Javier Zamora, the author of the 2024 summer read book, Solito, visited campus and spoke with students in the fall
For many first-year Honors College students, their first collegiate academic experience arrives before the start of classes with the invitation to read a book. The HC’s summer read program, launched in 2016, provides all incoming students with a book selected by the Honors College to read over the summer. Small groups of students then meet with faculty members and campus leaders to discuss the book – and get to know one another – before the start of fall term.
Honors College Student Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator Taylor Maki explains, “I see the Summer Read as a powerful tool to foster meaningful connections and dialogue among new students.” Maki adds that the program “creates early touchpoints between incoming students and HC faculty,” helping ease the transition into college life.
Beyond its community focus and engaging welcome to campus, Summer Read aims to broaden students’ understanding of social issues. Each year’s book is chosen to prompt reflection on topics relevant to society, students' own experiences and the experiences of others. Maki says this choice introduces incoming students to “the value of empathy, global awareness and critical thinking as foundational parts of their academic journey,” helping shape the Honors College experience from day one.
For 2024, the Honors College selected Solito, Javier Zamora’s memoir detailing his migration from El Salvador to the United States at the age of nine. “By choosing a book like Solito, students can explore complex themes together, on topics like migration, resilience and personal growth,” says Maki.
This year’s summer read was unique in offering an additional opportunity to meet the author of the book. On Oct. 16th, the Honors College and campus partners welcomed Javier Zamora to OSU’s Corvallis campus, giving students the opportunity to engage with the author of Solito personally. During his visit, Zamora met with honors students in a Q&A session moderated by Professor Ana Ribero and participated in an evening discussion and book signing at PRAx with Dr. Joel Zapata. The visit was co-sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity; the School of Writing, Literature and Film; the Office of Global Engagement; the College of Engineering; the School of History, Philosophy and Religion; and the Center for the Humanities at Oregon State.
“Javier was so generous with his time, speaking to each student who brought a book to be signed—which is touching, since we had over 80 students at the HC Q&A and 220 attendees at the PRAx event,” says previous Honors College Associate Dean Susan Rodgers, who planned the event. “The line for book signing was out the door!"
Zamora’s presence “added depth to students’ understanding of the book and the themes it raises,” says Maki, who facilitated two Summer Read discussions. “Meeting Javier and hearing from him meant that students got to see and experience the humanity behind the book. It helped students engage with the material on a whole new level.” Maki recalls that in one session, “a student shared how they saw their own immigration story reflected through Solito, which encouraged another student to speak up and share the same.” Moments like these, she says, are at the heart of the Summer Read program.
Looking forward, the Honors College has plans to expand Summer Read’s reach within OSU and beyond. Rodgers recounts that this year, in preparation for Zamora’s visit, “Professor Joel Zapata, who led the conversation with Javier in PRAx, also did a Random Review of Solito at the public library the week before.” Community connections like this are what the Honors College aims to cultivate going forward. Maki adds, “Seeing what connections can be made to other offices or cultural centers is the goal, so we can further student education beyond the summer and the book.” The Honors College hopes that Zamora’s visit has ushered in a new era for Summer Read, transforming it into a deeply impactful experience for the Honors College and all of its community partners on campus and beyond. “For the Honors College, this was truly a first among multiple dimensions,” says Dean Toni Doolen. “Now we get to start planning for next year!"
By Flora Snowden, student writer