciting juncture: with the Latino population on the rise throughout the country, the pressure is on for OSU to keep pace with the national growth in its recruiting. With programs like the Morrill Scholars Program, numerous student organizations, and the efforts of the Office of Minority Affairs, Ohio State is making a bid to keep pace in the Latino market. But what happens once the students come to OSU? This first edition is our answer to that question, and our theme is putting

students first.

Our edition begins with the faculty and student profiles: in “Brazil Brings Them Together.” Mauricio Espinoza examines the careers of professors Lúcia Costigan and Katherine Borland; while “Actually Being there is Life-changing” traces the travels of international affairs scholars to Bolivia, also by Mauricio Espinoza. In addition, our center page is dedicated to our new Hispanic students on move-in day, a pictorial by our new designer and photographer Emily Strouse. Our Mi Experiencia section makes a return with “Life as a Latina Diver at Ohio State University,” the account of a collegiate athlete adjusting to life in Columbus, by Bianca Alvarez; finally, our Su Opinion section features the article “Brave New World” by Miguel Guavara, which highlights a proposed blue print for how to become more involved and ultimately make a difference within the Latino community at OSU. To help students adjust to OSU, we offer several articles aimed toward assisting students as they adjust to the city of Columbus: In “Your New Home” Francisco Gómez-Bellengé introduces students to the latest upgrades at Ohio State, including the new Student Union, library, and the RPAC; additionally in “Choosing a Major” students are advised on how to approach the most important decision of their college careers, by Rachel Sana Bria, Emily Carpenter, and Danielle Whitaker; finally, Kenny Lopez offers his advice on housing in “Your First Year on Campus,” a guide to making the most of your time in the dormitories.

In addition to advice, ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? remains dedicated to providing students with information about opportunities on and around campus: “One University, Several Campuses” explores the regional campus system at OSU and explains the benefits of attending the OSU satellites; while “Opportunities for Involvement are All Around” by Giovana Covarrubias is a guide to the different Hispanic organizations on campus that students can become a part of; and “Coming of Age” explores how the Office of Minority Affairs and the services they have to offer have grown

over the years, by Normando Caban.

Seeking to satisfy the intellectual interests of our readers, we continue both our history and folklore series; in “Globalization as History in Argentina,” Dustin Walcher, Assistant Professor of History at Southern Oregon University and recent OSU Ph.D., explores how U.S. economic policies in Latin America have fostered mistrust and resentment. In In our Folklore Series, Mickey Weems, Ph.D. from the Department of English, examines the life and legacy of Juana Ines de la Cruz, specifically in relation to the gay communities in both Mexico and the United States in “Patron Saint to Many.” Finally, we are happy to continue our Creative Corner section, this time with two contributions: “Hell to Pay” provides a creative examination of Latino culture by Frederick Luis Aldama; while Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz offers the poem “On the death of that most excellent lady” and visiting lecturer, Tatiana Andrade Seiber shares her poem “Soñaste tu canto eternacigarra.”

As always, we conclude with our food review: in “Cantina Laredo – Fine Tex Mex Available in Columbus,” I join my new review partner, who goes by the name La Gringa, in critiquing one of the better new restaurants in Columbus.

This year promises to be an exciting time at ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? and should be filled with many changes that we hope our readers will appreciate. To our new students, welcome to The Ohio State University; to our returning readers, welcome home…

— M.J. Alarid

Editor Michael J. Alarid Designer & Photographer Emily Strouse Executive Committee Francesca Amigo Normando Caban, Ex Officio Jose Cabral, Chair Mauricio Espinoza Francisco Gómez-Bellengé Victor Mora Fernando Unzueta

Volume XVIII Number 1 Autumn 2010

Features

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Your New Home Ohio State’s Beautiful New Study, Living, and Playrooms

By Francisco Gómez-Bellengé Choosing a Major Advice for Making the Decision of Your Lifetime

By Rachel Sanabria, Emily Carpenter, and Danielle Whitaker Your First Year on Campus How to Survive and Thrive in the Dormitories

By Kenny Lopez One University, Several Campuses Regional Campuses Offer a More Affordable, Intimate Ohio State Experience

By Mauricio Espinoza

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Opportunities for Involvement are All Around A guide to Hispanic/Latino Student Organizations

By Giovana Covarrubias Coming of Age The Growth and Services Offered by the Office of Minority Affairs

By Normando Caban 2010 Hispanic Heritage Month Events Calendar

Reviewers Francesca Amigo Jose Cabral Normando Caban Tiffany Clyburn Mauricio Espinoza Kim Kovarik Gretchen Turna Yolanda Zepeda

Pictoral Students on Move-in Day and Welcome Week

By Emily Strouse

Cover Artist: Alex Loza, Fine Artist www. alexloza.com

Sections

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Esquina del Editor New School Year Brings Fresh Start

By Michael J. Alarid Faculty Profile Brazil Brings Them Together Lúcia Costigan and Katherine Borland

By Mauricio Espinoza Student Profile Actually Being There is LIfe Changing International Affairs Scholars Travel to Bolivia, Expand Their Horizons

By Mauricio Espinoza History Series Globalization as History in Argentina U.S. Economic Policies at Work in Latin America

By Professor Dustin Walcher Folklore Series Patron Saint to Many The Life and Legacy of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

By Micky Weems

www.quepasa.osu.edu

Contributors Frederick Luis Aldama Bianca Alvarez Normando Caban Emily Carpenter Giovana Covarrubias Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Mauricio Espinoza Francisco Gómez-Bellengé Miguel Guavara Kenny Lopez Rachel Sanabria Tatiana Andrade Seiber Danielle Whitaker Dustin Walcher Mickey Weems

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Su Opinión Brave New World Adjusting and Thriving as a Minority is Key to your Success

By Miguel Guavara Creative Corner Short Story: Hell to Pay Selected Poetry

By Frederick Luis Aldama, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and Tatiana Andrade Seiber Mi Experiencia Bianca Alvarez Life as a Latina Diver at Ohio State University

By Bianca Alvarez Food Review Cantina Laredo Fine Tex Mex Available in Columbus

By Michael J. Alarid, featuring La Gringa

Painting: Portrait of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz Mix Medium on canvas Size: 4' x 5' (48"x60") Year: 2008 This publication is supported by the Office of Academic Affairs and The Office Minority Affairs through the auspices of the Hispanic Oversight Committee and the ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? Community Board. Issue production is a collaboration of the ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? Executive Committee and the Office of Minority Affairs.

The Ohio State University is not responsible for the content and views of this publication. The publication does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the staff and Executive Committee.

All submissions for publications must include the name and phone number or e-mail address of those responsible for the submissions. ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? reserves the right to refuse any submission for publication.

For questions and inquiries, please contact cabral.1@osu.edu.

Note: We use the term "Latino" to represent both Latino and Latina.

Autumn Quarter 2010

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Brazil Brings Them Together Lúcia Costigan and Katherine Borland

Faculty Profile

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAURICIO ESPINOZA

By Mauricio Espinoza

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They are from different countries, work on different Ohio State campuses, and belong to different academic departments. But there’s one thing that unites professors Lúcia Costigan and Katherine Borland: their love for Brazilian culture and their commitment to share it with students.

Born in Brazil (in her own words,“in a beautiful state in the Amazon region”), Costigan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese on the Columbus campus. She specializes in Latin American colonial literature and culture, contemporary Brazilian literature, and comparative studies involving Portuguese and Spanish America.

She holds an undergraduate degree in modern languages and literatures from the Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil; a master’s in education from Boston College; and a Ph.D. in Latin American literatures from the University of Pittsburgh. She joined Ohio State in 1988.

Katherine Borland was born in Powelton Village, Philadelphia, “One of only two integrated neighborhoods in the city in the 1960s and 1970s.” She is an Associate Professor and assistant dean at Ohio State Newark, serving as the regional campus’s “one-person Comparative Studies Department.” A specialist in folklore, postcolonial literature, traditional narrative and comparative ethnic studies, Borland did her undergraduate work at the University of Chicago, then studied English literature and the teaching of writing

at Temple University, and completed her Ph.D. in folklore at Indiana University. She has been at Ohio State since 1999.

Studying Brazil, one might say, comes naturally to Costigan. But it’s the connection between Brazil and the rest of Latin America that really drives her teaching and research endeavors. Being at Ohio State doesn’t hurt either.

“I decided to study Latin American literature because I always felt that Brazil and Spanish America have a rich culture and literature,” Costigan says. “The appreciation for the culture of the Portuguese and Spanish speaking countries led me to pursue my Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, then one of the best places for Latin American studies. Today the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at The Ohio State University is perhaps the best place in the United States for the study of Spanish and Latin American languages, literatures and cultures. I am very happy for the opportunity to teach and do research in such an environment with great colleagues and students.”

While Borland conducts research in Latin America (particularly Nicaragua) and has traveled and taught in Spain, her interest in Brazil only peaked after interacting with Costigan.

“I had a sabbatical two years ago and elected to spend much of my time learning Portuguese partly because Lúcia and her colleagues are so welcoming,” Borland recalled.

“They convinced me I could do it. I had the opportunity to travel to Brazil in June and July of 2009 and was overwhelmed by the beauty and complexity of the country and its many cultures.”

Such interactions and experiences led to Costigan and Borland collaborating on and winning a $7,000 Gateway Study Abroad Grant from Ohio State’s Office of International Affairs in the spring of 2010. The grant is being used to develop an introductory-level, month-long study abroad opportunity in Brazil for students in any discipline, which will take place in summer 2011.

During her tenure at Ohio State, Costigan has led many study abroad classes to Brazil and has been successful in obtaining substantial awards to support such efforts, including a $200,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (2006-2007) to direct a summer institute for college and university teachers entitled “From the Baroque to Modernism: Brazilian Literature and Culture.” Now that Ohio State has identified Brazil (along with China as India) as its first three “gateways” as it strives to become a “global university,” the level of involvement between Buckeye faculty and students and their counterparts in Brazil is poised to grow significantly.

At the same time that it pushes for globalization, Ohio State has also unveiled its “One University” initiative to better integrate the institution geographically, academically, socially and culturally. Such integration includes bringing the university’s Columbus campus, its five regional campuses and several other outlying facilities throughout the state closer together. In many ways, the collaboration between Costigan and Borland is a great example of what the “One University” concept actually looks like on the ground — breaking down location, departmental and disciplinary barriers to enhance the quality of learning for students.

