Juventino Meza
Hometown - St. Paul, MN
>> http://juvedelpueblo.blogspot.com/ <<
Majors: Sociology, and Justice and Peace Studies
Hometown: I was born in Mexico--in a tiny, mini little town of about 12,000 people outside of the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. I've always been in MN since I arrived to the U.S. and always lived in St. Paul (never crossed that Mississippi River, until I started at Augsburg of course).
Why I chose Augsburg: When I was in high school, I was part of Admission Possible, a college readiness program for low-income students in the Twin-Cities & Milwaukee, WI. There we were encouraged to go to college fairs, visit schools and do all that college-related stuff. Well, at a college fair I met Carrie Carroll (Assistant Vice President of Admissions). Actually, at this college fair I met a lot of people. I had been mingling around talking to college reps, but never really connecting or staying longer than a couple of minutes. However, when I met Carrie, there was this great sense of welcoming to her, and we ended up talking for almost two hours! Then it all snow-balled from there. I applied here, got accepted, but more importantly, I felt connected to the school since the beginning--something that did not happen anywhere else.
Fast facts: What comes to my mind is how important community engagement is for me. I have come to understand that this is not for everyone, but it is for me. I don't mind using my time and skills to collaborate on something that I believe is important and that would make a difference. Oh, and I HATE peanut butter.
Favorite foods: Mexican food: Pozole, enchiladas, enjitomatadas, quesadillas, tostadas, tortas, arroz con leche, and flan. U.S. American food: Hashbrowns and eggs with syrup, and vegetarian burgers.
What I do at Augsburg and beyond: Student Government Incumbent Senator, ALAS (Allied Latina/o Augsburg Students)--Founder and member, Admission Possible Alumni Club, LEDC Scholarship Selection Committee, NAVIGATE (College access for immigrant students)--Board Chair
Where I've been: I have visited all the corners of the United States: NY, WA, CA, and GA.
