The D.D. Hachar Honors Program has been around for about ten years now. This is a prestigious organization that contains some of the most elite and hardworking students from all backgrounds.
Since the start of the Honors Program, Director Dr. Carlos E. Cuellar and Associate Director Gerry Laurel of the program have organized an end of semester gathering, which brings all of the honors students together to discuss issues such as program requirements, study abroad, and The Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU). Oh, and let’s not forget about everyone stuffing their faces with food and cake!
“We’re here first and foremost to eat,” said Dr. Cuellar jokingly.
At the start of the reception, Dr. Cuellar acknowledged three honors students who will be graduating December 12, 2009. These students included Brenda Arambula, Erica Reyna, and Gloria Rocha.
“I can’t tell you how proud we are of you graduates,” announced Cuellar.
After that, Dr. Cuellar discussed with the honors students important issues about their duties and responsibilities to the program.
These duties included: being registered for at least 15 credit hours for the upcoming semester, continuing to keep their grade point averages above a 3.0, working on their 15 hours of community service, and most importantly, getting their contracts in on time!
Amongst having to do all of these things and then some, the honors students are also extremely urged to study abroad.
Junior Honor students Jose Santos and David Chapa had the privilege of studying abroad in Hong Kong for the Spring 2009 semester.
Yes, most students would like to take the same opportunity to study abroad as they did, but don’t because they believe they cannot afford it. “There are scholarships given to those who want to study abroad and the requirements are very fair. Also, financial aid will help you out as well. Just make sure you submit everything on time, and you’re good to go,” said Santos.
“Studying abroad is the best thing you can do to get yourself out there,” said Santos who will be studying abroad again in Cordoba, Spain for the Spring 2010 semester.
Another barrier that prevents a lot of students from wanting to study abroad is the culture shock. While us Hispanics are used to our Tex-Mex lingo and our daily serving of tortillas de maiz con frijoles, virtually every other country does not share this liking. This is why we must learn to adapt and appreciate other cultures.
“Studying abroad brings out the best in you. You will do things and try things that you never thought you would,” assures Chapa.
Also studying abroad for the Spring 2010 semester is junior honor student Karla Pruneda. She will be studying Psychology in Niew-Amsterdam, Netherlands.
“I’m really excited for what the Netherlands have to offer me. I know that I won’t be able to procrastinate now. Well, not that I ever did before,” said Pruneda as she got a rise from the other students after saying this.
On a different note, students who are part of the D.D. Hachar Honors Program are also pushed to apply for internships and scholarships through HACU.
“HACU is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the success of Hispanics in higher education,” explains the website.
Many honors students have taken great advantage of this organization and in doing this, it has opened up many doors for their futures in terms of their careers.
So how is it that these students are able to manage their time wisely, despite having so many responsibilities?
“Don’t get me wrong, being an honors student is overwhelmingly hectic. But, I have taken the time to stop and realize that this is the best thing that has ever happened to me. This program offered me more than just $20,000. It offered me the ability to push myself even when I thought I couldn’t,” said Sophomore Adela Alvarez.
And indeed, hard work, determination, and time management skills are what these students portray most.
“It is an honor to be a member of this program. You don’t know how many people call me asking how they can get into this program,” commented Associate Director Gerry Laurel.
It is no doubt that the D.D. Hachar Honors Program is hands down, a success. This program has worked extremely hard to provide their students with the best opportunities. “We think the world of you, and are looking forward to what next semester has to offer us,” ended Cuellar.