To read the Q & A session with professors Borland and Costigan please visit www. quepasa.osu.edu.

‘Actually Being There is Life-changing’ International Affairs Scholars Travel to Bolivia, Expand Their Horizons

www.quepasa.osu.edu

study abroad experience: What motivated you to go on this study abroad trip?

Raquel: My main motivation to go on the trip was the desire to learn about a country and a culture I knew very little about. It was also a great opportunity to meet my fellow International Affairs Scholars.

Aiden: The opportunity to travel to another country with my friends and to experience another culture motivated me to go abroad. I always enjoy going to new places, so that was motivation enough.

What is your opinion of the Bolivia trip?

Raquel: I loved it! It was an amazing trip full of cultural richness. It sparked my love of traveling. I enjoyed participating in this study abroad program because it was more than just a trip. Taking Spanish 520 taught me a lot about Bolivian culture and history.

Aiden: The trip to Bolivia changed my life entirely. I learned many things about a different culture, which books, videos or the Internet cannot teach me. We traveled to many different places and each had its unique characteristic that made me like it.

What did you learn during this experience, both at the academic and personal levels?

Raquel: Academically, I was able to relate what I had learned at OSU to the culture I was surrounded by. Taking the class prior to leaving allowed me to gather the common customs and frequently used cultural jargon.

Personally, I was able to look beyond written words. Bolivia is a country misunderstood by many Americans due to its political instability and the lack of trade with other countries.

However, being in the country, I learned to value the people. I became more openminded and acknowledged the power of listening.

Aiden: I learned a lot about the lifestyle, politics and history of Bolivia. Going to Bolivia also reminded me how fortunate I am to be American and how many opportunities Ohio State can give me. The people there were very kind despite not having a lot of money and that can be an example for others to follow.

What would you tell other students about study abroad opportunities?

Raquel: I would tell other students who are interested in studying abroad to go for it! It is an experience like no other. It might be interesting to learn about different cultures and countries through textbooks, but actually being in that country is lifechanging. I believe all students should have the opportunity to see the world from a different angle.

Aiden: I would say to take every advantage of going abroad because it can change your life completely. While you learn new cultures, practice another language and experience a different lifestyle, it also looks good on a resume.

How would you say study abroad experiences enhance student learning?

Raquel: My college-learning experience was enhanced by this study abroad trip simply by allowing me to take what I had learned in a classroom and apply it to a real-world situation. It made my learning experience far more memorable and greatly valued.

Aiden: I went with a group of other International Affair Scholars, and it brought me closer to them. It is another way to learn something because you experience it with books and hands-on. Everything you learned in class comes together with what you see when you go abroad.

International Affairs Scholars Program, please visit: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/ scholars/ia.aspx To learn about Ohio State’s more than 100 study abroad programs in over 40 countries and how you can be part of the experience, log on to http://oia.osu.edu/study-abroad.html

Autumn Quarter 2010

Student Profile

Both Raquel Hernandez and Aiden Carrillo are sophomores at Ohio State, studying business and Spanish, and both were born in the United States to Mexican parents. They have something else in common: they are members of the university’s International Affairs Scholars Program and participated in a 10-day study abroad trip to Bolivia this past March.

Majoring in business with a specialization in marketing and planning to take up a minor in Spanish, Hernandez was born in Chapel Hill, NC but lived most of her life in Toledo, OH. During her first year at Ohio State, she was also involved in The Hispanic Student Business Association and Nourish International, a student movement seeking to eradicate poverty abroad by engaging students and empowering communities.

Carrillo is double-majoring in Spanish and a business field yet to be decided (most likely logistics management). He is from Grand Rapids, MI, but now lives in Durango, Mexico (where his parents were born and currently live) during winter and summer breaks.

Before traveling to Bolivia, Hernandez and Carrillo took SPAN 520: Andean/Bolivian Literatures and Cultures during winter 2010.

The class was taught by Fernando Unzueta, an Associate Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, who also led the study abroad trip. The course provided the students with foundational information on Bolivian history; contemporary Bolivian social, political, economic and cultural issues; and Andean cultures and literature.

The actual trip began in the eastern tropical city of Santa Cruz, where the group focused on urban planning and the recent growth of the city due to the region’s vast reserves of natural gas; they also visited the lowlands and the Jesuit Missions. A few days were then spent in Cochabamba in the central part of the country, with a focus on rural development. The trip concluded in the capital city of La Paz and surrounding areas in the western highlands, where students visited museums, attended a lecture and toured Lake Titicaca and the Tiahuanaco ruins.

Here, Hernandez and Carrillo talk about their trip and what they learned from this

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAURICIO ESPINOZA

By Mauricio Espinoza

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Your New Home Ohio State’s Beautiful New Study, Living, and Playrooms

By Francisco Gómez-Bellengé Estas en tu casa is not just a figure of speech; it is an invitation to share one’s home and think of it as your own. We at ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? say to you—estas en tu casa! Ohio State is your new home and, like any home, it has living, study and play areas. We are lucky that several of those areas at Ohio State are new or newly renovated. Let’s explore.

The newest addition is the Ohio Union, the “campus living room,” which opened in March 2010 and is already a student favorite. The $118 million facility has more than 30 meeting and event rooms, several dining options, performance facilities, ample parking and state-of-the-art technology. The décor is distinctly Buckeye, with every square inch seemingly devoted to the Scarlet and Gray.

Eateries includes Sloopy’s Diner, Woody’s Tavern, Espress-OH and the Union Market. Breakfast is served all day at the retro Sloopy’s Diner, and Woody’s Tavern offers Ohio wines and beers. You might also want to check out the Instructional Kitchen and the Creative Arts Room, both in the basement.

The Union is also home to the Multicultural Center, Off-Campus Student Services, the Center for Student Leadership and Service, and the Discount Ticket Program. There is also BuckID, a branch of U.S. Bank, and Station 88, a Buckeye-themed store. About 80 student groups have space on the second and third floors, and Undergraduate Student Government has its own Senate Chambers on the second floor.

We are sure this is one hangout you will want to explore. Although there are plenty of meeting areas and over 130 TVs throughout the building, the Union also features a number of quiet study spaces.

Speaking of study, the “campus study room,” the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, is located a short walk from the Union on the Oval, the heart of the campus. One year ago, the library reopened for business after a three-year, $109 million restoration, renovation and expansion. This stunning facility is very open and bright because the abundance of glass used in the renovation.

It includes the Grand Reading Room

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restored to its 1913 splendor, over 230 computers for public use, a glass-enclosed Stacks Tower reminiscent of a Borg ship, 1,800 seats, study rooms with white boards and flat screen TVs and the new Berry Café.

Across from the café by the west entrance is the Buckeye Bar, a help desk staffed by the Office of Information Technology. Don’t miss special exhibits on the ground floor. On the ground and first floors are metal tablets displaying different types of written communications from around the world, past, present as well as imaginary (check out the Elvish script of Lord of the Rings fame on the ground floor).

The main library is one of 13 library facilities on campus. You might also want to check out the Cartoon Library and Museum in the basement of the Wexner Center for the Arts, the Byrd Polar archives at the Library Book Depository or the Historic Costume and Textile Museum at Campbell Hall.

If you walk out of the west entrance of the library, the “campus play room” is visible on the right. This is the Recreation and Physical Activity Center or RPAC. With its silver metallic and red accents (think Scarlet & Gray!), the RPAC is as distinctive a campus facility as any.

Opened in 2007 at a cost of $140 million, RPAC’s facilities include 25,000 square feet of fitness space, two four-court gyms, 10 racquetball courts, and a four-lane jogging

track. The fitness area includes a weight area with rubber carpeting, a cardio area with carpet, and more equipment than you have probably ever seen. Also at the RPAC are golf, aerobic equipment and classes, and game and multipurpose rooms. Finally, there is a Wellness Center, child care facilities, meeting spaces and the Courtside café, featuring hot and cold healthy food items.

Across from the RPAC is the Bill & Mae McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion. It features a competitive swimming pool (long & short course) and a Varsity Diving Pool. There are also recreation, instructional and leisure pools.

One way of looking at your university experience is seeing Ohio State’s main campus as a city built for you, with almost endless resources. An important part of the college experience is taking advantage of these many opportunities. In no time, you will have your favorite hangouts and routines. Enjoy!

Choosing a Major Advice for Making the Decision of Your Lifetime The big question on campus: “What is your major?” For those who haven’t decided or are currently unsure about the major they have officially declared, the question can be frustrating and stressful.

There may be pressure from family, peers, and the college environment to choose as soon as possible. This may be why several reliable sources state that most students change their major at least once during their undergraduate career. So, what should you consider when choosing a major? What questions are the “right” ones? Where can you find resources to help you make an appropriate and responsible decision?

When choosing a major, consider how you make decisions. Consider the internal factors that help you make decisions. Your internal factors are the things that you know about yourself: What subjects do you dislike studying? What activities do you struggle with? Do you have academic strengths and weaknesses? Then think beyond academics. Is there anything about part-time jobs, volunteering, activities, or hobbies that you truly love? In jobs you’ve held so far, were there things you clearly enjoyed and did not enjoy?

Consider your values and your personality. What’s important to you about what you study and what career you would like in the future? Do you want to help people?

Do you want your passions (the arts, education, justice) to be part of your everyday life? Think about your personality and the environments in which you are most comfortable and confident. Are you happy when working in groups? Partnerships?

Do you enjoy teaching? Public Speaking?

Writing? Working on a computer? Do you like to mingle and meet new people, or are you shy in these situations?

You must also face external factors that help you make decisions. What do your parents think you should major in?

Can you afford the cost of the particular program you want to choose? Will you like the environment in which you might find yourself working after you graduate?

Will you earn a salary that affords a particular lifestyle? Be realistic with yourself in answering these questions.

www.quepasa.osu.edu

DOCTOR RONALDO MARTINEZ GRADUATED FROM OSU COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY IN 1993, WWW.VICTORIANVILLAGEDENTALCARE.COM

By Rachel Sanabria, Emily Carpenter, and Danielle Whitaker

You must work to identify the possible outcomes of your decision. Think before you declare. As you contemplate the right major for you, take some time to explore it thoroughly before officially declaring it.

Would it be wise to add a minor to your program to round out your talents and complement your interests instead of changing your major altogether? There will be a record of all majors and minors you declare at Ohio State, so it’s probably better not to declare something every time it strikes you as interesting. All said, when you are confident, don’t delay in declaring.

