by Simon W. Bouie
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne’s Latino Student Forum (LSF) recently sent three of its members away for a few days. The purpose of their journey was to enlighten and educate the representatives of the club by attending a leadership conference. Freshmen Carolina Paralto, Norma Cruz and Eric Vasquez were chosen to go on this journey.
These three students have shown great concern, commitment and dedication to the Forum that made them the La Verne representatives at the annual Latino College Leadership Institute (LCLI) in Glendale, Calif. LSF made the decision to select these three students for representation at the conference because of their strong commitment and positive attitude towards the club.
“We were all selected because we were the ones who seemed to be the most into the club and the most dedicated,” said Paralto who is an 18-year-old.
The content of the conference was not just to talk about leadership and one’s ability to be a leader, however it took the concept one step further.
Paralto expands on the programs content. “We talked about culture and how to apply it in our organization,” said Cruz.
“I would do it again and I would encourage anyone who has the chance to attend. I feel that activities like this are important for all students because it exposes you to some different things. I learned a lot about myself. I was made to see issues from a different light and I feel that I am a more enlightened person because of it,” said Paralto.
She also attributed her more enlightened perspective to the subject of homosexuality, a social taboo.
“It was very interesting to see various perspectives about homosexuality. In the past I never really had any perspective other than my own on that subject. It was very enlightening to me.”
Paralto also said that she will no longer ignore degrading comments of people when they are directed at and designed to intentionally hurt another individual.
“In the past I would listen to people make rude comments about homosexuals and not say anything, now when I hear a person make a rude comment I let them know that they don’t know what it is like and they should try to understand what they are mocking,” she said of the change in attitude.
The impact that the conference has had on Paralto is a tell tale sign of the effectiveness of the Latino leadership conference on its participants and also the effectiveness of conferences such as LCLI. It also represents itself as an experience that is valuable for these members of the club which will allow them to share their thoughts, and enlightened ideas with future and current members of the club. LSF meets Tuesdays at 3 p.m. in the Chapel. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend. For additional questions about LSF contact Harvel Lewis in the Multi-Cultural Center at ext. 4253.
