This year I have had the privilege of living with my good friend, Horacio Sevilla, who is a part of the Student Enrichment and Intercultural Development at Biola. For this post, I wanted to give you a little inside that department by interviewing one of their members. Luckily, that happens to be my roommate and we spoke about his role in SEID and some advice he has for students looking into or are curious about SEID. Our interview is transcribed below:

Max: Horacio, thank you for taking some time to sit down with me.

Horacio: Well, we are in our living room, so.

Max: No, of course. But still. I just wanted to ask a few questions about your position and about SEID.

Horacio: I’m ready when you are.

Max: To begin, I was wondering if you could speak a little about what you do for SEID?

Horacio: I am the FirstGen Mentoring Coordinator and I am in charge of the mentors of the FirstGen Scholars Program that we have on campus.

Max: What exactly is the FirstGen Scholars Program and how could incoming students get involved?

Horacio: The FirstGen Scholars Program is a program for incoming freshmen or transfer students who can apply if they fit the criteria of being the first in their family to attend college. However, it should be noted that since the program at the moment is only limited to 30 students, there are also events and workshops throughout the school year for students who identify as FirstGen but are not in the program.

Max: Awesome. Going back to being a mentor, how has that been impactful to you?

Horacio: I believe it has showed me the importance of having a program like this on campus because many students don’t understand the ins and outs of college. So for me to be able to guide students in that process has been fun and an honor.

Max: What made you wanna take the role in the first place? What made you attracted to SEID?

Horacio: After being an R.A. [a resident advisor in one of the dorms on campus], my desire was to be able to impact more students like myself and make their Biola experience a great one. And since SEID focuses on much of the diversity aspect, I felt like it was the perfect place to work.

Max: Is there anything you have to say to anyone interested in the program?

Horacio: No one really knows what they need until they finally experience it firsthand. SEID is full of resources, not just for FirstGen students.

Max: Any last words about this wonderful interview and getting involved with different departments and programs on campus?

Horacio: I mean, if anyone is interested in any programs SEID has to offer, visit the Mosaic Cultural Center (in person or online) to see what we offer.

Max: Thank you so much for your time.

Horacio: That’s gonna be 20 bucks.

Max: How about I make us dinner?

Horacio: Okay, bet.