There are many benefits to making your major “official”: tailored advising from that major department and the appropriate college office, scholarships, and research opportunities.

When you have chosen a major, it is important to reassess your decision. Talk to others about your thoughts – Ohio State advisors, family, friends, and other students who are more experienced in upper-level major coursework can all be excellent resources. It’s okay to take a class that lets you explore a major you think you

might declare. It’s through experimentation and evaluation that you find affirmation that you made the right choice. After all, it is about YOU.

Resources at OSU to help you choose a major: Exploration Program: www.exploration.osu.edu Career Connection: www.careerconnection.osu.edu Career Services: www.careers.osu.edu

Contributing authors: Emily Carpenter, Academic Counselor, ASC Advising (carpenter.438@osu.edu) Rachel Sanabria, Academic Program Specialist, Dept. of Spanish & Portuguese (sanabria.3@osu.edu) Danielle Whitaker, Academic Counselor, Exploration Group (DWhitaker@esue.ohiostate.edu)

Autumn Quarter 2010

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Your First Year on Campus How to Survive and Thrive in the Dormitories

By Kenny Lopez First and foremost, congratulations on your admittance to The Ohio State University! This is a very exciting time with significant changes coming your way.

But don’t fret you are not alone. You are joining not only an institution of higher learning, but a community of peers and a new extended family—the Buckeye family. Once you arrive on campus and at your Residence Hall for move-in day, know that you will have staff, friends and peers to welcome you, help you, and all will be resources for you. As your first resource, below is a list of things that a few of last year’s freshmen wished they would have known when arriving at Ohio State: Get to know your RA: Your Resident Advisor (RA) is one of the most important people who you should meet once you move in. An RA is an upperclassman who has been trained to help you through any of the challenges that you may face. RAs are here to help you make connections with your peers on your floor and in your building and work through issues that may arise between roommates or suitemates. Your RA can also lend a friendly ear when you simply need someone to listen.

Stay on campus during the weekends: It can get very tempting to go home on the weekends, especially if you live close by or are not having the experience you wished for. STICK IT OUT. Stay on campus as long as possible before going home. Friendships are made and bonds are cemented during the weekends and autumn quarter is so jam-packed with weekend activities that you are bound to find something fun to do.

Finding a go-to place: The Ohio State campus is a very big place that can sometimes be overwhelming. Having your favorite go-to place, whether it’s for studying alone or enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend, will give you somewhere to go that can feel like it’s your own. There are all kinds of little-known gems all over campus, so go exploring the first week and claim one for your own!

Get involved: With over 950 student organizations, there are literally hundreds of opportunities for you to find something you will love. That might sound like a lot,

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but finding that one organization (or a few!) that you truly enjoy will help you find your own niche in the larger OSU community. And it’s easier than you might think.

Don’t be afraid to try something new, you never know what you might find. But remember, extracurriculars are important, but don’t lose sight of why you’re here – to learn and get your degree!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: It can be overwhelming, moving to a new place where things are unfamiliar, but don’t let that hold you back. There will always be someone to answer your questions or guide you in the right direction. You are part of a great big family here and we will not let you fail!

Go Bucks!!

One University, Several Campus Choices Regional Campuses Offer a More Affordable, Intimate Ohio State Experience

By Mauricio Espinoza One of the first adjectives that comes to mind when describing The Ohio State University is, well, BIG. And it’s true: Ohio State, one of the largest universities in the United States, ranks high on the list of prime research institutions and is located in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, Columbus.

However, Ohio State also offers great choices for those students who just prefer a smaller, more intimate environment but who still want the BIG benefits and prestige of an Ohio State education.

Did you know you can go to Ohio State by attending any of the university’s four regional campuses spread across central and northern Ohio? Located in rural areas and with the size and atmosphere of small liberal arts colleges, these campuses offer the same academic quality, resources, and degree-recognition that you would get by attending the Columbus campus.

And there’s one BIG added bonus: an Ohio State degree on these campuses costs much less than in Columbus.

Ohio State has campuses in Newark and Marion, just east and north of Columbus, respectively; in Mansfield in north-central Ohio; in Lima in northwestern Ohio; and also the Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) in the northeastern Ohio city of Wooster.

The regional campuses were created to bring Ohio State’s world-class education and resources closer to different parts of the state and to serve students living in those communities. But anyone from anywhere in Ohio or the United States can take advantage of the personal attention and friendly, peaceful environments these campuses provide.

“For students who come from small towns or are very close to their families, a regional campus is an excellent option,” said Temple Patton, minority affairs coordinator and admissions counselor at Ohio State Lima. “They will find smaller classroom sizes, very similar to what they were used to at their high schools, and will receive more individualized attention.”

Affordability, talented faculty, increasing appeal of campus size and class size are indeed a big difference between the

www.quepasa.osu.edu

regional campuses and the main campus.

Mansfield has 1,647 students compared to more than 55,000 in Columbus. Lima has an average class size of 18, while it’s not unusual for students in Columbus to share a classroom with hundreds of their peers.

But size and proximity to home are not the only factors to consider when thinking about attending a regional campus. When it comes to deciding between the big campus and the small campus, money also talks, especially during the current economic downturn.

“Affordability is definitely a plus,” said Pam Joseph, communications director at Lima. “Fulltime tuition for a year at the regional campuses is $6,102 vs. $9,420 in Columbus. We also have free parking.”

What’s definitely not cheap on the regional campuses is the quality of their education. Students take the same courses they would on the Columbus campus, guided by highly capable faculty who belong to the same home departments as in Columbus and who excel at both teaching and research. For example, Richard Shiels, an Associate Professor of history at Newark, won the 2010 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching; and Lima math professor Mohamed Yousif is an international expert on ring theory. At Mansfield, you will find that 95 percent of professors have PhDs. And at all of the regional campuses, classes are taught by professors, never by graduate teaching assistants.

“The regional campus faculty are very collegial, and because of that, we have the potential to really do some interesting interdisciplinary work,” says Katey Borland, professor of Comparative Studies and assistant dean at Newark. “I have taught advanced undergraduate courses both at Columbus and Newark, and I can honestly say that by the time our students reach their junior and senior years, most are as strong as their peers in Columbus.”

The quality and advantages offered by the regional campuses are not going unnoticed. Last year, combined enrollment at all five campuses set a new record by jumping 4.5 percent (9.3 percent at Marion) compared to 2008. Minority

enrollment is also up: the number of Latino students increased by 21.7 percent at Mansfield and 16.7 at ATI-Wooster last year.

At the regional campuses, students can complete Associate’s degrees as well as Bachelor’s degrees in selected majors.

Some of the campuses also offer master’s degrees in education and social work. Ohio State ATI — ranked No. 1 in the nation in the awarding of associate degrees in agriculture — offers two-year programs in areas such as horticulture and construction with over 90 percent job-placement success rates.

Attending a regional campus is also a way to get used to college life before making the move to Columbus. Students can start any of Ohio State’s more 170 programs on any of the regional campuses and then request a transfer to Columbus, while saving a good chunk of cash in their overall Ohio State journey.

Finally, another advantage of picking a regional campus is open enrollment — meaning all Ohio residents with a high school diploma or GED will be accepted regardless of their ACT or SAT scores.

Ohio State President Gordon Gee’s concept of “One University” is clearly represented in the relationship between the Columbus and the regional campuses.

“Ohio State is the chocolate bar,” illustrates Wayne Rowe, manager of communications and marketing at Marion. “If you break off a piece of the bar, that’s a regional campus.

It’s still part of the same bar, though. It still tastes as good.”

Visit: http://www.osu.edu/academics/ a-z.php#regional

Autumn Quarter 2010

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Opportunities for Involvement are All Around A guide to Hispanic/Latino Organizations

By Giovana Covarrubias Among the organizations registered at the Ohio Union, students can find numerous groups that serve the Hispanic/ Latino community at The Ohio State University: The University-wide Council of Hispanic Organizations (UCHO) –UCHO is the umbrella organization for all Hispanic interest groups at Ohio State. The organization has two primary goals: 1) to foster communication among various social, professional, and educational Latino/Hispanic organizations, and 2) to advocate for the continuing developmental, social, and cultural programming for Latino/ Hispanic students, faculty, and staff at Ohio State.

Alpha Psi Lambda, Inc. - Alpha Chapter – Alpha Psi Lambda is the oldest and largest co-ed Latino interest fraternity and prides itself on having active members in the Latino community at Ohio State that promote and advocate for Latino interests. Their purpose is to enrich the lives of undergraduates interested in Latino cultures and to provide a family atmosphere in the university setting. At Ohio State, Alpha Psi Lambda is known for its annual programs, such as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, César Chávez week, and Unas Palabritas (a poetry session which has featured student, local, and nationallyknown poets such as Saul Williams and La Bruja).

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) – SHPE welcomes students majoring in engineering and science who are interested in gaining engineering experience outside of the classroom. Each year, several guest speakers from various companies share their knowledge during meetings intended to help SHPE members gain insight into life as an engineer and the options available after graduation. During the fall quarter, SHPE attends a national convention that offers numerous educational seminars and a career fair. SHPE members are allowed interview opportunities with a wide variety of companies throughout the

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nation, providing members with an inside track to finding internships and ultimately job placement.

Latino Law Students Association (LLSA) – The Latino Law Student Association (LLSA) is an organization dedicated to preparing its members for their professional careers. Additionally, LLSA seeks to promote Latino awareness and minority interests within the realm of the legal profession. LLSA objectives include advancing the interests and welfare of its members, the law school, and the Latino community as a whole.

To accomplish their mission, LLSA strives to introduce Latino students to lawyers and build awareness of career opportunities; at the same time, LLSA promotes community activism related to the legal and social issues that minority groups face. LLSA also promotes scholarship among Latino students, provides leadership by sponsoring conferences related to Latino and minority legal and policy issues, and organizes community projects benefiting minority communities.

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity,

Inc. – “It is quite a daunting task to move 1,200 miles from home to start your own life and become a successful student, but Lambda Theta Phi welcomed me with open arms familiar to the ‘familia’ ideals that I am so accustomed to back in Houston, Texas and made the transition much smoother. Needless to say, my first year of brotherhood has provided me with opportunity, excitement, and triumph …

En La Union Está La Fuerza.”

