MU Spotlight 20/20
Josiah Soto ’20
What is your role at the University and what is something many may not know about the work you do?
I am a junior majoring in English, and minoring in graphic design. Aside from my studies, I am involved in the É«ÖÐÉ« Activities Council (MAC), LatinX Student Union, and also write for The Comenian. One thing that not everyone knows about me is that I am also a commuter! I spend most of my day on campus, but when I do return home, I feel like I've entered a different world, and that I'm living two lives.
My favorite spot on campus is _____ because _____.
My favorite spot on campus is the Mac office! I love it because I do not live in a dorm on campus so I always head there for some quiet time. I'm usually in there either doing homework or watching my favorite YouTubers.
My favorite College tradition is _____ because _____.
My favorite É«ÖÐÉ« University tradition is Springfest! I might be a little biased here because I get to help plan it with being a part of MAC. But overall, I think Springfest is such a great way to end the college semester/year. With the weather being nice, and the different rides, attractions, music, and food that are there, it acts as a sort of reminder to students and faculty that they've successfully completed another year.
One thing that many of my colleagues don’t know about me outside of my É«ÖÐÉ« University responsibilities is _____. I am sharing this with you because _____.
I work at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom as an admissions supervisor. I am sharing this with you because working there has helped me to develop skills in areas such as critical thinking and conflict management—things that I never thought I would be good at!
My typical weekend would go something like this: _____.
Work, eat, study. The weekends are a good time for me to get some hours in my part-time job, as well as catch up on some schoolwork.
My favorite thing to do when I am away from campus is _____ because _____.
My favorite thing to do when I am away from campus is to run. I'm no athlete, but running is something I've just recently started to enjoy. It's something I do when I need to clear my mind, or if I'm just bored. There's this really neat trail near my home that I go to and I feel like I'm in my own world when I'm there.
I like the color _____ because _____.
I like the color blue. I've always loved it as a kid. It's also the color that looks the best on me!
Who is your hero? Why?
My hero is my mother. I have never met a person more determined, selfless, and driven by pure happiness. She will always be someone I look up to.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received was to breathe. Life can be overwhelming sometimes, especially in college. When you feel extremely busy, and that you can't possibly take on anything more is exactly when life decides to throw a curveball at you. But if you just give yourself a moment to put everything down and simply breathe, you'll realize everything will turn out okay.
What sound do you love? Why?
The sound of rain is always something I've loved. There is just something so relaxing and soothing about it.
What is your favorite ice cream? Why?
Chocolate Peanut Butter from The Inside Scoop! I love chocolate and I love peanut butter, so the two flavors together taste like heaven to me. If it wasn't already a thing, I probably would've created it myself.
I can never resist a good _____.
I can never resist a good book. A good page-turner will get me every time. If you ever see me crying, there's a 99% chance that I'm actually okay and that it's probably just over something that happened in a book I'm in the middle of reading.
What makes you happy?
Something that makes me happy is seeing other people participate in work that they are passionate about. Seeing their spark is what motivates me to continue doing what I love the most.