Q&A with Ricardo Buenrostro

The best thing about the University of Idaho:
I would have to say the best things about the University of Idaho is the friendly atmosphere, the community/residential feel of the campus, and the accessibility to all of the institutions facilities and resources. Classes, libraries, computer labs, dorms - everything just seems so close to everything else, and I must say I really enjoyed that as a student.

Why did YOU and your family choose the University of Idaho?
My family and I chose the University of Idaho primarily because of the financial, academic, and social support services it has to provide a student and more specifically a student with a background like mine. I am a first generation Mexican-American, who came from a family, whose main source of employment was agriculture-based, from a primarily Spanish-speaking household, and not to mention from a small community in Central Washington with a population of about 3,500 people. Programs like the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Idaho really opened doors and opportunities - not only for me but for my siblings as well. CAMP provided guidance and a sense of security for me as well as my family. With the financial, academic, and social support services CAMP has to offer, as well as the university as a whole, my family knew I was in good hands.

Favorite campus activities:
My favorite activities on campus would have to include the cultural celebrations such as the Dia de Los Muertos Celebration, the Ceasar Chavez Celebration, and the Cinco de Mayo Celebration, amongst others. And I also do have to mention that the home football games are definitely part of my plans on certain weekends. What more can you ask for on a weekend than the ability to set up a tailgate with a grill, close friends and family, and then top it off with a Vandal football game? It’s the best.

Favorite local activity:
I've really enjoyed and continue to enjoy seeing the most recent movies at the local cinemas. I also enjoy trying the diverse styles of food the local restaurants have to offer. And the numerous parks and recreational areas Moscow has to offer are something that both my family and I enjoy.

Advice for your students:
My advice for prospective students would have to be: do not sell yourself short and think higher education is not a possibility for you. A college education can be obtained; it just depends how badly you want it.