Strength, Unity, & Respect – Latino Group – The purpose of Strength, Unity & Respect (SUR) is to increase retention and graduation rates among Latino males in higher education. The tenets of SUR are to create a network of students, staff, and faculty that share a philosophy of support and brotherhood. Their goals are to challenge the status quo of apathy and disconnect, establish an academic community, provide support to promote Latino academic success, and to use mentorship to promote community.

Hispanic Oversight Committee (HOC) – Appointed by the Provost, the primary function of the HOC is to serve as a voice for the OSU Hispanic/Latino community

to the university administration. The HOC focuses its energies on the recruitment and retention of Latino faculty, staff, and students while seeking to promote Hispanic/Latino cultural and academic enrichment. Among the current initiatives that the HOC is promoting are the continued development of the Latino/a Studies program, enhancing graduate student recruitment, and obtaining increased funds for Hispanic-related activities.

Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) HBSA is an organization that targets students who embrace Hispanic culture within the Fisher College of Business or with a general interest in business. The organization seeks to help students hone business skills, increase professionalism, and create a competitive advantage when entering the workforce.

Throughout the year, HBSA hosts a number of events that help students acquire leadership and teambuilding skills essential to their success. Businesses such as Abbott Laboratories, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Greetings, and Limited Brands present internship and full-time employment opportunities to members

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and teach students the importance of networking skills.

Phi Iota Alpha Latino Fraternity, Inc. “I was intrigued by its vast history: being the oldest Latino fraternity in existence (1931), with Latin American presidents from Panama, Colombia, and Honduras.

I was also attracted to its main vision: La Unión De La Patria Latino Americana.

Lastly, I was impressed by the fraternity following revolutionary pillars, which had fought for Latin American independence

throughout the 1700s and 1800s.”

This is just a small sampling of the different organizations available at Ohio State.

Other Hispanic/Latino organizations,: (including Folclor Hispano, College Assistant Migrant Program Alumni Association (CAMPAA), Canto Latino, Puerto Rican Students Association (PRSA), Oi Brasil!, Asociación de Estudiantes Mexicanos (AEM), and Club Tropical) please visit http:// quepasa.osu.edu/organizations.html

Autumn Quarter 2010

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Coming of Age The Growth and Services Offered by the Office of Minority Affairs

By Normando Caban Created during the turbulent social political struggles of the late 1960’s, the Office of Minority Affairs (OMA) has continued to reinvent itself in its efforts to provide quality services to the Ohio State student body. While it originally began as an effort to address the concerns of the African American community during the 1960’s civil rights struggle, it has now evolved into one of the largest and most recognized university diversity offices in the country. Since its creation over four decades ago, OMA has been a bastion of innovative student services that were created to meet the specific needs of the student groups who have historically been disenfranchised and underrepresented in higher education. What was once an office that was created to serve primarily the needs of the African American student body has evolved into a first-class service center for all underrepresented students.

More and more each year, we find an increasing number of students of all back

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grounds shoring up their academic success by taking advantage of OMA’s abundant programmatic services. Both incoming freshmen and current students who have never looked into these programs are strongly encouraged to do so.

OMA offers programs and services that work collaboratively with other university offices to provide holistic support to students during their tenure at Ohio State.

These services can run the gambit from helping high school seniors with the Ohio State admissions and financial aid processes to nurturing and catering students’ specific interests and needs through the following programs: The Advising Program helps students identify and pursue the appropriate major and supplements the student’s academic advising.

The Mentoring Program matches students with a suitable faculty or staff mentor.

The Tutorial Program provides free

tutoring for students in a wide range of subjects with options of small-group, individual, or walk-in tutoring.

The ACCESS Collaborative assists lowincome single parent students who have custodial responsibility of their children.

ACCESS provides financial aid counseling, housing and child care assistance as well as parenting, life-skills, and leadership-development workshops.

Minority Scholarship Services provides financial aid counseling and facilitates the awarding of need-based grants and meritbased scholarships to students funded by OMA’s programs.

The Morrill Scholars Program is a competitive full tuition scholarship program.

For a more detailed overview of all the programs and services available through the Office of Minority Affairs, you are highly encouraged to visit www.oma.edu .

2010 Hispanic Heritage Month Events Calendar The Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual national event that highlights Hispanic/ Latino culture, history and heritage. These activities are intended not only to celebrate our heritage but also forge new traditions, perspectives and contributions that enrich our future. Here at OSU, many interesting programs and presentations are planned throughout the month to celebrate our rich and diverse cultures, ethnicity and pride. La Fiesta in the Fall, is also a great opportunity to increase awareness of the growing Hispanic/Latino community on campus. We welcome you to participate in being part of the University's Hispanic/ Latino Heritage Month celebration.

October 2010

October 6, 2010 • ¿Y TU QUIEN ERES? "Studying Abroad" MCC Meeting Room, Ohio Union 4 – 6 PM Sponsored by Alpha Psi Lambda and The Multicultural Center

October 14, 2010 October 1, 2010 • L.A.S.E.R. SPLASH "How to get involved" MCC meeting room, Ohio Union 4 – 6 PM Sponsored by L.A.S.E..R.

• Latino Film Series "9500 Liberty" MCC Meeting Room, Ohio Union 7PM Description: The devastating social and economic impact of the "Immigration Resolution" is felt in the lives of real people in homes and in local businesses. But the ferocious fight to adopt and then reverse this policy unfolds inside government chambers, on the streets, and on the Internet. 9500 Liberty provides a front row seat to all three battlegrounds

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• Latino Film Series "Sleep Dealer" MCC Meeting Room, Ohio Union 5 PM Description: A young Mexican man from the provinces, whose family and home are destroyed by terrorist-seeking drones, goes to Tijuana. There he joins a workforce of illegal workers whose labor is transported electronically across the border, and finds the means to avenge the violence.

October 20, 2010 • Cocinando en Columbus Ohio Union Demo Kitchen, Ohio Union 7 – 11 PM Sponsored by The Multicultural Center, Alpha Psi Lambda and OMA

October 21, 2010 • L.A.S.E.R. Immigration & Latinos in the Cultural Imagination "Gus Arellano (Ask a Mexican) and William Nericcio (Text-Mex) and Otto Santa Anna (UCLA)" MCC meeting room, Ohio Union 3 – 5 PM, Reception will follow Sponsored by LASER and The Multicultural Center October 25, 2010 • Latino Film Series "Papers: stories of undocumented youth" MCC Meeting Room, Ohio Union 5 PM Sponsored by The Multicultural Center Description: Papers is the story of undocumented youth and the challenges they face as they turn 18 without legal status.

October 29, 2010 • La Fiesta: Un Carnaval de Cultura Ohio Union, 6 PM – Midnight

Autumn Quarter 2010

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Pictoral Students on Move-in Day and Welcome Week

By Emily Strouse

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Welcome Our New Students Featuring Stephanie RochaIbarra, Jacyna Ortiz, Manny Martinez, Selina Jackson, Derrick Neimeister, and others.

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Autumn Quarter 2010

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Globalization as History in Argentina U.S. Economic Policies at Work in Latin America

By Professor Dustin Walcher, Southern Oregon University Angry protesters spilled into the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 19, 2001; after a decade of sustained economic growth, the government of Fernando de la Rúa had announced the nation’s effective bankruptcy. People from widely different socio-economic backgrounds – from dock workers to storekeepers, housewives to factory workers – joined in condemning de la Rúa’s government, and that of his predecessor, Carlos Menem. Young men beat on drums and women pounded on pots and pans, providing a distinct acoustic accompaniment to the demonstrations. Some even clashed with police along the Avendia de Mayo and on the Plaza de Mayo in the heart of Buenos Aires. But popular rage was not reserved for government and business leaders alone; demonstrators also blamed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – comprised of, according to one Argentine acquaintance, “a bunch of pirates” – and the U.S. government for their country’s spectacular financial failure.

The protesters’ reaction makes sense in light of the praise Argentina received throughout the 1990s for following the Washington Consensus. The Washington Consensus refers to the neoliberal economic model promoted by U.S. officials, with the assistance of the IMF, during the last decades of the twentieth century.

It called on governments to reduce welfare state expenditures, privatize publicly owned companies, streamline regulation, reduce or eliminate barriers to trade, regularize currency exchange, and balance budgets. By following this path, proponents of the Washington Consensus argued, countries would be rewarded with private foreign investment and enjoy significant economic growth.

They also stood to receive much-needed stabilization assistance from the IMF. But all benefits were conditioned on reform.

Menem followed the advice of IMF officials, as well as the George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations, and opened Argentina to foreign capital investment.

He privatized key state-owned businesses such as YPF, the state oil company, and Aerolíneas Argentinas, the national airline.

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He reduced the bureaucracy and welfare state services. To eliminate the country’s consistent problem of high inflation, he approved a controversial convertibility plan whereby the Argentine Central Bank agreed to exchange pesos for U.S. dollars at par value. Under Menem, Argentina appeared to emerge as a model of neoliberal reform.

Much of the public discussion of globalization during the 1990s – a term that’s economic definition includes neoliberalism and the consequent global economic integration neoliberalism entailed – was laudatory while also identifying the process as a fundamentally new phenomenon. Indeed, beginning in the 1970s the pace of global market integration accelerated rapidly in what some historians term “the shock of the global.” With the collapse of the Bretton Woods system of currency exchange, more states liberalized their exchange systems and reduced barriers to trade and capital flows. However, as Argentina’s experience demonstrates, the neoliberal period of globalization represented an evolution within global market capitalism, not a radical departure.

Menem was not the first Argentine president to perceive an advantage to working with the IMF. In July 1958, an IMF mission comprised of economists and other technical experts visited Buenos Aires. Two months earlier, Arturo Frondizi had been sworn in as president. Elected in a contest in which Peronist candidates, who enjoyed strong support among the working class and economic populists, were proscribed from the ballot, Frondizi claimed the mantle of economic nationalism. Indeed, he was best known for his opposition to contracts that former President Juan Perón signed with Standard Oil-California in 1955, on the grounds that they compromised Argentine sovereignty.

However, despite his history of support for economic nationalism Frondizi ultimately concluded that he had more to gain than to lose by working with the IMF and the United States. He welcomed the IMF mission to Argentina in the hope that through cooperation he would be able to gain foreign loans and tap new sources of

capital investment.

