Derek

Derek Ponce-Gonzales, who plans to graduate from Southwestern in 2028, is entering his first year as a student ambassador. 

Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, Ponce recalls while touring Southwestern, feeling a connection immediately, and knowing he loved the community. 

“On my tour here as a senior in high school, as soon as I stepped on campus, I felt a connection,” Ponce said about why he ended up choosing Southwestern. “Everybody was friendly and I knew I wanted to be in Kansas, I just didn’t know where. The community is why I chose it.”

Ponce is heavily involved on campus. He is involved in student leadership and the vice president of sports for Student Foundations at SC. Ponce works to engage students through sports-related activities such as halftime games or giveaways. He works to build and connect the SC community through sports. 

Ponce is also the vice president of the Psychology Club and a member of the cross country team. Ponce believes being apart and involved on campus truly helps him to grow and prepare him for life after college.

“It’s been really fun; it's opened the door to a lot of possibilities in my life,” Ponce said. “I work well around others, and it helps me grow skills that will prepare me for the real world.”

Ponce said his favorite memory was the Leadership trip to Washington state and Seattle last year to help the homeless and experience new things. 

“We visited the countryside, and I saw the Pacific for the first time. Just the whole ten-day experience with some of my favorite people in the world was my favorite memory,” Ponce said. 

Ponce was referred to a job in the admissions center by his coach who thought he’d be a great fit for the role. 

“Being talked up like that and actually interviewing and seeing what I would do as an ambassador interested me,” Ponce said after exploring his potential role as an ambassador. “I really enjoy giving tours and I love meeting new people.”

Ponce relishes in the idea of being able to meet people and show off his “home” and own experience.

- Written by Eamon Shaw