For many, attending college means having an avenue to take on new experiences, make life-long friends, and chase dreams.
Twenty one individuals from the Rio Grande Valley – an area located in the southernmost tip of Texas – are more than ready for such opportunities, and are prepared to work hard to brighten their futures as Central Methodist University Eagles.
When CMU Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Joseph Parisi appointed Ben Lopez, a regional counselor for CMU Admissions, to the Rio Grande Valley area, he knew Lopez would find students who craved something more – something that would solidify future success in their lives.
Lopez didn’t disappoint. He began visiting with prospective students and their families about the doors that could open if they attended Central, and soon enough, students began realizing all that awaited them in Fayette, Missouri.
“I’ve been recruiting the Rio Grande Valley for over two decades, and what I’ve found in my experiences are opportunities for great students who are really looking for an option to expand their knowledge, and then bring that knowledge back to the Valley after they graduate,” Parisi said.
Maya Salas said she first found out about Central through Lopez, and when she came to visit the campus, she immediately noticed the friendly, family-oriented feeling, which soon helped her realize CMU was the right place for her. She is a communications major who dreams of becoming a sports broadcaster.
“Going to a great school like this will help me develop the skills I need,” she said. ”The education I’ll receive will help me build on the future that’s ahead of me.”
Alex Ayala agreed he immediately noticed how Central felt like a second home. He said he was impressed by the many programs at CMU, and that his goal was to study physical therapy.
“I just want to keep doing everything right so I can get a good education that will set me up for the future I want to have,” he said.
Embracing diversity and creating a “home away from home” for every student, whether they’re from another state or another country, is a top priority for Central Methodist. With the recruitment of 21 students from the Rio Grande Valley area, ideas sparked amongst faculty, and a Latino student organization has begun to evolve on campus.
Joining Salas and Ayala, the following students from the Rio Grande Valley began classes this fall at Central Methodist: Ashley Arjona, Antonio Avila, Adrian Bernal, Brittny Cano, Karla Cantu, Alex Cordova, Vanessa Escalon, Leo Estrada, Matthew Garcia, Geo Grimaldo, Jacob Guererro, Kali a Laself, Daniel Munoz, Hugo Pena, Chris Quintana, Joe Ramirez, Olivia Soliz, Malayna Urive, and Victor Villarreal.
“I’ve been recruiting the Rio Grande Valley for over two decades, and what I’ve found in my experiences are opportunities for great students who are really looking for an option to expand their knowledge, and then bring that knowledge back to the Valley after they graduate,” Parisi said.