Frondizi did not come to his decision lightly. Without Peronists on the ballot, he had been able at least temporarily to co-opt greater working class support.

But he inherited an economy in crisis.

Inflation was thirty-two percent in 1958, eroding the purchasing power of all Argentines. Unemployment remained high and the balance of payments was in deficit. The nation’s hard currency reserves had dwindled to $200 million from $1.7 billion in 1946, and the 1958 forecasts predicted that the remaining reserves would be depleted. Agricultural products, the nation’s chief exports, were stagnant.

Capital goods needed for industrialization were expensive. The government ran a fiscal deficit that showed no signs of abating. The situation was not promising.

In light of the severity of the economic crisis, Frondizi recognized that he needed to make a drastic departure. He was determined both to stabilize the economy and pursue industrialization. In order to be successful, he needed U.S. assistance. U.S. policy in these matters was clear; as Director of International Financial Development Affairs Charles Adair pointed out, U.S. foreign economic policy was to make “balance-of-payments and stabilization assistance dependent on adequate financial programs worked out with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).”

Much the same as under the Washington Consensus, assistance from the U.S. government was conditioned on the IMF providing its own seal of approval. Moreover, private transnational banks, particularly those based in New York, also took their cues from the IMF; if the IMF did not have confidence in a country, lenders generally concluded that the risk was too great.

The IMF mission’s August 1958 report was not optimistic. It identified as serious problems the rate of inflation, the balanceof-payments deficit, an excessively complicated system of currency exchange, and the government’s fiscal deficit. Whereas Frondizi was determined to move forward simultaneously with an ambitious program for industrial development, IMF experts were less bullish. “The investments in

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to take del Carril at his word that the country would unite behind the plan was unwise. One board member expressed his “hope that the social problems, which the plan may generate and the unavoidable unemployment in some activities which are overexpanded [sic] by inflation will be of short duration” – a typical reaction. The Board approved del Carril’s request with enthusiasm.

With the IMF’s seal of approval in hand, the Frondizi government assembled a package of loans designed to stabilize the balance of payments and initiate new industrialization projects. The December 18, 1958 agreement constituted $329 million package of loans from public and private sources. Specifically, it included $75 million in IMF drawing rights, $125 million from the Export-Import Bank, $50 million from the U.S. Treasury, $25 million from the Development Loan Fund, and $54 million from eleven private banks.

Frondizi’s cooperative policy had produced its first dividend.

The conditions imposed on the loans exacted a heavy cost. Angry at the layoffs and welfare state reductions, in addition to the increasingly high rate of inflation, the working class responded by launching a wave of strikes. The liberal international economic order, workers complained, offered benefits to the wealthy and ongoing hardship to ordinary people. In response, they directed their anger at the Frondizi government and its American benefactors. The left wing of the working class identified “imperialism – especially of the Yankee,” as the enemy of “national independence.” It complained that “the great

Autumn Quarter 2010

History Series

SOURCE: HTTP://WWW.SOCIALISTVIEWPOINT.ORG/MARCH_03/MAR_03_17.HTML

basic industries” wrote the staff, “will either have to be reduced below present plans or substantial foreign sources of financing developed.” In order to receive the IMF’s seal of approval – and any foreign loans either to stabilize the balance of payments or pursue development – Buenos Aires needed to adopt an austere budget. Tax collection must increase and spending must decrease. There were too many public employees, especially working on the state-owned railroads. The welfare state was too generous. Monetary policy had been too loose. Currency exchange must be simplified. The time for change had arrived.

The Frondizi government was willing to initiate the requested reforms, but insisted on foreign support for industrialization in addition to balance-of-payments stabilization. On December 4, 1958, Economic Minister Emilio Donato del Carril wrote to IMF Managing Director Per Jacobsson, officially requesting $75 million in special drawing rights. He emphasized the government’s willingness to follow IMF prescriptions. With del Carril’s pledge, the IMF staff supported the Argentine request.

Final authorization was still necessary from the Executive Board – comprised of representatives of IMF member states. In their questioning of del Carril, most praised the plan as a “bold” and “vigorous” response to the crisis.

Remarkably muted in the questioning was concern about the effects of fiscal austerity on ordinary Argentines. In light of the country’s history of labor unrest, and the significance of the working class to the Peronist movement, the Board’s willingness

imperialist monopolies,” along with the IMF, caused “the cost of living to increase barbarically.”

Although the language emerged from the left wing of Argentine labor, the sentiment was shared broadly.

In the final analysis, Frondizi’s plan failed. Although signs of macro-economic recovery emerged, indicating that the austerity program and enhanced availability of foreign capital had some positive effects, that upturn could not mask the growing suffering of ordinary people. Moreover, in an effort to stave off the political costs of social crisis, the Frondizi government never fully implemented the austerity measures worked out with the IMF. Absent additional stabilization lending, the balance of payments quickly returned to deficit.

Meanwhile, angry protesters regularly demonstrated against those austerity measures that had been enacted. By 1962, faced with renewed economic stagnation and growing public restiveness, military leaders removed Frondizi in a coup.

Although the global capitalist system was not the same in the 1990s as it had been in the 1950s, some of the differences are often exaggerated. Indeed the volume of transnational economic activity increased dramatically, beginning in the 1970s, with significant consequences for the global economy. But in both the 1990s and the late-1950s, U.S. and IMF leaders possessed a similar vision for how to integrate economically less developed countries into the larger system. Those countries, they preached, should minimize the role of the state in the nation’s economic life, embrace the market, and become open to transnational capital. Since its founding at Bretton Woods in 1944, the IMF has played an important role in systematically dealing with sovereign borrowers, both by providing loans to cover balance-of-payments deficits and as the final arbiter of a country’s commitment to economic orthodoxy.

In both decades, IMF officials maintained a myopic focus on economic data while virtually ignoring the potential social costs of the policies they advocated. The most notable difference in the Argentine case was that in the 1990s the country more faithfully carried out Washington’s prescriptions over a longer period of time, and with even more money at stake.

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Patron Saint to Many The Life and Legacy of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

By Mickey Weems, Ph.D., Department of English them even quoted her.

As a renowned theologian and philosopher, Juana is irresistible to ivory-tower scholars. In fact, at least one of her books has gained international attention outside of modern-day Greater Hispania. Without a doubt, Juana is the direct ancestor of such important Hispanic Americans such as Gloria Anzaldúa, Sonya Sotomayor, and transwoman activist Sylvia Rivera. Mexican LGBT groups honor her as a Gay patron saint, as do I. While acknowledging that Juana Inés de la Cruz is bigger than any one label or group, this article will focus on her as a folk icon in the worldwide Gay community.

PAINTING BY ALEX LOZA, PORTRAIT OF SOR JUANA INES DE LA CRUZ, 2008, MIX MEDIUM ON CANVAS SIZE: 4' X 5' (48"X60"), WWW.ALEXLOZA.COM

Born to Learn

Sor (Sister) Juana Inés de la Cruz (16481695 CE) was an outspoken Roman Catholic nun in Colonial Mexico. Although silenced in her lifetime, her words reverberate louder and stronger than any of her haters. Today, she is an icon for all Mexicans, Latina women, the Lesbian community, and feminists everywhere.

As a folklorist, there are plenty of things that Juana did in terms of Mexican folklife that attract me to her: she produced songs, poems, plays, and a cookbook, all written

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in colloquial Spanish, court Spanish, Nahuatl, and Latin. Her works are still sung, produced, and read all over the Spanishspeaking world, and she continues to influence the shared pulse of Mexican identity. Juana Inés is folkloric catnip precisely because she appeals to everyday people. When I spoke of her to my fellow workers in Chipotlé Mexican Grill who had come from places such as Hidalgo, Oaxaca, and the Distrito Federal, they knew who she was, especially the women. One of

Born in Central Mexico. Juana Inés was the illegitimate daughter of Isabel Ramírez, a criolla (woman of Spanish descent born in the Americas) who had six children from two men and did not marry either man. Sor Juana’s maternal grandfather had a large library that allowed her a broader education than that of most girls. Anything more than a basic education was considered inappropriate for women. Some say she dressed as a boy so that she could study at the University of Mexico.

She was taken under the wing of Leonor Carreto, wife of the Viceroy of New Spain (what is now roughly Florida, the Caribbean, Phillipines, Central America, and the USA west of the Mississippi River).

Rather than consent to being married, Juana became a nun. Juana Inés gained fame in both Mexico and Spain for her wit and beauty. As much a celebrity as nun, she was given various names, such as décima musa (“tenth muse,” a title she shares with the ancient Greek poet Sappho) and: fénix de Mexico (“Mexican phoenix”).

Born to Love Juana Inés was able to consort with the rich and famous because of Leanor Carreto, and the two women appear to have loved each other deeply. When Carreto died in 1674, Juana Inés wrote three sonnets, one with this verse:

When before, wanting to please you Desiring to have eyes to see you Now they only serve to mourn you At the departure of María Luisa, another viceroy’s wife she loved years later, Juana wrote: Ser mujer, ni estar ausente No es de amarte impedimento Pues sabes tú, que las almas Distancia ignoran y sexo Neither being a woman nor being far away

Manuel Fernández was a friend and confidante of Sor Juana. Not fooled by the pseudonym, Sor Juana wrote a response to “Sor Filotea” celebrated worldwide as La Respuesta. In this response, which has become a feminist classic, Juana Inés defends the right of women to engage in intellectual inquiry. All the while, she addresses Manuel as if he were indeed a woman, even though she knew well the letter was lipstick on a bispo.

Two years later, Sor Juana finally gave in to her critics and quit writing. She sold her vast library, scientific devices, and musical instruments, and gave the money to charity. In 1695, she died while caring for other members of her order who were struck with the plague.

Born to Cook?

Stops me from loving you For you well know that souls Ignore distance and gender Verses such as these have been interpreted by Gay scholars as referring to more than just expressions of friendship.

But there does not appear to be anything from her opponents condemning her for same-sex love. This could be due to conventions of the time that allowed women express friendship in such strong terms.

It could also be that the objects of Juana Inés’ affection were powerful women of the upper class and were thus beyond reproach.

Bishop in Literary Drag We know that Sor Juana had enemies who wanted to silence her. Pressure increased on Sor Juana to obey her spiritual superiors and behave as a woman rather than an intellectual. Things got worse when Manuel Fernández de Santa Cruz, Bishop of Pueblo, published one of her essays that criticized a Church authority, and wrote a letter telling Sor Juana to stop writing on intellectual subjects, and to become an obedient (and silent) daughter of the Church. The bishop pretended he was a fellow nun in the letter, signing it “Sor Filotea.”

