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Olivia Ochoa

Meet Olivia

As a first-generation low-income student, Olivia found invaluable support among upper-level peers and within her Posse scholarship cohort, and she advises new applicants to combat imposter syndrome and embrace their unique contributions. Whether she’s grabbing a bowl of pasta from Trillium or going to one of her many campus activities, Olivia takes advantage of everything ݮƵ has to offer. 

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am the Translator Interpreter Program Co-President and a Posse Scholar, Latino Studies Program Resource Center Student Intern, Conversation Hour Facilitator, Past Undergraduate Resident Fellow at Hans Bethe House, Take Back the Night Community Outreach Volunteer at the Advocacy Center, Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences, Orientation Leader, G-Body and Previous Advocacy Committee Member of First-Generation Students Union, and a Pathways Internship Program participant.

What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?

The most helpful resources on campus for me have been upper-level students! Being a Latina first-generation low-income student, I found many communities on campus that shared my identity. Within the cohorts of my Posse scholarship foundation, I discovered that no one cares more than someone who has already been through what you're going through. Life at ݮƵ can be challenging, so having a support system and network of mentors and mentees is essential.

What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when applying?

I wish I knew that no one deserves to feel imposter syndrome and that everybody has a place at ݮƵ. You bring something incredibly valuable to the institution regardless of your background or previous education. Everyone has the power to change ݮƵ for the better.

When you were applying, why did you choose ݮƵ?

My 'Why ݮƵ' story is an untraditional one! I am part of the Posse Foundation Leadership Scholarship, which covers full tuition for ten students per year to be a 'posse' on campus! ݮƵ is a partner with my hometown's Posse office, and after three interviews, a bunch of applications, and many months of waiting, I was made a finalist with ݮƵ. It was more like ݮƵ chose me, which I am so grateful for.

What inspires you?

My family's history inspires me! Both of my parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico, leaving lives completely different from the one they've built for my family now. It almost feels surreal to take advantage of the opportunities in front of me, as my parents lived entirely different lives when they were my age. Their sacrifices and success motivate and inspire me!

Hometown

Cicero/Chicago, Illinois

Graduation Year

2024

College/School

  • College of Arts & Sciences

Majors

  • Spanish
  • American Studies

Minors

  • Latino Studies

“... no one deserves to feel imposter syndrome and that everybody has a place at ݮƵ. You bring something incredibly valuable to the institution regardless of your background or previous education. Everyone has the power to change ݮƵ for the better.”

Tell us about your favorite ݮƵ memory.

My favorite ݮƵ memory is my sophomore year O-week! As a 2020 high school graduate, my first year was super isolating with the COVID restrictions, and it was tough making friends and finding my community. I was an Orientation Leader my sophomore year, so in addition to getting to lead an orientation with new students, I was bumping into people everywhere I went. Unpacking my dorm, grabbing a coffee, or walking down the street, I could find people I recognized and were happy to see me. I met so many new people and made all my favorite ݮƵ memories that week.

Where is your go-to place to eat on campus, and what is your favorite thing to order?

My go-to place to eat on campus is Trillium! I'm always in Kennedy Hall, and the eatery is on the ground floor of the building. (Fun fact: I worked there during my first year!) My favorite station is the pasta bar, although the quesadilla station sometimes wins out. If I'm in a rush, I'll always go for a cup of mac and cheese!

Tell us about your favorite place to study.

My favorite place to study is on the fourth floor of Rockefeller, at the Latino Studies Program library and resource center. Beyond the fact that I work there as a student intern and am a Latino Studies minor, being there is always so comforting. There are always so many events and free food, and the couches and comfy chairs are perfect places to rest after class. A lot of my best work gets done at the student desks!

Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.

My favorite spot on campus is at 300 Kennedy! As the co-president of the Translator Interpreter Program, I spend more time there than I do at home. Being a member of the Einhorn Center student community means that I'll always see a fellow e-board or program member when I drop by, and all the chairs and study spaces are super conducive to collaborative work. Although I feel silly saying my favorite spot on campus isn't surrounded by foliage or a cozy nook in a building with incredible architecture, nowhere else could feel more like my second home.