April 22, 1999
As a freshman, it is tough for anybody to get readjusted to college life. It is especially true for minority students. Fabiola Gonzalez (phone # 664-0602), knowing that this might be a problem for her, joined a program called Casa Magdalena Amora. It is located on the first floor of Cleary Hall and it consists of about 30 students. She was able to fit in quite well, because the people on her floor were from the same background and had the same interests as her.
During the school year, the floor holds weekly seminars and meetings. At the meetings, the members have a chance to speak about their culture and the importance to keep it alive in a place like Berkeley. Also, at the seminars, speakers come in and talk about their life experiences. Fabiola’s most memorable experiences were from these seminars. One time, they had a mariachi group come in and perform for them. They did a traditional dance along with the music and it really brought her culture alive. Another event that really was memorable to her was when they had a celebration for the Day of the Dead. They made makeshift shrines for the deceased and had a little ceremony as well. Aside from seminars and meetings, Fabiola and the people in Casa Magdalena Amora participate in a mentorship program. She enjoys taking the children around and serving as a role model for future Cal students.
Fabiola loves her floor because she can relate to most of the people in the program. She is comfortable speaking her native language, Spanish, and she feels that she can approach anybody for advice. Although some of the members do play loud music or drink and party, she feels that overall, she likes the people and she feels to continue in the program next year because she likes it so much.