Cindy Morales
Graduation year: 2017
Majors: Political science and Spanish
Minor: Latin American studies
Activities: Latinx Unidos and Black Student Union
Post-grad plans: Currently applying to public administration master's programs at the University of Arizona, DePaul and Northwestern, so fingers crossed!
Why Augustana?
Honestly I picked Augustana because as a first-generation college student, I just knew I had to pick the school that offered the most financial aid. I also knew that I wanted to be a ways away from home so a three-hour drive from Chicago wasn't too shabby either.
Are you where you thought you'd be four years ago?
Yes and no. I was that one person who knew in high school what they wanted to major in and who actually went through with it. I also knew that I would like to be president of Latinx Unidos at some point. I did NOT see becoming a Spanish major and that I would actually be the president of such a great organization here on campus.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My advisors and the Office of Multicultural Student Life! Araceli Masterson-Algar and Mariano Magalhães! I've never met individuals who have put so much faith in me. I have always been the type of person who will walk in people's offices just to ask how they are doing and see how their day had been, and these two have put up with my random visits for the past four years. Another person has been Michael Rogers in the Office of Multicultural Student Life! For someone I have only known for my last two years here, he is such a ray of sunshine who I know will make my day better no matter how many quizzes or presentations I have that day!
A peak experience?
My peak experience was traveling to Brazil my sophomore year. As a Latina, it meant the world to me to finally be able to be in Latin America. I will never forget all the wonderful people and places I got to visit while I was there.
What surprised you?
I have always been someone who has stood up for what they believed in, but I have even surprised myself with whom I have chosen to brazenly stand up against. I also learned that you are your strongest advocate, and that unbeknownst to me I influenced a number of underclassmen by just seeing me interact with faculty and administration when it came to having difficult conversations.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I used Augie Choice to go to Brazil. It was actually the first time I traveled out of the country and on a plane!
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my professors and the friends I made along the way the most. I have met wonderful professors who have become mentors to me, and I have met some of the best people here that I am sure I will continue to have lifelong relationships with.
Advice for the Class of 2021?
Find those groups of people that understand what you are going through...those people that you can just vent to and there isn't any doubt in your mind that they won't understand. Find people that validate not only your opinions but also your existence with whatever your identity is, even if you're still trying to figure it out.
“I’ve never had a student who has advocated more strongly than Cindy for greater student diversity at Augustana. Cindy is also incredibly passionate about promoting a more just society. At Augustana and in my classes, Cindy stands out for helping others understand what it means to be in a position of privilege. She is also not afraid to ruffle a few feathers by standing up for her beliefs, especially when it comes to defending the interests of minorities."