TUCSON, Ariz. — UA Freshman Patrick Robles gets "goosebumps" when he's on campus. "Lots of the times I'm here. It seems so surreal."
Sunnyside grad Patrick Robles dreamed of attending the University of Arizona -- being a Wildcat. He's a first generation Hispanic college student.
"I remember my dad telling me 'You're going to come here in a few years'", he said. Patrick said he needed that push from his parents. They expected him to attend the UA.
"What steps did they take to make sure that you can achieve that? For instance, when I came home from school. Right away I had to no my homework and make sure I got it done. If I didn't do good on a test or got a bad grade, I could go to a school event or couldn't participate in a student section or student council activities. It's that constant pushing that kept me motivated," said Patrick.
That level of motivation is now instilled in him. Patrick said he knows it what's needed to not only graduate from the UA, but pursue a career in politics -- to one day run for office. "I have a huge passion for making a positive change in the political arena."
And that passion is fueling his drive to inspire the next generation of Latinos. "Being a Latino on campus, I feel an incredible sense of responsibility -- to make our community proud because we're representing our community," he said.
The University of Arizona is hosting it's annual Hispanic Heritage Day this Saturday, Sept. 28 and there are a lot of events going on around campus. Here's a rundown of what's happening, where and when:
Hispanic College Day
Where: Student Union
When: 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
What: Free event to educate youth from the Hispanic community on what it's like to be a student at the University of Arizona, presented by current UA Hispanic/Latinx students.
Coca-Cola Fan Fiesta
Where: Davis Sports Center
When: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
What: Live entertainment from Hispanic bands, DJs and dancers.
UA Alumni Tailgate
Where: UA Mall, Southwest Corner of Cherry Avenue and University Boulevard
When: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
What: Athletics, the Hispanic Alumni Club and the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement as we host a joint celebration of Hispanic Heritage Day prior to the football game against UCLA. The tailgate includes a buffet by El Charro. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $15.
The Game!
Where: Arizona Stadium
When: 7:30 p.m.
What: There are a lot of special activites at Saturday's Wildcats-UCLA matchup at Arizona Stadium. They include: Mariachis playing at the main entrances to greet fans at they enter the venue, a welcome message from Arizona Athletics student-athletes in Spanish and English, special music and decorations, recognition of UA Hispanic Alumni scholar recipients, recognition of the Sunnyside Little League baseball team and a halftime show with Pride of Arizona Marching Band and mariachi and folklorico dancers.
