Both the students and the staff in the Design Department had the chance to enjoy a sunny afternoon while sharing a meal.
Speech by the Dean
Oscar Aguirre, dean of the School of Design, opened the event with a welcome address, during which he introduced the school’s administrators and staff, including academic coordinators, course coordinators, lab assistants, and janitors, among others.
"Today marks the beginning of a transformative phase in your lives, as you set out to discover your calling," said Aguirre, emphasizing the importance of academic training as a process of discovery and practice.
The dean emphasized that choosing a career in design means embracing a challenging discipline that has a positive impact on various areas of society, since design is present in all human activities.
Creativity is born of curiosity, grows with knowledge, and flourishes with practice.
He also urged them to make the most of every experience at the university, building relationships with professors and classmates, and to follow the guidance of the academic staff to advance their professional development.
In his closing remarks, Aguirre emphasized the importance of a passion for design, tolerant coexistence, andthe cultivation of ethics and academic integrity.
"With the support of all of us on the faculty, we will help you develop your calling and support your efforts to transform your professional lives," he concluded, wishing the new students success at this crucial stage of their careers.
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Mentoring Program
The event featured remarks by Emiliana Abbate, a senior student in the Bachelor of Industrial Design, representing the Mentoring Program.
This initiative connects upperclassmen with incoming freshmen, offering them guidance and support to help them adjust to academic and social life.
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In this regard, she noted that her role as a mentor is to provide them with tools to help them adjust, assisting them in developing planning strategies that allow them to organize themselves better and approach their studies effectively.
At first, you’ll face challenges and may even wonder if you made the right decision. But if you explore what you truly enjoy, you’ll find your own path and make your career your own—something that represents you and that you’re passionate about.
Throughout his speech, he emphasized a key message: don’t hesitate to reach out for help and guidance. Although he won’t always have all the answers, he assured them that there will always be someone willing to guide them through the adjustment process, whether it’s a staff member, a teacher, the Course Coordination Office, or the Student Counseling Office.
Teamwork was also a central theme of his message. For this reason, he encouraged students to interact with peers from other disciplines from the very beginning, to build relationships, and to take advantage of any opportunities for collaboration that come their way.
At the same time, Emiliana emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in university life:
"College is completely different from high school, and one of the biggest differences is that you are now responsible for your own path, and it's up to you to make the most of this experience."