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Thank heaven Juana Inés managed to write La Respuesta before authorities silenced her. In one particularly amusing section, Sor Juana tells Bishop Fernández that she was once punished for her intellectual pursuits by being sent to work in the kitchen. Her reaction to the punishment was classic: she turned the kitchen into a laboratory and a source for philosophical insight.

Pues ¿qué os pudiera contar, Señora, de los secretos naturales que he descubierto estando guisando? Veo que un huevo se une y fríe en la manteca o aceite y, por contrario, se despedaza en el almíbar.…¿qué podemos saber las mujeres sino filosofías de cocina? …Y yo suelo decir viendo estas cosillas: si Aritóteles hubiera guisado, mucho más hubiera escrito. (What can I tell you, my Lady, of the secrets of nature I have discovered while cooking? I see that an egg becomes solid and fries in butter or oil, while on the contrary it dissolves in syrup…what can we women know if not philosophies of the kitchen? …And I say repeatedly when seeing these little details, if Aristotle had cooked, he would have written much more.)

Instead of being imprisoned by the kitchen, Sor Juana claimed it as a woman’s space, a source of women’s wisdom so valuable that a man like Aristotle (and

presumably Manuel Fernández) would do well to shed their masculine arrogance and enter that space. Juana Inés wrote Libro de Cocina (“Cookbook”) with 36 recipes, including desserts and a mole (“sauce,” from Nahuatl mulli or molli) called “clemole de Oaxaca” made with cilantro, garlic, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, and chiles anchos or pasillas (toasted in butter with sesame seeds) cooked together in a saucepan, with pork, sausage, or chicken added.

Mexican Icon, Gay Patron Saint Juana Inés has been adopted by the LGBT community in Mexico as the Gay equivalent of a patron saint. Her status as a nun and her fame as a Roman Catholic theologian have been used by Gay activists as a means of mediating between LGBT and Catholic identities. El Clóset de Sor Juana (“Sister Juana’s Closet”) is a Lesbian organization named after her that is dedicated to civil rights for women and diverse sexual-gender orientations.

Regardless of controversy about her sexual orientation, Sor Juana is venerated in Mexico, so much so that she has been printed on Mexican money. Her picture has been featured on the 1000 peso and 200 peso note. Her songs are still performed, and her poem “Hombres necios “ (“Foolish Men,” in which she scolds men who insult women for both refusing and allowing men to have sex with them) is still popular.

Mexican people’s acceptance of Juana Inés as a folk hero and a woman who loved women has no doubt made it easier for some remarkable changes to take place, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in Mexico City. American LGBT folklorists would do well to look south for grassroots movements in which religious figures have helped, not hindered, the growth of an openly Gay folk community.

Autumn Quarter 2010

Folklore Series

Pues si antes, ambicioso de gosarte Deseo tener ojos para verte Ya le sirvieran sólo de llorarte

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Brave New World Adjusting and Thriving as a Minority is Key to your Success

By Miguel Guavara

Frustration has been the one feeling at the forefront of my Ohio State experience.

As I started my journey here during the autumn of 2008, I quickly became frustrated with the lack of Latino culture, the silence of my language, the inability to find acceptable Latino food, and the mere fact that I was no longer in my comfort zone of Houston, Texas. The first year at Ohio State was quite rough for me as I battled to seek out my culture on and off campus, find places where I could fit in, and just find a way to hold onto my culture and identity. Every quarter I considered transferring to a college closer to home. Yet I knew that leaving an institution as great as Ohio State would be the biggest mistake I could make. So, I stayed here through the cold and snowy winters knowing that I would have to make sure I stayed involved enough to forget about home and enjoy my stay. Soon enough I came to find that

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being involved did not offer me the fulfillment I sought.

From orientation and on, the one phrase that all students hear the most is, “Get Involved.” After that first quarter, I quickly realized I was no longer in the Latino rich city of Houston. I felt the absence of my culture and displaced within an environment drastically different from the one I knew. When you are the only Latino in all of your classes you begin to feel differently about who you are—you become more cognizant of your differences, and you begin to feel isolated. Spending Thanksgiving alone for the first time made things even worse. By then I made a real effort to “Get Involved” on campus, and to me the best way to stay connected to my Latino culture was to start Lambda Theta Phi, the first and largest Latino fraternity. I pledged during winter quarter and by

spring quarter I was president. I thought, not only was I a founding brother but now I am the president as well! How much more involved could one get as a freshman? Needless to say I felt more at home during the second part of the year.

Yet there was still a void; I just did not feel as if I was doing enough to preserve my identity and culture. As I headed home for the summer, I still felt the need to be more involved in order to stay connected to my culture.

I began autumn quarter 2009 with an even more active attempt at being involved in order to finally make Ohio State feel like home. I was lucky that I had great people around me that pushed me to become involved, told me about what organizations I could get involved in, and talked to me as if I were familia. They all had my best interests at heart. My realization, with their help,

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considering Ohio State. Whether they had the means to visit or if I had to go out and speak to high school students, a Latino was sure to be present. I knew I could relate to the students and their families, answer their specific questions, and understand their concerns because I share their culture, identify with them, and most of all, want for them to know that Ohio State and its Latino community are ready to embrace them as familia. I knew I still needed to do more because the recruitment of Latino students is just one concern among many.

I also needed to stay engaged in the Latino student community so that I could truly understand the concerns of our community and provide my own insight. I actively sought out opportunities that would place me in contact with fellow students and university employees so that the two entities could interact cohesively towards the same goals. The University-wide Council of Hispanic Organizations (UCHO) is an umbrella organization for all the Latino student groups on campus. UCHO is the tool for Latino student organizations to unite, collaborate, and support each other as well as another means of funding for these organizations. UCHO can be the forum for organized Latino initiatives and recognizing that fact, I no longer was satisfied in just representing my fraternity. I wanted to help drive constructive discussion towards the ideals and goals that I have and that I know many other students share. Another area I saw a need for Latino input was in the institutionalized area of Undergraduate Student Government (USG). This forum is the area where students can be heard because USG’s main purpose is to address undergraduate student issues. Clearly one Latino voice would do wonders for the community. There are several positions that any student can take within USG; the title of my position Associate Director of Hispanic Outreach.

In this position, I present policies, initiatives, concerns, and practically anything that the Latino student population feels the need to be expressed. This position is important because it had not been filled since at least 2006, and quite frankly, an entire four years of absence is absurd and intolerable.

There is one initiative that I truly feel will change the landscape for Latino students at Ohio State. This

initiative is the creation of a Latino Learning Community, which is truly unique compared to the other Learning Communities on campus. This will go beyond just the Spanish language; it will celebrate the richness of Latino culture. Music, food, language and academics shall all intertwine as students share with others who have the same passion, fascination, and appreciation for the Latino culture. One great aspect of this Learning Community is the academic minor, Latino/a Studies, which requires 25 hours to complete. This will ensure that students can still seek their majors in any field of study, whether it is engineering, biology, the arts, social sciences, etc. This initiative will require that the Ohio State stay committed to the idea of integration and progress.

Latino students will have the connection to Latino faculty and staff through the academic commitment of Latino/a Studies and L.A.S.E.R. (Latino and Latin American studies Space for Enrichment and Research). So far many of the minor pieces have fallen into place, the need now is for more students to step up and help this Learning Community become a reality.

Make no mistake; The Ohio State University is dedicated to their Latino students, faculty and staff. This university has several departments, funding, and personnel dedicated to this cause.

In short, the university has done a great job in including the Latino population, but progress is what I, and many others, seek and demand. Therefore, I feel that the university must move forward and integrate the Latino population rather than continuing their lackluster policies of simple inclusion. As a student, the opportunity is out there to serve your community. Do not be satisfied with being just another member of an organization. Fully invest yourself in the cause of your choosing because there is no greater feeling than knowing you left even the smallest mark on such a large and meaningful university as Ohio State.

The need for willing Latino students to be the champions of their community is shared throughout all of the different entities at Ohio State. It is up to you to better yourself and your community as this university progresses.

Su Opinión

was that I needed to stop complaining about the Latino situation at Ohio State and do something about it myself.

I needed to become engaged and fully invested in the organizations that I was already a part of and the ones I would potentially join. I was no longer trying everything from the vast list of 900 plus organizations to “Get Involved” with. I was seeking groups that would help me achieve my vision of Latino unity, visibility, and integration across the different institutional levels.

Even with a small number of groups to choose from, I knew I could find something worthwhile by choosing an organization I could be passionate about and to which I would be willing to give, rather than sacrifice, my time. I spent a considerable amount of time figuring out what groups I could join in order for the Latino voice to be heard. I also began to think about what initiatives I could push that would help Latinos begin integrating into the different areas of Ohio State rather than just being included.

Since this is my vision for Ohio State, I needed to make sure it is heard. I needed to inform others of what I felt the university was lacking and allow those who possess the same passion and dedication to assist me with their talents. In short, I needed to stop complaining and become engaged.

That being said, in my sophomore year I found myself interviewing for as many positions as I could to ensure that there would be at least one Latino in the various areas of need within the university. My first step toward that was becoming a Diversity Ambassador for Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience (UAFYE). When I visited Ohio State in high school, the only other Latinos I saw were my dad and another student from Texas. Ohio State is a great university that should be in consideration when Latino students think about college. One way to make Ohio State accessible or even a real possibility for Latino high school students is to provide them with a Latino student representative. This same sentiment was my driving desire to join the Office of Minority Affairs Undergraduate Recruitment Society (OURS), an organization which gave the opportunity to go to Ohio high schools and speak about college.

I made sure that I would have enough opportunities to see students who are

Autumn Quarter 2010

21

Short Story Hell to Pay

By Frederick Luis Aldama

LAS MARAVILLAS MEXICAN MARKET, 233 W 5TH AVE, COLUMBUS, OH 43201

spiritualist worldview (raised under the bittersweet spell of a single mom’s Catholicism) was given a radical shake down.

No Father. No Son. And certainly no Holy Ghost. No Virgin Mary--either. No original sin. No heaven and no hell.

From here on out: Just Luis hijo and a world filled with opposable thumbs, gene mutation ontogenetics, universal grammar, and causal and counterfactual thinking—all that he might need to get down and dirty with the grime ’n grit of the world.

