Emily Flores was encouraged by a high school guidance counselor to make the move from her home in Los Angeles, California to St. George, Utah. Now in her junior year at Dixie State University, Flores has found a love for the beauty of the red rocks and flaming sunsets. She is earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and a Minor in Social Justice with plans to continue her education with a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration.

Flores is a first-generation college student, and when asked what challenges she has faced at school, she said, “Just realizing that I should attend college and I should be on campus was and is definitely something that I have struggled with.” By joining the Dixie Hispanic Student Association (DHSA) in her freshman year and being on the Multicultural Inclusion Center (MIC) Student Council, Flores has become involved with student life and is flourishing at Dixie State.

Dixie Rock is Flores’ favorite place in St. George. She loves to watch the sun set and take in the view. Between classes, the DHSA, and the MIC, Flores also plays guitar and, in the summer, works as a camp counselor at a music camp. She hopes that as DSU grows, students will be encouraged to join clubs and realize that there is something to suit everyone’s interests, and if students have not figured out what those interests are, then there are ways to help them find out.