Stockton’s population noticed the onslaught of school buses and big groups of high school students touring with Admissions Ambassadors around campus on Tuesday the 19. Stockton is making many efforts to entice students to choose being an Osprey and start their journey on our campus: one of the many inspirational events was Latino Visitation Day, which took place in the Big Blue Sports Center. Large crowds of high schoolers were encouraged and inspired by students and staff at this event.

Prospective new students listened to speeches from students and staff of Stockton, with every speech focusing on resilience and discipline in achieving one’s goals. One of the most important highlights was 2015 Stockton graduate, Michelle Puerta’s, speech about the Educational Opportunity Fund, or EOF, program, which provides financial aid, academic guidance, professional advice, and many unique academic opportunities to incoming freshmen. Puerta explained about the benefits of EOF and the annual five-week Summer Academy which offers free courses for eligible, incoming students. Staff from the Admissions, Financial Aid, and EOF Offices also attended to provide additional information and answer questions.

Many student organizations tabled, including First Ospreys, the Columbian Student Association, the Honduran Student Association, and the Greek-letter organizations founded by prominent Latino members, such as Lambda Theta Alpha, Lambda Theta Phi, and Chi Upsilon Sigma. This was also a recruiting opportunity for Omega Phi Beta, the newest sorority on campus. Prospective new students were able to form personal connections with current students and learn about the many opportunities they have at Stockton, as well as see how far Ospreys have gone and the many accomplishments achieved through Stockton’s resources. Free food was also offered to guests and students enjoyed themselves playing catch with volleyballs and footballs. Many groups were then led by Admissions Ambassadors to take tours and observe our campus.

Puerta, who is an EOF and Admissions Counselor at Stockton, remarked, “The benefit of this is to remind students that it’s okay to not know. It’s okay to feel lost. [You can] use the resources here available to you. Connect with people and make sure you get the best college experience possible.”

Jade Rojas, a member of Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Inc., was excited to attend this year’s Latino Visitation Day. One of the attendees was a close friend of Rojas that lived in her same district. “[This event] gives Hispanic students a chance to see themselves in a higher light. We take pride in showing the students that we’re First Generations, and we didn’t know we could get here either, but look where we’re at! You can get here, too! Latino Visitation Day has been beneficial. I feel like everyone’s having a good time talking about the organizations and spreading the love and empowerment to high schoolers, who are the ones who need it most.” Rojas also remarked with pride towards her sisterhood, “If you want to be an LTA, we can help you be everything you need to be.”