“He also said he wants to pursue his doctorate,” Siple said, “which I think is amazing. I am not sure he was even thinking that big a year ago.” All in all, in the words of Siple, “It’s a good time to be Eric Avila.” Avila’s personality and makeup separate him from others his age, according to Siple. “Eric could connect with anybody on this campus,” Siple said. “Men, women, black, white, gay, straight, older or younger, it didn’t matter. He could sit down and chat with anybody.” “Eric is also one of the most polite individuals I have ever met,” Siple said. “Anyone you talk to will tell you the same thing. He was raised right with good old-fashioned manners. People respond to that.” “And,” Siple added, “Eric never took his education for granted. He appreciated what an education would do for his future.” Without Siple’s assistance, Avila said, none of his future options would be available. Avila was particularly pleased to have Siple in his corner when, after receiving his undergraduate degree, he found the sledding tough in his quest for full-time employment. “I hadn’t passed my athletic trainer certification (ATC) test, so no one was going to hire me,” Avila said. “[Siple] told me about a possible minority graduate assistantship and asked if I was interested in being a GA with the athletic training program, then she helped me get that GA position.” “She’s been an amazing part of my life and growth,” Avila said. “She gave me an opportunity I never thought I would get. I owe her so much for helping me become a better person and athletic trainer.” Avila also credits Patty Hladio, SRU’s financial aid director, for helping him navigate the sea of paperwork necessary to obtain loans to complete his education. While working with The Rock field hockey, track and field/ cross country and women’s tennis teams, Avila attained the knowledge necessary to pass the ATC exam in March 2012, which has now opened the door to a bright future. Exactly where Avila will plant his professional roots remains to be seen. “I love the urban setting,” he said, “but I would not mind working in a rural setting for the experience, but I definitely want to live in a big city.” Avila may not know exactly where he’s going, but he definitely knows how he got there. “It’s been a long journey, and I’ve enjoyed it a lot,” he said. “But I am especially happy I have made my parents proud.”
Join us this fall for these exciting events
Exercise your right as an
NOV.
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AMERICAN Get out and
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VOTE
Keep the tradition alive. Say hello to everyone you meet.
HELLO DAY at the ROCK DEC. MOSCOW BOYS CHOIR
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They have voices of angels and the vocal discipline of men three times their age. Come and experience a beautiful evening.
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Celebration OF GI VING
SRU’S salute to major donors.
Fall graduates take the traditional step and move from being SRU students to SRU alumni.
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Commencement www.SRU.edu www.SRU.edu 49 48