In an almost last-minute decision, senior Erica Aburto became president of Lipscomb’s Futuro chapter this year.
Aburto, a member of Lipscomb’s student newscast and writer for Lumination, had been a member of Futuro last year but was unable to participate as much as she’d hoped due to work and school responsibilities.
Futuro is a professional development organization designed “to provide Hispanic college students with networking opportunities, leadership skills, communication skills and real-world exercises in order to equip them with skills they can take to the workforce.”
Originally from Chicago, Aburto now has apartment in the Nashville area and has big aspirations for her future.
“After graduation I may do grad school, corporate management or education,” she said. “I volunteered three years at Woodmont Hills Church as a tutor, and I like working with kids. Those are some possibilities. Maybe translating, since I speak Spanish, and I could help other kids with that.”
Education is very important, Aburto said, adding that she has learned a lot from being at Lipscomb.
“Ultimately the goal of education is to not only have your questions answered, but to raise more questions,” she said. “And that in and of itself–critical thinking–is one of the most important pillars of education.”
Aburto said Jackie Corley, a Lipscomb alumnus was a major influence, for her. Corley is now director at Christian Community Services, Inc.
“The way she’s influenced me is her serving heart,” Aburto said. “She’s never met a stranger. That’s just who she is. Whoever she encounters is automatically a friend of hers. That’s someone I aspire to be like, someone who never meets strangers and makes friends with everyone.”
During her college career Aburto said she’s had a lot of opportunities, and that is something she hopes everyone, especially prospective students, will have.
Aburto offered this advice to younger academics:
“Make the best of your education. In college, you have four years to cram in as much education, to learn as much about navigating the world as possible. Do not take an education for granted. … Take opportunities as they come.”