Orientation Opportunities

Johan Dominguez Lopez ’25, Robbinsdale, Minnesota
Major/Minors: Applied Physics (pre-engineering); Math, Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Please tell us about yourself.

I grew up in the Twin Cities my whole life. I have a pet cat whose name is Clue. My twin sister attends the University of Minnesota. I love to garden, go on hikes, hang out with my friends, play Ultimate Frisbee, and enjoy sports in general. I support my Minnesota teams like the Timberwolves, Vikings, Saints, Aurora FC, etc., but my favorite soccer team is Liverpool FC in England. I always have a service mentality to the communities that I am a part of, so that means helping and volunteering where I can.

How did you hear about Concordia and why did you choose to attend college here?

I applied to Concordia through the Act Six scholarship process as I knew a few people who received the scholarship through Concordia. From there, I received the scholarship and decided that Concordia was my best option.

What do you enjoy about the Fargo-Moorhead area?

I enjoy the peace and the friends that I have made around the F-M area. Also, go RedHawks!

What campus activities are you involved in?

I am involved in LOA, Habitat for Humanity, Orientation, Soccer Club, Homecoming, and a few other groups. I am heavily involved as you can tell.

Tell us about your experience with Concordia’s Latinx Organization for Achievement (LOA) and how students can be involved.

My experience has been great with LOA. It’s been an organization in which I’ve been able to connect with such a wide community of Latinos across the F-M area and has encouraged me to step up into leadership positions across campus. From the potlucks to the hangouts, it’s always a fun time. For students to get involved, it’s very simple: just show up to an event and have fun!

How did you decide on your major?

I decided to do applied physics through the pre-engineering route. So far, I am enjoying physics and I have wonderful professors who care about my success.

Have you had a favorite physics course?

My favorite class is hard to decide, but I really enjoyed Introduction to Instrumentation. We worked with Arduinos and circuits; it was a cool class.

What are your career goals?

To become a mechanical engineer and work on ways to make the world a better place.

Have you had a PEAK (Pivotal Experience in Applied Knowledge) opportunity and, if so, what did you learn?

I did a PEAK through Habitat for Humanity. The values presented of service and selflessness to your community is a lesson that transcends the classroom. Through this PEAK opportunity, I have met so many wonderful people and have gone on three Habitat trips. I am the co-chair of Concordia’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity and highly encourage people to go on a Habitat trip.

Why did you apply to be the 2023 Orientation Chair?

At first, I wasn’t thinking of applying to become the Orientation Chair, but then I thought that I should take the chance and go for it since I enjoyed Orientation so much and want others to have just as wonderful of an experience as I did.

I enjoyed Orientation so much and want others to have just as wonderful of an experience as I did.”

What was your favorite part of Orientation as a first-year student?

I enjoyed Hands for Change and going to clean the river with River Keepers. Also, my club was cool.

What do you look forward to the most for this year’s Orientation?

I look forward to all the fun activities and events that we have planned like Cobb HobNob and the Multicultural Celebration. Also, it’s just an overall fun time.

What is your favorite Concordia tradition and why?

I would say Orientation, but I’ll pick a different one. I enjoy Homecoming. It’s a fun atmosphere with a lot going on — from the football game to the parade!

What has made you feel at home as a Concordia student?

My friends, Act Six, members of the CSS staff, my professors, and the clubs that I am a part of.

What advice do you have for new students?

Be smart about every opportunity that you get because there are so many here at Concordia! You are here for your own success but don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Fall Orientation

^{Published July 2023}