SiS Newsletter - September 2010 - S. A.: University of Richmond

SiS Student Ambassador at University of Richmond

Alper Daron is SIS Student Ambassador at University of Richmond. He decided to became a SIS Student Ambassador because of his Ladino or Judeo-Español heritage. He's able to speak this language with his grandparents in Turkey. He became a SIS Student Ambassador to be able to communicate in Spanish and get closer to the Spanish world, which is so close to the culture he comes from.
Here is his experience in his own words:

Since I was a little kid, I have always talked to my grandparents in Turkish, while they answered me back on purpose in Ladino, a language that was able to survive for centuries. Why on purpose? For two specific reasons; not losing my Sephardic identity and to be able to communicate with the Spanish world. In fact, these are the main reasons that explain why I am a Spanish minor and decided to become a Student Ambassador for Spain at the University of Richmond.

During my senior year at college, some of the activities that I organized or participated as an SiS Ambassador were Cena Tematica, Version Original, Study Abroad in Spain Presentation and Study Abroad Fair at University of Richmond. Although it took a considerable amount of time to get all the permissions from school administration, and advertise well, I can definitely say that I enjoyed getting together with people who have similar interests on Spain and its culture.