Edgar Romero
International President
International President Edgar Romero attends LaGuardia Community College in New York, where he is majoring in Social Sciences and Humanities. Following transfer to a four-year institution, he will major in International Relations.
A native of Venezuela, and Phi Theta Kappa's first Venezuelan International Officer, Edgar has served as a chapter officer, and is also active with LaGuardia's United Nations Club and the Poetry Club.
As an international student, new to the United States and to community college, Edgar's first encounter with Phi Theta Kappa came about because he wanted to make contact with campus groups involved in service. He met the officers of LaGuardia's Alpha Theta Phi Chapter and became one of the chapter's most active volunteers. When he accumulated the credits needed for membership, the chapter advisor paid his fees as a reward for his service to the chapter.
Edgar's commitment to international service is evident in his career plans. He expects to complete his baccalaureate degree at City College of the City University of New York, and study for a master's degree in International Development at the CUNY Graduate Center, or at Columbia University or Johns Hopkins. He is considering volunteering with the Peace Corps, and eventually working with a non-governmental organization such as Amnesty International.
When Edgar arrived in the United States to study, he knew nothing about community colleges. Now he feels that he has gained more knowledge and confidence at LaGuardia than he would have at a four-year school. And at a four-year school, he would never have been introduced to Phi Theta Kappa!
This year Edgar received the CUNY Leadership Award, given to only two students annually for service activities, and won a Pablo Neruda poetry award.
"Community colleges are dedicated to students and value the students that strive for excellence," Edgar says. "I hope to see the community college model expanding globally beyond the limits of our imagination."
Edgar also hopes that financial aid opportunities continue to develop for community college students. Even with assistance, he says, some students accepted to prestigious universities experience financial challenges.
Outside of school, Edgar works weekends as manager of a restaurant specializing in Venezuelan food, which he also cooks himself occasionally. He loves and follows soccer, and enjoys spending time outdoors.
