Que Ondee Sola (QOS) was established in 1972 and remains the oldest Puerto Rican & Latin@ student publication in the country. We strive to provide NEIU with an engaging publication that deals with student issues and a focus on Puerto Rican & Latin@, our communities and our homelands. QOS was founded in a time where there were little to no resources for Puerto Rican & Latin@ at NEIU. The magazine was created by a group of Puerto Rican students who felt it was important to create a platform that would enable them to discuss and share the struggles they experience as first generation college students and activists in their communities.

As an organization, we have participated in the creation of the developmental mathematics courses, Proyecto Pa’Lante, the alternative admissions programs in support of Latin@ students, Latino/Latin American Studies Program, and the Angelina Pedroso Center. Our past members (and founders) include current Congressman Luis Gutierrez and former City Clerk of Chicago, Miguel del Valle.

Que Ondee Sola makes a strong effort to be active in the Humboldt Park community and other Latin@ communities in Chicago. Current members are active in social justice organizations aiming to free Puerto Rican political prisoner, Oscar Lopez Rivera, as well as organizations that work to combat gentrification. Members of QOS are also active in the College Pipeline program where they work with seniors who are interested in attending NEIU and also mentor them for their first two years at the university. The organization brings over thirty students each year for their annual event, Plantando Semillas, for a shadow day. Students are able to experience a day in the life of a college student and become connected to resources on campus.

Que Ondee Sola offers students a space to explore social justice, learn more about their culture and history, as well as become more active in the Puerto Rican & Latin@ communities. It is also a great way for students to build writing skills. If you are more artistically inclined, QOS offers students the opportunity to learn and use Adobe Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop. Students will have the ability to edit and design the entire magazine.

If you are interested in participating in planning events, submitting material for the magazine, or even designing the magazine, you can also get involved. Que Ondee Sola will be meeting every Thursday from 3-4pm in room E-041 (downstairs from Becks and across the hall from Health Services). If you’d like more information, please email editor-in-chief Alyssa Villegas at [email protected] or stop by! Our doors are always open!

Sincerely,

Editor-In-Chief, Alyssa N. Villegas Rodriguez