"I wouldn't change anything at all."

Senior organizational and corporate communication major Erika Anchondo was an ambassador for the university at the 42nd-annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C. On July 20, she went to the U.S. Capitol for a second time to participate in a national leadership program for Latinas.

Anchondo was one of 22 students selected from more than 2,000 applicants to participate in the National Hispanic Leadership Institute's Latinas Learning to Lead Summer Youth Institute. The program is an intensive, one-week training session that includes sessions on leadership training, conflict resolution, youth financial literacy, and health and well-being.

"I was able to meet a lot of people in D.C.," Anchondo said. "It was a lot of work, but it was totally worth it."

Anchondo said the program was very intense and she stayed busy from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. most days.

She said she also learned a lot about herself during the 10-day conference, and is expected to create a program in El Paso as part of the conference responsibilities.

"I want to create a one-day educational program," Anchondo said. "Something that deals with health awareness, voting, or applying for the university."

As a first-generation college student, Anchondo said she reminds herself that her family did not have the same opportunities she has now, and that it keeps her striving for to be the best she can be.

"My family is completely supportive," Anchondo said. "They just encourage me to be involved in as many things as possible and do as many things as possible, since I might never have these opportunities again."

Throughout her time at UTEP, Anchondo has been involved in more than 10 student clubs and organizations.

Anchondo is currently a senator-at-large for UTEP's Student Government Association, a Sun Princess for the Sun Bowl Association, a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, University Democrats, Sigma Psi Eta Sorority, Student Alumni Association, and she also works as a scheduling assistant for Union Services.

Anchondo also has a lengthy community service record, which includes: Dame La Mano, the Child Crisis Center and the Rescue Mission of El Paso.

"I try to focus, of course, on my classes, but I also focus on giving back to the UTEP community as well as the El Paso community," Anchondo said.

Anchondo believes her involvement in extracurricular activities does not negatively affect her academic performance. On the contrary, she believes that it enhances her school experience positively.

"It's all about time management. I really think that students need to be involved in extracurricular activities in order to have a full college experience," Anchondo said. "If students just go to school for class and then just go back home, they are missing out on a lot of opportunities."

Anchondo said UTEP has opened up many doors for her, and that other students can take advantage of the same opportunities she has benefited from.

"We have about 200 student clubs and organizations currently on campus. I really encourage students who want to get involved to look at the different organizations at our campus," Anchondo said.

As vice president of external affairs for the Student Alumni Association, Anchondo has had first-hand experience in helping keep the university's traditions alive.

"We are the keepers of tradition, as we like to call ourselves. We try to promote UTEP's spirit and tradition throughout the year," Anchondo said. "We are also the connection between students and alumni through different events."

Besides her extracurricular activities, classes and work, Anchondo still leaves some time to have fun.

"I always make time to hangout with my friends," Anchondo said. "It usually involves UTEP events, like going to the football games, basketball games, tailgating or just going to a local coffee shop."

After earning her bachelor's degree, Anchondo hopes to pursue her master's in communication studies at UTEP.

"Everything that I have done in the past years while I have been in UTEP has lead me to where I am today," Anchondo said. "I wouldn't change anything at all."