The mission of PUC’s SOL Club is to foster a sense of family on campus, especially for its Hispanic and Latino students. Although they have created a space for this community, they welcome anyone and everyone to join, connect, and be part of their community and culture.

This year’s SOL Club president is theology and communication major Ashley Castro Rodriguez. She’s a firm believer that culture is meant to be shared and celebrated, with food being one of the easiest and beautiful ways to do that. Whether during an event or sitting together for a meal, she feels something powerful happen whenever people share food.

“Especially with everything going on in the world, knowing I have a community matters deeply to me,” said Ashley. “Feeling seen, supported, and not alone is huge to me, and SOL Club is committed to creating that space for everyone. Our goal is to represent our culture proudly and also be a resource for our community. We want people to walk into our events and immediately feel welcomed, loved, and included, no matter their background.”

From growing up in Monterrey and then moving to Oregon while in middle school, Ashley didn’t feel like she had a community school, but it was through her Spanish church that she felt at ease. Being in SOL Club gave her the same feeling she had when she came to PUC, and that feeling motivated her to run for president to help create that space for others. 

As president of SOL Club, Ashley describes it as “fun, chaotic, meaningful, and a little stressful, but in the best way.” She feels very lucky to serve with amazing officers and bringing projects to life together has been her favorite part of her experience. “I absolutely believe that the best work is teamwork,” she said. “I love SOL Club because it feels like we all care about something bigger than ourselves—we care about community.” 

What do you enjoy the most about being president? 

What I enjoy most is watching ideas turn into actual moments that bring people together. I love the process of those long planning conversations, the group chats with just ideas, and the feeling of everyone pitching in with their strengths. There’s something so special about standing in the middle of an event we dreamed up months ago and seeing people laughing, eating, connecting, and feeling at home. That’s the moment I live for. 

I also genuinely enjoy building relationships across campus, working with my officers, meeting new members, collaborating with other clubs, and getting to know different pockets of the PUC community. It reminds me why SOL Club matters. 

For me, leadership isn’t about having a title; it’s about creating spaces where people feel safe, celebrated, and seen. And every time I see that happening, whether it’s at Albion, a carne asada, a pre-veespers, or a random meeting, it makes all the stress totally worth it.

What do you hope to accomplish as club president? 

I really want to expand what SOL Club does, both in experiences and visibility. A second club trip is definitely on my dream list. Albion is iconic and traditional, but I’d love to give our students another kind of adventure, something that helps us bond in a new environment and leaves a lasting impact. 

Beyond that, I want us to build traditions that outlive our time here. I want future students to step into SOL Club and instantly feel the same warmth, community, and pride that have shaped my experience. I hope to strengthen our presence on campus so that we’re not just known for our food or our events, but for the deeper purpose behind them: representing our culture, supporting our students, and building a community that feels like home.

Tell us about your team. How is working with the other officers to give your club members the best experience?

I’m really proud of our team. Each officer comes from a different background and brings their own passions, perspectives, and creative energy. That makes every meeting feel dynamic and collaborative. 

We’re definitely not the same; we all think differently, and that’s honestly what makes us really strong. Someone is always seeing something I missed or suggesting a better approach. Sometimes we start with a chaotic brainstorm and end up with something truly beautiful.

Working with them reminds me that leadership is never a solo act. Their commitment, willingness to jump in, and excitement for what we create together make SOL Club what it is. They help carry the vision, shape the culture, and support the community right alongside me.

What kind of club culture do you want to create? 

I want SOL Club to feel like walking into a family gathering where everyone is welcome, even if you’ve never been before. I want a culture where people can show up exactly as they are: tired from midterms, excited after a good week, homesick, silly, loud, quiet, whatever. But still feel like you belong.

What activities or events are planned for this year? Which one are you most looking forward to? 

Our traditional trip to Albion is always a highlight. It’s been a beloved part of PUC culture for years, and I love being part of that legacy, seeing new students experience it for the first time, and watching returning members make new memories. 

We’re also dreaming up a festival or banquet-style event with live music, something vibrant and celebratory that brings our campus together around culture, food, music, and community. I’m excited because events like these give us the chance to show who we are beyond the fun, they let us highlight the richness of our heritage and the heart behind our club.

What is the best thing about being a part of SOL Club?

For me, the best thing is knowing that I’m part of a community where I don’t have to explain myself to feel understood. It’s the comfort of hearing Spanish across an event, the joy of cooking together, the chaos of prepping for events, and the feeling of belonging that comes with being surrounded by people who share similar experiences. It’s a bit of home on campus, a reminder that I’m not alone, laughter, warmth, and connection. And yes, yelling in Spanish with my friends is very comforting.

Why should students join SOL Club? How can they be a part of the club?

Pretty people join Sol Club (if you know, you know), but beyond that, SOL Club is a place where you can find community, culture, good food, and good vibes. We’re genuinely here to welcome people and create space for meaningful connection. 

Students can join simply by showing up, coming to our events, saying hi, joining the group chat, or bringing a friend. You don’t have to be Latino to join; you just have to want community. We’re here to build something meaningful together.

How can PUC support your club?

PUC can support us by truly seeing us, not just as a club that brings good food or fun events, but as a vital part of the campus community that deserves consistent support, visibility, and celebration. 

Sometimes it feels difficult to communicate our needs or feel included in broader campus initiatives. There are moments when it seems like people love our culture when it’s convenient or makes an event more exciting, but they don’t always invest in us beyond that. And that can be discouraging, because we are doing real work, building real community, and meeting real needs for students. 

Support looks like: 

• Listening to us when we advocate for our club and students 
• Including us in planning and decision-making spaces 
• Providing resources, not just last-minute, but proactively 
• Amplifying our events and celebrating our cultural contributions 
• Making sure we have the space, funding, and visibility we need to grow
• Treating us as an essential part of PUC culture, not an add-on

At the end of the day, we want to partner with PUC. We want to feel proud of how our school uplifts its diverse student populations. And with real communication, collaboration, and consistency, I know we can continue building something beautiful together.