Octavio Aguado

In high school, Octavio Jesus Aguado joined the nonprofit organization Hispanic Organization Promoting Education (HoPe). Founded by University of North Georgia (UNG) alumni David Araya and Angela Hurtado, the organization and leaders taught Aguado the value of education and community.

Aguado took that lesson to heart when he enrolled at UNG. He took advantage of his education and learned how to form communities on UNG's Dahlonega Campus thanks to his first resident assistant (RA) and friend, Ryan Cameron.

"I was the only Hispanic on the hall, and Ryan really took me under his wing," Aguado said. "He made everything fun in the hall, and I wanted to do the same."

The lessons served Aguado well. He earned a degree in biology in May 2020 after spending three years as an RA. During that time, Aguado organized multiple activities for students on his floor. Two of his favorite activities were a tailgate party at an Atlanta United FC game and a taco night in the hall.

Aguado's talent of community building was not limited to his role as an RA. During his sophomore year, Aguado got involved in Multicultural Student Affairs and its groups, including the Latin American Student Organization, in which he served as vice president.

"I was really the right-hand person for the president Selena Chavez-Gomez," said the 21-year-old from Auburn, Georgia.

He also assumed a similar leadership role in his favorite pastime, soccer. After playing intramurals as a freshman and later joining the UNG men's soccer club, Aguado was vice president of the club.

The first-generation student said experience revealed his passion to build communities among students and help them find their niche at UNG. He plans to advance his interest by studying higher education leadership in graduate school.

"Community has always been important," Aguado said. "It helps to make sure that you are not alone. Some go through happy times and hard times, but you don't need to go through it alone."