Nadia Grullon is a dual major student studying Spanish and Anthropology. When asked to reflect on her decision to join El Centro and double major, this is what she shared:
When I first arrived at EKU in 2022, I thought I’d come and go without forming many connections. But when I joined the Spanish program, everything changed. The atmosphere was so friendly and welcoming—everyone, from faculty to students, genuinely wanted to see you succeed. I’ll never forget when Dr. José Juan Gómez Becerra encouraged me early on. From that moment, I knew I had found a community that would push me beyond what I thought I could do.
One of my most meaningful experiences has been helping plan Puente, a summer bridge program for incoming students. Watching first-year students gain confidence and later return as mentors has been incredible. It’s a feeling of shared accomplishment that reminds me why I love this program so much.
What makes me believe that EKU is unique for students is that the professors make it clear they know who you are and what you want to do or what you are doing. They pay attention to trivial things about their students. Whether it comes from what you did over the weekend to how your game was. The willingness to help further your career and give you advice based on how you take information is such a small detail, but an important one. It is such a welcoming environment, and I believe what the faculty and higher administration do reflects well on how life here grows and flourishes. I could not have been happier with my decision to be a Colonel.
I hope to use my Spanish degree as a forensic anthropologist, helping Spanish-speaking families with translation and connection. EKU gave me a sense of belonging, and I want to bring that same sense of comfort and understanding to others.