Hello, I’m Juan Paredes, a senior at Buffalo State University with a major in communication studies. My journey at Buffalo State University has been a rollercoaster academically. At one point, I found myself in a difficult position where I fought to regain good standing in terms of financial aid. Since then, I have overcome this obstacle and have been recognized as an EOP honors student for the past three semesters. My newfound commitment to excelling in the classroom serves as an example to other students and shows that it is never too late to get back on track academically. I also joined Phi Sigma Chi; a multicultural fraternity aimed at improving the lives of young men of all backgrounds. I have been the President of the Iota Chapter since I have joined the fraternity. The highlight of our fraternity is our 363 Campaign. The 363 campaign is a philanthropic campaign aimed to assist the community on days other than Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have always strived to blaze my own trail in terms of how my life would end up. Most of my family did not even graduate high school. My mother has reached the highest level of education within my family with an associate degree for Criminal Justice from Monroe College. Following this upcoming spring, I will become the first person in my family to earn a 4-year degree from a university. I also plan to induct a new line of fraternity brothers in the spring semester, ushering a new era within my chapter. I am a free
thinker because I do not conform to popular ways of thinking. Readymade thoughts from others do not allow for a new and fresh perspective. I like to form my own thoughts and draw my own conclusions. I am a change agent because I see things differently than other people. For example, Greek life when it comes to Buffalo State University is not as big on campus as it once was. Instead of giving or trying to blame others, I am working to find effective ways to recruit more undergraduates to become more aware and even consider the services we offer. Success to me is the legacy we leave behind. We can have all the awards and accolades in the world, but does it really matter if we do not inspire others to chase their own success. I certainly do not think so.
