| Lana-Monique ‘Niqui’
McElrath
’06, B.A., Anthropology; Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership
Clovis, NM
How I got to YSU.
I grew up in New Mexico, but also lived in England for four
years. My father is African American and my mother is Mexican
American. I feel extremely lucky to have been exposed to two
cultures.
In 2001 I graduated from high school in New Mexico, then
enrolled at a university in Colorado. When my father’s
father died, I realized that I had missed out on getting to
know my grandparents. I felt a need to remedy that and decided
to spend a year with each set of grandparents.
I completed my year in Colorado and transferred to Idaho
so I could live with my mom’s parents. I learned so
much about Hispanic culture. My grandfather and I established
a very special relationship, one that I will always treasure.
I attended the community college and coached soccer—but
most importantly, I got to know my relatives.
The following year I came to Ohio to live with my grandmother
and attend YSU. During my first year here, she broke her hip.
There were complications that left her bedridden, and so I’ve
been caring for her for the last three years and working as
a resident assistant for Humility House. I coached 7th grade
girls’ basketball at LaBrae High School and worked as
a student assistant in the Office of the President of YSU.
Having had the opportunity to get to know my grandmother
and spending precious time with her has been one of the most
memorable experiences of my life.
What surprised you most about YSU?
I was completely surprised to find a very appealing campus.
It’s beautiful. Also, I was concerned about campus safety,
but I’ve felt very secure at YSU. Everything is well
lit, there’s plenty of security, and even in the parking
deck at night, I’ve never felt uneasy.
I was also surprised by the amount of personal attention I
got from faculty. I had been at two other colleges, and those
experiences didn’t prepare me for YSU. Everyone here
takes a genuine interest in how you’re doing. Plus I
found lots of variety in the course offerings —many
opportunities to explore different subjects.
How has YSU changed you?
YSU provided me with exposure to non-profit management, and
I’m really excited about expanding my interest in cultural
diversity in a non-profit setting.Through my years at YSU,
I’ve broadened my outlook on the world and other people.
I acquired leadership skills I didn’t know I needed.
I’m more confident than ever, and ready to take the
skills I’ve developed here to the next level.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishments at
YSU?
Obtaining my degree and my certification in non-profit management—and
establishing the only Hispanic cultural awareness group on
campus, Mi Gente, which has lasted longer than any other Hispanic
student organization thus far.
What about the future?
I will be returning to New Mexico while I finish up a few
prerequisites I need for graduate school. In the summer of
2007, I’ll begin working on my master’s in occupational
therapy.
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