As family lore would have it, the incense stench, Liberace priest-glittered regalia, rancid wine and stale wafer at the Confirmation sent pubescent Luis papa into a tailspin. With stomach a churl, he blazed down the aisle filled with uncles, aunts, abuelos and abuelas, pushed the church doors open, then upchucked God, the Virgin Mary, and baby Jesus all at once.

With religion out, Luis papa knew the family would just-barely accept his proposed alternative: Sunday’s at the library. So a couple of years later he was spending this day of the week—and then all his spare hours—reading up on all sorts of Euro-heretics: Aristotle, Goethe, Marx, Sartre, de Beauvoir, Hegel, and Spinoza.

Once he began to earn money typing for a local bank, he used some saved pesos to go existentialist black: black pants and turtleneck, black floor to ceiling bedroom.

He also took up chain smoking. A regular poet maudit wannabe he was.

As the lore would have it, it was this— and not the 250-pounds of extra weight— that stopped the heart of his God-fearing mama Leonor.

It wasn’t so much a legacy of black on black that passed on to our protagonist.

No. It was the extravagant use of Sundays,

Isabel asks the Russo-American septuagenarian lady how much.

5 dollars, sweetheart.

How about two-fifty, she asks spurred on after some whispered coaching from her papa, Luis, a trickster in the line of his own Luis papa.

Sorry sweetie, but I have to stick to five dollars or I won’t make anything today.

When a lot of folks choose to harden knees at the pew, Luis hijo and his almost four-year old daughter wear out soles weaving through the resplendent sounds, sights, and smells of the Swap Meet.

Ever since his so-called turn when ninesomething, Sunday mornings ceased being reserved for the spiritually precious.

He lived with Luis, his dad during this time. Not knowing him well, the parentals divorced just when Quetzalcóatl stopped diaper delivery and the post-Formula DTs quit, he called him Luis—also the protagonist of this short story’s first name.

Looking back as an adult, our protagonist is still not sure if Luis papa thought: A) that the he, Luis hijo, was somehow in danger of a preternatural reproductive mishap and needed that birds’n’bee talk; or B) that another chance might not come up to give Luis hijo that hand-on-shoulder CliffNotes talk on On the Origin of Species.

Come summer, he’d be returning north of the border to his gringa mom.

Whatever the motive, our protagonist’s

22

one that defied family and country tradition. Luis hijo's legacy in turn has become the Holy Trinity of bric-a-brac, churros, and the art of the haggle at the local Swap Meet.

Sundays are certainly the most costly day of the week: a buck fifty at the gate.

Kids under 2 go free. And our protagonist has been hit hard of late as an adjunct prof. at a J.C. in Pinole. Nonetheless, it’s this regular Sunday trip that makes it all seem like it will turn out okay.

As a rule, Luis hijo likes to get there early. Just as the vendors are setting up.

The mango, strawberries, and papaya are fresh and the smell of pandulce, churros, and fresh baked cookies fill the air. The god-awful blend of ranchera music and narcocorrido rap hasn’t yet begun to boom.

With the tickets punched, he and Isabel follow their usual path: to begin in the middle row, serpentine their way right, then cross back over the middle, and follow the same weave movement on the left side.

His mantra: Keep the mind open and vision wide. Be ready to telescope into swift sharp focus and pounce. The place is chock full of its usual fare: soccer jerseys, gaucho gear, bunched calcetines, and chones; guys offering massage and cure-all Chinese cupping treatments; garage brica-brac like speed drills, Sawzalls, wrenches, binoculars, weights, bikes, microwave ovens; pirated Xbox games and dvds; anything and everything you can imagine under the shadow of a 400x300 foot movie screen.

Our protagonist spots some binocs. A good looking young, pants-hanging-offthe ass Middle-Easterner is helming the stall.

How much, he asks.

Thirty five, he says with an MTV rapstyle lilt and head-cocked look!

How about twenty. Luis hijo wants to push and find the edge of the negotiating boundary.

Nah, man, my boss over there has to pay me and my pardner for the day and cover the stall. Plus it’s early. Best I can do is twenty-eight, bro!

With five dollars still tucked away in her left-front pocket of her ready-towear Swap-Meet sweats, Isabel stealthily scopes the scene once again. Tugging with one hand and pointing with the other’s finger, she steers and directs Luis hijo--her own Luis papa-- to the stall of her desire. On a table at about Isabel’s eye-level stand a back row of those JuanDiego-at-the-feet Virgin Mary ceramic casts with like-imaged votive candles squeezed in between. At the front sit a row of primed and plumed second-hand Barbies. Happily sunning themselves, these 21st century Barbies come in all shades of the phenotypic spectrum and sport anything from tennis minis to flor de piña styled dresses and baroquely embroidered blouses.

Tug, finger, fire: Isabel sees something she likes--a sporty blonde and a ball-ready brunette.

She holds them up to the young Latina manning the stall.

How much for these two Barbies?

Seis. . .six!

How about 4?

How about 5 and you got yourself a deal?

You’ll have hell to pay for this, Luisito, Tata Leonor’s words reverberate.

As Isabel cinches the deal, Luis hijo thinks how about half price and ya gotchyourself a deal.

www.quepasa.osu.edu

Selected Poetry On the death of that most excellent lady Poem by Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz 1651 - 1695, San Miguel Nepantla, Mexico

(Español) Mueran contigo, Laura, pues moriste, los afectos que en vano te desean, los ojos a quien privas de que vean hermosa luz que a un tiempo concediste.

(English translation) Let them die with you, Laura, now you are dead, these longings that go out to you in vain, these eyes on whom you once bestowed, a lovely light never to gleam again.

Muera mi lira infausta en que influiste ecos, que lamentables te vocean, y hasta estos rasgos mal formados sean lágrimas negras de mi pluma triste.

Let this unfortunate lyre that echoes still, to sounds you woke, perish calling your name, and may these clumsy scribblings represent, black tears my pen has shed to ease its pain.

Muévase a compasión la misma muerte, que, precisa, no pudo perdonarte; y lamente el amor su amarga suerte,

Let Death himself feel pity, and regret that, bound by his own law, he could not spare you, and Love lament the bitter circumstance,

Pues si antes, ambicioso de gozarte, deseó tener ojos para verte, ya le sirvieran sólo de llorarte.

That if once, in his desire for pleasure, he wished for eyes that they might feast on you, now weeping is all those eyes could ever do.

Soñaste tu canto eternacigarra Poem by Tatiana Andrade Seiber Spanish lecturer at OSU, from Bogotá, Colombia

Soñaste tu canto eternacigarra confio en tu ritmo ausencia de letargo canta aislada canta confiada falta de espera nunca anunciada.

Creative Corner

How about twenty-five and you throw in that Craftsman monkey wrench?

No can do, browski.

You’d be willing to lose this deal over a monkey wrench and a couple of bucks difference?

He clams up. Doesn’t want to play.

Doesn’t want to throw down and make an art of the bargain.

Luis hijo walks. Luis papa would've been proud. To bargain is to see the other in the eye. It's a personal acknowledgement.

Later he picks up some Bushnell 10X40s for 7 bucks; the guy started at fifteen, he started at five. They found their way to the yin-yang, nodding steeped in satisfaction.

Autumn Quarter 2010

23

Bianca Alvarez Life as a Latina Diver at Ohio State University

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BIANCA ALVAREZ

By Bianca Alvarez

Living in Miami, Florida for almost my entire life, I was constantly surrounded by the rich Cuban culture that consumes the city. That is what I had always known: a culture composed of salsa music, frijoles negros, and the Spanish language. I took the diversity for granted and never stopped to really notice and appreciate what surrounded me. Therefore, moving to Columbus, Ohio for college was not as much of a culture-shock as I had

24

anticipated it would be. Of course, the clubs played different music, the popular food was not what I was used to, and English was the language predominantly spoken, but I enjoyed this new experience.

Although I was suddenly not submerged in Miami’s heavy Latino population, the culture I was experiencing was new and exciting.

It was not long after living in Columbus before I realized I was missing the things

and people with whom I grew up. Although I had a supportive community of athletes that I had met through the Varsity Diving Team, none really understood my culture and what my heritage was all about. They jokingly called me Mexican when they learned I was Hispanic, which highlighted the fact the many non-Latinos tend to think all Hispanics are Mexican. They all thought it was “cute” when I carried on conversations with my grandparents in Spanish, and they asked me repeatedly to cook Cuban food for them.

For years, I’ve noticed the lack of Latino participation in the sport of diving. Being a veteran in the sport, I’ve truly been able to experience the culture of the athletes who make up the diving community. Unfortunately, Hispanics make up a very small percentage of the total diver population, which can, at times, make it a different experience for me as a Latina.

During this year’s USA Diving National Championships, I took a different perspective on this discrepancy and really took the opportunity to notice that although there were differences, the experience was not all that different from my norm.

Through several years in the sport, I’ve been the sole Hispanic American in the competitive world of US diving. I was reminded of this lack of top competitive Latino divers recently at the 2010 USA Diving National Championships. Not only was I the only Latina in the Finals of my 3-meter diving event, but also there was only one other Hispanic female in attendance at the competition. It is not just within the United States that there is a lack of competitive Hispanic-American divers, but Hispanics in general are missing from diving all around the world. At the 2008 Olympic Games, there were only three Hispanics in the finals of all the women’s events, all of which were Mexican. Among the men’s events, there were only seven of forty-eight available spots in the Finals taken by Hispanics. The 2008 56-member Olympic swimming and diving squad had one black and no Hispanics.

A curious question should be asked: why is there such a deficiency of Latinos in competitive diving? Some propose

“I was recently selected to the 2012 Olympic Performance Squad. It's a select team of a few top divers in the country that have the potential to make it to the next Olympic Games.” – Bianca Alvarez

2010

2nd place – 2010 Big Ten Championships on 1 Meter and 3 Meter 2nd place – 2010 USA Diving National Championships in Texas

2009

2nd place – 2009 USA National Championships on 1 meter 2008-09 (Red-shirt Season at OSU): Bianca sat out the season as a red-shirt

2008

2nd place at the 2008 NCAA National Diving Championships

that it may be an economic factor. Both swimming and diving are expensive sports that require monthly payments for coaching and practice, in addition to the travel associated with competition.

