“UHON allowed me to jump into the UTC Community and not let my freshman status prevent me from joining committees or groups. UHON gives students the confidence to never have to face the fears of a lonely incoming freshman who is lost and with nothing to do. The unity within UHON allows for connections outside of the program and encourages involvement. UHON students receive great respect from many organizations that know the drive, motivation, and dedication it takes to be in the program, and this helped me when I applied for positions in other groups on campus.”

Juan is a sophomore education major originally from Mexico. He lived for several years in California, and now is a resident of Nashville. When he applied to the UHON Program, he wrote on his application “my goal is to be the first in my family to graduate from high school, but I don’t intend to stop there.” He certainly hasn’t stopped, or even slowed down. In fact, he seems to be picking up speed. Although he’s just beginning his sophomore year, Juan has already had a big impact on the UHON Program and the UTC campus as a whole. As a freshman, he was elected to the UHON Council, serving as chair of the Social Committee and Co-chair of the Academic and Cultural Affairs Committee. He was selected for SGA Freshman Senate, serving as the Co-chair of the Public Relations Committee, and went on to be named the SGA Outstanding Freshman Senator for the 2004-2005 academic year. He joined Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and was voted Most Outstanding New Member. In addition, he was a member of the Admissions Office’s “A Team,” leading campus tours and helping to recruit prospective students. He continued this work as a member of UTC’s freshman orientation staff during the summer.

In fall 2005, he is serving as a peer mentor in the Fresh Life program, a pilot program for freshman learning communities and advisement. He has again been elected to serve on the UHON Council. He has also been asked by the Student Development Office to serve on the Student Conduct Board and has been elected to the Interfraternity Council, where he will serve as Scholarship Chair. If this year is anything like last year, Juan’s list of activities and service will grow substantially as the year progresses.