Originally from El Salvador, Jose Sanchez came to the United States in 1998 and entered his third year of high school as an ESL student. He spent two years steadfastly learning English and after graduating high school in 2000, entered his first year at SUNY New Paltz in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).

Immediately, Jose fell in love with New Paltz and the orientation process. He enjoyed orientation so much that he decided to become an orientation leader.

"Being an orientation leader opened me up to a whole different world of involvement on campus," said Jose, who soon became a resident assistant, EOP peer mentor and student ambassador.

For Jose, being a student ambassador, providing information sessions and tours to future students and their families, seemed to be the perfect fit because it allowed him to relate his experience and knowledge of the school to prospective students and their parents.

In addition, Jose is president of the Spanish Club, a group that promotes and celebrates Latino tradition and culture. As president, he has worked to break down the stereotype that everyone in the club speaks Spanish, by inviting members from other cultural backgrounds to join the club.

Outside of his dedication to campus activities, Jose has volunteered with AmeriCorps to translate important documents for migrant parents.

Why New Paltz? His high school guidance counselor thought it would be a great fit - and it was!

Involvement: Management Association, the National Residence Hall Honorary, and Community Development Assistant

Influences: His parents, who sacrificed a lot to bring him to the United States

Goals: To eventually become an educational or EOP advisor. For now, though, Jose has accepted a residence director position at SUNY Cortland.

Little-known fact: Jose and his brother Carlos graduated from New Paltz this May after rooming together for two years.