By Manny Aquino
Whether you are a freshman or a returning student, allow me to welcome you to something more than a simple university: welcome home.
To me and hopefully to all of you, this is not just a location in which we spend 16 weeks at a time together for a paper validating our knowledge. Here, we have the ability to find what we are most passionate about and learn about who we are and what we can accomplish in this world.
The question is: what are you interested in?
Are you interested in music and radio? Learn about our KDUP radio station and how you can have your own show or work for the station.
Are you interested in the great outdoors or playing on a sports team? Contact Recreational Services inside Howard Hall for their Outdoor Pursuits Program or Intramural teams.
Would you rather just watch a sport from the sidelines? Attend any Portland Pilot game and shout "Pilots 'til we die!" until you no longer have a physical voice!
Wish to learn more about the Catholic Church? Talk to a Campus Ministry representative.
Do you wish to be an ambassador for change? Head to St. Mary's Student Center and work alongside the Moreau Center.
Can you see yourself as a politician on campus? Learn more about ASUP. You never know – you may be the next Senator Walker Ross or ASUP President.
I found my passion early on as an event planner and therefore joined the Campus Program Board (CPB) during my freshman year. I can proudly consider joining CPB one of my greatest accomplishments at UP because it has opened the doors to several opportunities that not many people can say they have had.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to plan events at the historic Crystal Ballroom in downtown Portland, to represent this great school at conferences throughout the United States and accomplish so much more than can be listed in this short article.
I wish for all of you to take great pride in this school and take advantage of all the opportunities offered to you during your time at UP. Do not let time pass you by.
If you ever need any assistance with finding the right group for you at UP, come by the Office of Student Activities in St. Mary's Student Center and we can point you in the right direction.
