By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

“Alma was an all star woman in my eyes. I was new to Western spring of 2016 and that was around the time that Alma was running for ASWOU president,” said Anamercedes “Meche” Garibay, friend and sorority sister to Alma Pacheco. “Every time I saw her or walked passed her I felt intimidated because she walked with such confidence and strutted her walk everywhere she went. Shortly after, Alma became my sorority sister and we’ve stayed sisters ever since. She became a true genuine friend, a great study partner, and also a great listener. I’m positive I will never be able to find another Alma like Alma Pacheco.”

After the devastating news of Alma’s passing, Garibay put together a candlelight vigil to honor Alma and bring together those who knew her, to share their thoughts, memories and silence to keep her spirit close to their hearts.

“This girl knew how to have fun and that’s something I admired in Alma. She knew how to balance her professional business life and could still kick back and be a social bug with her friends,” said Garibay. “That’s something most of us students are still trying to learn, while Alma was an expert at balancing the two. Not only did Alma inspire me to become this Wonder Woman that she was, but she helped me understand and appreciate the true meaning of a friendship.”

When asked what message she thought Alma left with her friends and family, Garibay replied, “Always strive to be the best you, believe it then achieve it.” Alma Pacheco worked for and with the students of Western always keeping those around her in mind.

“I just hope everyone keeps Alma in their hearts because she was a phenomenal woman who strived to do so much for Western, and it showed with all the accomplishments she has done,” added Garibay.

Contact the author @ journalcampuslife@wou.edu