NC State offers students the opportunity to be involved with many organizations on campus. There are some organizations, such as the one that I am about to introduce to you, that serve as a foundation for many others. But, before we go any further, there’s something you should know. Organizations at NC State are not just there to sit and look pretty, we do big things. It goes without a saying that one of our main goals is to impact, not just the NC State 
community, but also the community at large.
But, let me not get ahead of myself. Let me introduce a good friend and the executive director of the organization I have chosen to highlight today, Lupe Arce-Jimenez. I have known Lupe since I first arrived at State and we’ve been friends ever since. She is what a leader should be: fearless, outspoken, and inspiring. This year she has taken a major leadership role for Mi Familia and well, let’s just see what she has to say.
What is Mi Familia?
The purpose of Mi Familia is to provide a social, cultural, and political forum for the students of North Carolina State University and the surrounding community interested in experiencing and promoting the richness of the international Latino and Hispanic community/culture.
How can one become involved with Mi Familia?
Sometimes students tell me that they are not able to go to the Mi Familia meetings, but one can also become involved by going to our volunteer events, helping with planning, and representing the Latino/Hispanic culture at events which Mi Familia is invited to. You do not need to speak Spanish to be a part of Mi Familia. Just wanting to embrace the culture and learning more on how to help the community throughout our community service projects is enough.
How do you think Mi Familia helps incoming freshman adjust to campus life?
I think that any student that has cultural ties can benefit from being part of Mi Familia just because most of the members have been through the same or similar situation. At Mi Familia meetings you get the opportunity to meet those people and build a relationship. You make friends that understand and help you during your freshman year and throughout the rest of your college career.
What type of opportunities can students find with Mi Familia?
Networking with other students is something that you can get out of being part of Mi Familia. There are also opportunities for one to become part of the executive board and bring in impact to the Latino/Hispanic Community.
What are some of the events going on this semester?
This semester, we will be having our Hispanic/Latino Movie of the Month series, where we will be presenting a movie that is directed by someone of Latino decent and talking about issues in Latin America and the US. We will also be having our annual SOMOS Multicultural Showcase, where students will showcase their talents and learn more about the cultures that surround us today. We will also be having a Latino Visitation Student/Parent Forum right after Embrace NC State for accepted students to see and hear from other students here at State and listen to what made them decide for NC State. Besides that, we will be having a Soccer tournament in conjunction with Duke, UNC, and Wake Forest to fundraise money for a scholarship given by UNIDOS and to start a connection with high school students in Yadkin, Wake, and Durham county.
What are some programs or events prospective students should look forward to when they come to State?
We are currently partnering with Juntos to start a program which will allow high school students who are interested in NC State to build relationships with students here so that we can encourage them in pursuing higher education. We have several cultural events in the fall such as Salsabor, which includes a Dancing contest, and we will have our first Day of the Dead altar. We will also be having numerous events such as social and cultural events throughout the semester.
As you can see, organizations are not just about planning, they are about implementing these plans and showing the NC State and local community that students can create big things! The crazy thing is, this is just ONE of so many organizations here at NC State. Students simply cannot give the “I couldn’t find something I liked” excuse when it comes to getting involved on campus. The doors are open and the opportunities are endless!
Follow Mi Familia on Twitter: @MiFamNCSU
Like Mi Familia on Facebook too!!
Follow me on Twitter: @NCSU_Brittney