Poll shows that most students are classified as in-state

Alyssa Elso/Staff Writer

College is a time for students to learn, create lasting memories, but most importantly, learn to be independent.

When it comes to attending college, students either opt to leave their hometown or stay close to home for the comfort and ease that living at home often offers.

At the University, the latter seems to be the norm. According to a statistic recorded by College Board through data presented by the University, 97 percent of students are classified as in-state students and the other three percent are out of state students.

Jordan Vichot, a senior business major, grew up in Miami and chose to attend FIU after being accepted into the Honors College.

“The commute is often not ideal, it’s 40 miles round trip, but staying in Miami is worth it,” said Vichot.

Vichot has also made a point of getting involved in campus life and is highly engaged with Toastmasters, a nonprofit organization that helps members develop communication skills and public speaking skills; ALPFA, an organization to enhance opportunities for Latino business leaders and Phoenician Investment Fund, a hands-on finance organization.

“Getting involved has opened up many opportunities – in participating in Toastmasters I have received recognition and awards for public speaking,” Vichot said.

When it comes to setting boundaries between his family and school life, Vichot states that he does not believe that he has created any. “I go home every night and my parents know of the different things I am doing in school.”

Veronique Cortina, senior psychology major, like Vichot continues to live at home and attend FIU in order to be close to her family. “I wanted to go to school close to home because I enjoy my family and I am just not ready to move out of my house,” Cortina said.

“In the four years that I have studied at FIU, I have not found a need to get involved.” she said. “I go to school and go home, there is never really a boundary between my family life and my school life, they just go together.”

According to statistics presented by FIU, it is the number one ranking university that awards the most bachelor’s and master’s degrees to Hispanic students. The student body is also largely made up of Hispanics students at 61 percent.

In the Hispanic culture, families tend to be very close and children do not often leave home until their late 20s. This plays a large role in the number of students that have remained in-state to attend the University.

For Cortina this is the case. Growing up with Cuban parents in a family that is very close, the thought of going away for college never crossed her mind.

“My parents and siblings are a major part of my everyday life and having to be alone at school in a new place without them would make me too homesick,” Cortina said.

Isaac Jang, a first-year hospitality graduate student, on the other hand has come to FIU all the way from Korea. With a language barrier that often affects his ability to socialize and understand professors, he is glad with his decision to study hospitality at FIU.

“I like being away from home so far, even though I have gotten homesick at times when my language barrier has made it hard for me to understand my classes,” said Jang.

Alejandro Ortiz, a freshman hospitality major, also lives on campus, however his home is only a 30 minute drive to Broward.

“I just wanted to get out of my house, and I like that I can just walk to classes.” said Ortiz.

Living on campus gives him time to be alone, but also provides him the luxury of driving home at least once a week.

“Being able to separate myself from my family when I am at school has really been beneficial to my studies, but I still enjoy the time I get to spend with my mom who is so close by,” he said. “It also gives me the freedom to join clubs like the Gay/Straight Alliance and take classes at the gym.”

Whether it be living at home or living on campus, students find it important to stay connected to their families while dedicating time for school and getting involved in campus life.

-news@fiusm.com