Brandon Gonzales ’15

Hometown: Santa Fe, NM

– I am in several clubs, including Dance Production, of course, and Queer Straight Alliance (QSA).  

– I am inspired by those who dare to care and by the natural beauty the Earth has to offer. 

– Along with my biology major, I am on the pre-medical track. Since high school, and several involvements shadowing in the medical workspace, I was inspired to achieve a level of academia that was unprecedented for my family. My experience here at Oxy has educated me more about the injustices and inequities that many people face in the system of healthcare most of us benefit from, and I am inspired to work alongside physicians and healthcare professionals to effect change for those who are denied access. It’s also very important for me to work abroad. 

 

Being a science major on the pre-medical track, while balancing other duties such as employment, dance, QSA, etc., I often find myself  in a flustered and disorganized state (as we all are). I mean, sometimes you just need a unicorn blood, courtesy of the coffee cart, to get through those endless dusk to dawn nights/weeks! Let’s be real – who hasn’t been there? 

– I joined the QSA e-board, as treasurer, last fall. QSA was in dire need of leaders to be recognized as a club, so I joined with a few close friends to continue its purpose of trying to instill a community for the LGBTQ students here at Oxy. Let’s just say that I learned a lot about finances this year, as someone who isn’t apt at managing money. Ironic? QSA has led me to meet some amazing new people, and I am forever grateful for that. 

– My adolescence was defined by dance. I danced jazz, ballet, modern, and tap. I took a few years off to explore other interests; however, when I joined dance pro at Oxy, I realized my unabated passion and true inspiration for dance through movement and song. I danced with Tim Chang my first-year and had an absolutely amazing time. Just ask anyone who was also there. I had friends who came up to me afterwards saying how inspired they were by our dance to start dancing themselves! I have fallen in love with my choreographers over the years and appreciate all of the hard work it takes to put on such a wonderful show. 

– When there’s just a little too much going on at school, I tend to tell myself that all of my hard work will be worth it in the end. This tends to be after I watch a few sappy t.v. shows and snack on whatever overpriced food I bought from the marketplace. Sometimes, I also just need to catch a few zzzzzzzs and worry about things tomorrow. 

– Oxy was the only west coast school and one of only a handfull of private liberal arts colleges I applied to. When college acceptance letters filled my mailbox, I will admit that I payed more attention to the other schools I was looking at back east. All it really came down to was money, as Oxy was the most affordable option, and my experience with the Multicultural Visit Program (MVP) that allowed me to visit Oxy during my senior year of high school. The other students I met during MVP, who I am still friends with today, really influenced my decision to attend Oxy.

 

Do you have any advice for incoming first-years?

– Work hard, be aware, educate yourself, respect others, and make the most you can of your four years in college. Take advantage of the faculty, research, and classes that only Oxy has to offer. Also, be as involved as you can, because you may meet some of the best and most influential people in your life.