Research suggests that Hispanics tend to be from poorer families, making it more difficult for Hispanics to engage in high priced sports. In addition, Spanish television networks such as Telemundo, which reach up to 93% of the Hispanic population, do not do an adequate job covering many of the non-traditional sports such as gymnastics, track, and diving. Without this exposure, parents’ lack the knowledge to expose their kids to unconventional sports.

www.quepasa.osu.edu

It is my hope that one day, Hispanics will become more aware of competitive diving and their potential to excel in the sport. Eventually, Hispanic-Americans and Latinos in general will not be alone on the world class level. With the help of Hispanic television networks and programs to make swimming and diving more accessible to lower income families, excelling in these sports can potentially become a reality.

2007

2007-08 (Freshmen Season at OSU): Earned All-America honors on the 1- and 3-meter springboard 1st place – 1-meter and 2nd place – 3-meter at the Ohio State Invitational Big Ten Diver of the week on two separate occasions

2006

Member of the 2006 Junior World Team Owns five Junior National titles Served as president of National Honor Society

Mi Experiencia

“I currently hold the women's record at OSU's McCorkle Aquatic Center on 3 meter.” – Bianca Alvarez

Autumn Quarter 2010

25

Summer 2010 Graduates

Summer 2010 Graduates

Bachelor’s Degrees

26

Doctoral Degrees

Name

Citizen Major

Degree

College

Name

Citizen Major

Degree

College

Ashwal, Jaclyn Rebecca

USA

Criminology

BA

SBS

Assef, Roberto Jose

Chile

Astronomy

PHD

MPS

Bernal, Mario Alberto

USA

Spanish

BA

HUM

Caetano, Pedro Afonso

Port

Pharmacy

PHARMD

PHP

Calderon, Joanne Yvette

USA

International Studies BA

ASC

Dannhausen, Clinton Alan

USA

Physical Therapy

DPT

AMP

Castro, Julian D

CO

International Studies BA

ASC

Gambina, Federico

AR

Materials Sci & Eng PHD

ENG

DeLeon, Danielle Alexis

USA

Political Science

BA

SBS

Gonzalez-Perez, Maria A.

Spain

Spanish & Port

PHD

HUM

DeLeon, Roger

USA

International Studies BA

ASC

Gotardo, Paulo F.U.

Brazil

Elec & Comp Eng

PHD

ENG

Delgado, Ricardo Alexander

USA

Accounting

BS

BUS

Obregon, Patrick Anthony

USA

Edu: Policy & Lead

PHD

EHE

Diaz, Martin Lee

USA

Psychology

BS

SBS

Pina, Raquel

AR

Spanish & Port

PHD

HUM

Dominguez, Mary Ellen

USA

Hum Dvlp & Fam Sci BS

EHE

Rocha, Samuel

USA

Edu: Policy & Lead

PHD

EHE

Duran, John Manuel

USA

Journalism

BA

SBS

Santiago, Raquel Vanessa

USA

Physical Therapy

DPT

AMP

Flores, Ciara Marie

USA

Anthropology

BA

SBS

Hernandez, Matthew

USA

Psychology

BS

SBS

Kaleal, Kristen Marie

USA

Marketing

BS

BUS

Lembeck, Jeffrey Michael

USA

Computer & Info Sci BS

MPS

Loredo, Kristina Y.

USA

Animal Sciences

BS

AGR

Martinez, Juan Carlos

Mexico Hum Dvlp & Fam Sci BS

EHE

Necamp, Stephen Robert

USA

Chem Engineering BS

ENG

Ortega, Oswaldo Omar

USA

Avi-Soc & Bhv Sci

BA

SBS

Perez, Lilian

USA

Logistics Mang

BS

BUS

Ramos, Philip James

USA

Criminology

BA

SBS

Santiago -Garcia, Karen

USA

Psychology

BA

SBS

Serrano, Jacqueline Elizabeth

USA

Biology

BS

BIO

Snouffer, Wade F.

USA

Biology

BS

BIO

Villanueva-Whaley, Aldo

Mexico Economics

BA

SBS

Ysasi III, Elifonso

USA

BA

SBS

Economics

Master's Degrees Name

Citizen Major

Degree

College

Adaniya, Naomi Martha

USA

Public Health

MPH

PBH

Baranski, Andrzej

CR

Economics

MA

SBS

Driscoll, Brandon Clinton

USA

Working Pros

MBA

BUS

Farfan, Monica A

USA

Evo Eco & Org Bio

MS

BIO

Gaetano Adi, Paula Gabriela

AR

Art

MFA

ART

Gonzalez, Jamie

USA

Speech Lang Path

MA

SBS

Gotthard Real, Alexander

Mexico Economics

MA

SBS

Green, Nicholas J

USA

Mol Cell & Dev Bio

MS

BIO

Montoya Rodriguez, Carlos G.

HN

Civil Engineering

MS

ENG

Nunez Moran, Emerson Osvaldo Mexico Materials Sci & Eng

MS

ENG

Roth, Bernardo Diego

Mexico Economics

MA

SBS

Urbiztondo, Rebeccah Alicia

USA

Veterinary Biosci

MS

VME

Vargas-Pinto, Pedro Alexis

CO

Veterinary Biosci

MS

VME

Vega-Mendoza, Mariana

Mexico Spanish & Port

MA

HUM

Cantina Laredo Fine Tex Mex Available in Columbus

Polaris is a popular place for OSU students to visit, specifically when they are in need of new clothing and other specialty items; it also happens to be the location of Cantina Laredo, a new restaurant that offers Mexican food with a southwestern twist. Situated in the new outdoor section of Polaris Fashion Place, Cantina Laredo advertises itself as the home of gourmet Mexican food, but the menu offers much more than that; in fact Cantina Laredo is home to what is unquestionably the best Tex-Mex food in the city of Columbus.

Accompanied by La Gringa, my new co reviewer, I entered Cantina Laredo just in time for dinner. I noticed that the restaurant has a chic appearance, though there is a certain relaxed and casual atmosphere that pervades. Still, this restaurant should not be considered casual and is certainly appropriate for a nice evening out with a date or even a celebration. We were greeted by a friendly staff, seated, and chef Leon DeLeon came out to discuss his menu. As usual, I made my preferences known: I like traditional Mexican food, enjoy spicy dishes, and generally do not prefer seafood while La Gringa was open to the chef's suggestions.

Our meal began with the Sopa de Tortilla (Bowl $8.49, Cup $5.99), a delicate bright colored soup of thicker consistency with homemade tortilla slivers. I was surprised by how flavorful the soup was, an explosion of herbs combined around small chunks of roasted and well seasoned chicken. The flavors were absolutely perfect, and the technique betrayed professional training. As we finished our cups, we agreed that such skilled soup making was a promising sign for what lay ahead.

Our next appetizer, The Cantina Laredo Platter ($16.29), gave us a great

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introduction to the different Mexican dishes Cantina Laredo has to offer. This plate features a cheese filled chile relleno, a tamale, an enchilada, and one fajita beef taco al carbon. The relleno is the highlight on the plate: a naturally flavorful poblano pepper filled with Oaxaca cheese, cilantro, and covered in a ranchera sauce. The taco was very good, especially so when eaten with a lime. The tamale was good, but a little bit dry while the guacamole garnish was superb in both its flavor and oily consistency. For our enchiladas we had the cheese and onion, which was served in a traditional Tex-Mex manner, covered in chili con queso instead of traditional red sauce. Having spent time in Dallas for my MA, I particularly enjoyed this dish. A large dish, this plate might be best ordered as an appetizer for a group of four.

It was now time for the main course and as always I asked the chef for suggestions; he suggested the Carne Asada Y Camarones (Grilled steak topped with bacon-wrapped shrimp filled with oaxaca cheese and jalapeño $23.99). While everything else had certainly been flavorful, this was the crown jewel of my meal. The asada itself was treated and served uncut in a large flank; tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned I savored this steak in the same manner one might a cut of meat from a top notch steak house. This was, indeed, gourmet Mexican food. I tasted the shrimp (they were, after all, wrapped in bacon!) and passed them on to La Gringa, who assured me they were very good. I agreed, I was devoted to my asada, which is available alone or in lunch portions at a reasonable price (Lunch $12.99, Dinner $18.99).

La Gringa ordered the Carnitas (Braised pork shanks topped with chipotle-wine sauce $19.99), which is boldly served still on the bone. The presentation was fantastic and the flavors matched the beauty of the dish: smoky, tender, aromatic with a strong sauce that on it’s own is too bold but when eaten with the dish is perfectly complementary. La Gringa could not have been more pleased, commenting more than once that the meat seemed to fall from the bone without effort. I sampled this dish as well and could not agree with

her conclusions more!

Though we were already quite full, La Gringa and I could not resist the allure of dessert. I chose the Mexican Brownie (brownie with pecans on a sizzling skillet with Mexican Brandy Butter and vanilla or cinnamon ice cream $5.99) while my counterpart was attracted to the MEXICAN APPLE PIE (sizzled in Mexican Brandy Butter and topped with choice of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream $5.99). The deserts were a show stopper, as guests from around the restaurant ooed and awed at the sounds and aromas that came from our tableside!

The flavor was equally as impressive: a tender brownie that crumbled under the heat and weight of the ice cream topper, the Mexican Brandy Butter adding just enough sweetness to the rich desert. La Gringa noted that the texture and flavors of her apple pie were ideal, with a flaky crust and pronounced cinnamon flavors that were perfectly balanced with the Brandy Butter Sauce.

Featuring the best of both Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, Cantina Laredo takes it’s place as one of the best places in Columbus for high end Mexican food.

Don’t be fooled by the prices, which may seem a little high for most students; the portions are very large (enough for two meals) and there is no question that you will get your money’s worth. For my part, I shall return to Cantina Laredo whenever I find myself in the Polaris area.

Cantina Laredo 8791 Lyra Drive Columbus, OH 43240 Phone: (614) 781-1139

www.cantinalaredo.com

����� Rating System:

5 chiles = Exceptional 4 chiles = Very good 3 chiles = Average 2 chiles = Poor 1 chile = Very poor

$$$$$

Autumn Quarter 2010

Food Review

By Michael J. Alarid, featuring La Gringa

27

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Student Academic Services Building, 3rd Floor 281 West Lane Avenue Columbus, OH 43210-1132 www.quepasa.osu.edu

COLUMBUS, OHIO PERMIT NO. 711