Sophomore Joe Flores lives by a self-proclaimed ethic: never be afraid to try anything once.
Flores, secretary-elect of the Student Government Association, has applied that ethic to his collegiate career through involvement in a number of campus groups.
"I'm glad that I'm breaking barriers," Flores said. "The reason minority enrollment doesn't grow is because of a lack of minority representation in campus leadership."
He is secretary of the Latino Student Union, an SGA senator, a member of the 2001 Homecoming Steering Committee, a member of Phi Gamma Delta and a former member of the academic honors fraternity Alpha Lambda Delta.
Flores is a double major in criminal justice and political science. His double major is intended, he said, to be a stepping stone to an eventual law degree. Flores aspires to become an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union or a similar organization in order to "stand up for those who are truly in need of a strong defense or voice on their behalf."
He is a third-generation Mexican-American with an immediate family consisting of his parents, his brother Eric and his cousin, Justeen.
Flores did not originate the idea of running on the Team Tolu slate in the February 2002 SGA elections.
SGA president-elect Tolu Olowomeye approached him personally in January 2002 and asked him if he would be interested in running with her slate for the position of secretary. Flores said he was planning to remain active as an SGA senator. He thought, however, that he could have a larger impact on campus issues as a member of the executive board.
"My ambition in pursuing this office is a benefit to representing all Latinos on campus, but I am also doing this for myself," he said. "I just want to do the best job I can and set a good example for everyone that follows."
Flores accredits his true start at campus leadership to being on the Homecoming Steering Committee in 2001. Flores said it gave him the skills and leadership experience he needed to move on to further aspirations.
While secretary of SGA, Flores wants to work with his fellow executive board members, as well as on his own, to accomplish a variety of goals that will, as he puts it, "tie into the overall goals of Team Tolu due to our group's already diverse makeup."
According to Flores, upon winning the election, he was very excited and grateful. Now, he said, he is trying to get "geared up to meet the challenge and (be) careful not to let anyone down."
Flores, who grew up in Munster, has a passion for music. While in high school, he was heavily involved in the school band.
"My high school and hometown was predominately white, so campus has not been much of a change," he said. "I haven't faced any outright discrimination or racism in either place. It has all been pretty smooth."
He currently plays modern hard rock drums but has not yet formed a band or played live lately. He attributes his love for music and his work ethic to his father, a musician.
His personal style is reflected in his appearance. He has a large tattoo of a cross, a rose and angels on his back that, though usually covered, he hopes to further embellish.
Flores only recently removed some of the piercings and other elements that associated him with an edgier appearance.
He strongly encourages students to get involved on campus and in the local community.
"If you have trouble finding people with similar interests, look harder or start your own organization," Flores said. "Muncie and Ball State really offer more than people realize. They just have to look. For instance, there is always a local music scene that needs constant support."
According to Jason Casares, president of the Latino Student Union, and Jose Torres, vice president of the Latino Student Union, Flores is the first Ball State SGA executive board member of Hispanic or Latino heritage, an accolade of which Flores and the Latino Student Union are proud.
"The purpose of multicultural organizations is to teach and be open to everyone, not just be a support group for local minorities," Flores said. "Everyone is welcome. We really want all people to come to all of our events."
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