Gervasio Abarca '28

Name: Gervasio Abarca

Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador

UWC School: UWC of Li Po Chun in Hong Kong

Majors: Biochemistry and Biosciences

Tell us about yourself.

I was born and grew up in El Salvador, and I later moved to Hong Kong. I have a French bulldog that I miss. His name is Manny. Before Concordia, I was involved in many extracurricular activities, some that I can mention are my passion for audiovisual (AV) work. I enjoy sound and video management and installation and have participated in numerous events as an AV technician. Additionally, I am passionate about photography and filmmaking, and I create content using editing and illustration software; I even have my own NFT collection. I love traveling, hiking, exploring, and discovering new places, which is why, during my short vacations, I never stay in one location for too long. I love trying new foods wherever I go and informally criticize them. I'm level 48 in Google Maps. I constantly seek out new experiences and connections. My passion has led me to travel to the Philippines and live for a week with surfing communities. I love cooking. My friends say I'm good at it. My favorite dishes are tapas, a Spanish bruschetta, which are easy to make and are very tasty as well. I love to talk and connect with people and, if possible, make poker gatherings.

Tell us about your journey to Concordia.

I have always loved cold weather and have dreamed of visiting Norway. Ironically, before Concordia, I had never seen snow. My university chancellor recommended that I apply to Concordia. Eventually, I had to make a decision about my next steps. Fortunately, I met Steve from International Admissions here at Concordia, who traveled all the way to Hong Kong to meet with me. I was immediately drawn to his warmth and the amazing things he shared about Concordia, including a fun fact: Did you know that the Fargo-Moorhead area was founded by Norwegians? This conversation confirmed that Concordia was the right place for me. After that, we stayed in touch, and I loved how Concordia people are so welcoming and always ensure you have the necessary tools to succeed.

What was International Student Orientation like? How did it help with the adjustment to university life?

International Student Orientation was an incredible experience. It’s a week where all new international students come together to learn about college life and connect with one another. We participated in activities like camping (we spent part of the week in a lake), road trips, games, exploring, and shopping. Undoubtedly, this week was one of the most important of my college experience, as it helped me form connections with people I would spend the next four years with. I am truly grateful for this experience as it helped me to adjust easier to a new environment. Meeting people that are passing through my same situation is a way in which you can feel less distressed. It was a lot of fun and chilling; I wish I could go back to those days.

How have your classes been so far?

Initially, I was concerned about my major and questioned whether I was making the right decision by choosing something so complex. However, over time, I have come to appreciate the willingness of my professors to support students. One of the things I value about Concordia is its small class sizes, which facilitate a 1-to-1 connection with faculty. You are never just a number here, which greatly contributes to your success. All my classes are well-structured and encourage student discussion, allowing for meaningful connections. I am doing really well and enjoying my classes. The liberal arts curriculum is fascinating as it offers additional courses that are both enjoyable and enriching. For example, in my first year, I took a Global Music and Collaboration class where I learned to play gamelan (an Indonesian instrument), African drumming, and Sacred Harp (choir), and participated in group improvisation. The purpose of this class was to enhance collaboration with my peers through music. Currently, I am taking a wellness class where we are learning to meditate, breathe, and reflect — soon, we will be incorporating yoga.

What are you involved with outside of classes?

Outside of classes, I dedicate time to working within the community. I am currently employed in the Admission Office, where I assist with events by giving tours and communicating with prospective students. I also work in Concordia's theatre as an AV technician, which allows me to further develop my hobby while earning money. Additionally, I am involved with the student government, specifically the Latinx Organization for Achievement (LOA), where we strive to showcase Latin American culture on campus through events, performances, and discussions with guest speakers. I plan to enter into the field of investigation and research, spending more time in the chemistry department to learn about research methods. My goal is to secure an internship for a summer research program in California, which is sponsored by Concordia.

What has been a highlight of your time at Concordia so far?

One of the highlights of my time at Concordia has been participating in festive events. They are incredibly fun and provide opportunities to meet new people. For instance, the silent disco, where everyone danced quietly while listening to their own music through headsets, was a blast. I also organized the Latin American Festival, which featured a night full of prizes, music, dance, and delicious food. Additionally, during Homecoming, we had a massive bonfire with flames reaching up to 7 meters tall, and I’ll never forget the water balloon fight during Orientation Week. There isn’t just one specific event that stands out; each has contributed to my experience.

Have you done any exploring in Minnesota or the Midwest?

Certainly, my passion for traveling and exploring the world drives me to make the most of my free days. During Thanksgiving, I took the opportunity to visit friends in Chicago. I opted for a train as it was more affordable and a popular transportation method for those without a car. The journey took about 12-13 hours, allowing me to see various landscapes, cities, and states along the way. Visiting Chicago was amazing! I explored The Bean, the University of Chicago, the lake, many skyscrapers, and Chinatown.

My most recent trip was with friends to Minneapolis, where they invited me to attend an NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets, with Minnesota emerging victorious. It was my first NBA game, and I can only describe it as incredible — the excitement, the people shouting, and the vibrant atmosphere were unforgettable. We also had a three-hour road trip, during which we stopped at one of the top 20 bakeries in the U.S. This is a memory I will always cherish.

What advice would you give to UWC students who are exploring their university options?

Sometimes, you might feel uncertain about your direction or overwhelmed by others with their Ivy League applications and perfect grades. Remember that life is not about quantity but quality. No matter where you go, you will always find people who resonate with you and connections that matter. UWC may seem like an end, but it is merely a beginning. Keep pushing forward; you can achieve that and more. Wherever you decide to go, strive to excel and make the most of your experience.