Aaron Reyes
Spring
2024
First Coachella
Attending Coachella was a dream that had always felt completely out of reach, so being able to experience it in college with one of my best friends was so surreal. Growing up I remember watching the livestreams every year from my bedroom, imagining what I would be wearing if I were there and who I’d be watching perform. What felt like such a spontaneous purchase ended up being one of my most memorable experiences from college. That trip is what made me feel true freedom for the first time because it was also the first time I was traveling outside of the state without my parents. Living and experiencing the world by myself helped me realize the importance of taking a step back and just celebrating life more and the moments that once felt impossible.
Participating in this step and stroll competition was an incredible proud and unforgettable moment. Every year, Sigma Psi Zeta organizes this step and stroll competition to help raise money and awareness for women who are survivors of domestic abuse. Leading up to the event took many late-night practices and the constant reminder of how out of shape I truly was. But pushing through that exhaustion and staying motivated to perform well for the cause is what really sets us forward. I love the feeling of being under those lights, hearing the crowd, and just being on stage. Although our team placed 3rd, we were still honored to have been able to participate in this competition and it showed me the power of community activism which can be seen in many ways.
A.C.E. Conference 2024
Being able to put on the A.C.E. Conference again was one of the most rewarding experiences from my time here. Being part of a team that built a space dedicated to uplifting youth who face systemic barriers felt incredibly rewarding, especially since I know firsthand how vital that kind of support is. The highlight from this year's conference was being able to lead my own workshop that was essentially a form of College 101. Standing in front of those students and breaking down everything from navigating campus life to finding community was a very impactful moment. Seeing their eyes light up as I answered their questions and debunking some myths reminded me exactly why I am driven to do this work. It proved to me that when we bridge institutional gaps with genuine care and deep listening, we create spaces where youth can truly see a path for themselves.
