Chris Cepeda

A MEMBER OF FCRH ’13 SOCIOLOGY MAJOR

From Bronx, NY

Describe yourself in a couple sentences for the readers.

I am a very driven and hardworking individual who strives to make an impact in many communities. I am also very ambitious, work well with others and try to achieve many goals.

What activities, clubs, projects or organizations are you involved with at school?

I am the Executive Vice President of the Commuting Students Association and holding this position makes me the chair of the Commuter Life Committee and a member of the Student Life Council. I am also a student coordinator for the Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice.

What is your favorite aspect of Fordham and why?

My favorite aspect about Fordham is how there is an immense amount of diverse clubs on campus. I have found that I have been able to find a club for just about anything I am interested in. The best are the cultural clubs, like El Grito De Lares’ and how they bring different ideas, music and foods to the Fordham campus.

If there was one thing about Fordham you could change, what would it be?

If there was one thing about Fordham I could change it would be how there is a lack of commitment to each other as students on campus. Clubs put on great events for students to attend, but most times get a poor turnout. Yet, there are students who complain about there not being events on campus. In actuality, they just choose not to go to anything. The same can be said to students volunteering and how students are afraid to sacrifice a few hours of their weekend to give back. In all, students should just support each other in every way possible.

What is your favorite thing to do in New York City?

While there are many different things to do in New York City, one of my favorites things to do is going out and exploring different places to eat. New York is full of diverse cultures and food and it is always fun to explore different cuisines.

What is something about you that not many people know?

One thing that many people do not know about me is that I have played chess for six years and have gone on to play in Chess Nationals. Chess Nationals is like a massive championship tournament held for chess players from all states to come, play and compete.

What is your favorite class at Fordham?

There are a bunch of great classes that I have taken at Fordham. A professor that I have found to be great at Fordham is professor Richard Wormser from the sociology department. He provides great insight on filmmaking in the ’70s to what it has become in modern times.

What is a personal goal you would like to accomplish over your four years here?

A personal goal of mine would be to get more Fordham students to give back to the community. While Fordham uses its gates to keep the surrounding community away from its students, it does not mean that students cannot go out and volunteer.

What show, food, artist or movie would you consider your “guilty pleasure”?

I normally have little to no time to watch television, but I have found a favorite show named “Suits” that airs on USA. The show is clever, full of drama and intense, but so much fun to watch.

What is the biggest misconception people have about you?

The biggest misconception that people have about me is that they see me as a “playboy” because I have a naturally flirty and outgoing personality.

Any insight on the presidential election?

I am not big on politics, but this year’s presidential election was pretty intense. Both Romney and Obama faced many ups and downs while they were campaigning, but ultimately, I think that the lesser of two evils won.

Do you have plans, career or otherwise, for post-college life?

My biggest passion is working with youths of all ages, but particularly high school students. While attending Fordham, I have been fortunate enough to organize and partake in various college enrichment programs for local Bronx junior high and high school students. Thus, my plan would be to continue working and helping youth realize their potential and inspire them to strive for more.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring with you?

Well, assuming there was food on the island, I would bring my dog. I am a big dog person and I think having him around would just make for great company until I get saved (hopefully).

If you could go back to your first day at Fordham, what advice would you give yourself?

I think things happen for a reason, so I would not change anything from my time at Fordham , but I would tell myself to be more organized, if anything.