Connecting across cultures with language and welcoming smile

Jeronimo Silva Lugo didn't expect language learning to become such a defining part of his life, but somewhere between studying French in high school and stepping onto UB’s campus, it began to shape his future.

Drawn to the beauty of communication across cultures, he found himself becoming curious not just by words, but by what they could do — connect people, prevent conflict and open doors.

At UB, Silva Lugo transformed that curiosity into action. As a global affairs major also studying French and Mandarin, he immersed himself in campus opportunities. His role as an orientation leader became a turning point, helping him see UB not just as a school, but as a place full of True Bue pride and possibility.

“As an orientation leader — the first welcoming face for new students — I really discovered the value of simply being kind to people,” Silva Lugo says. “Having just gone through the experience myself, I knew how meaningful it could be, and it was incredibly rewarding. I realized how far a simple gesture — smiling, starting a conversation or asking someone how they’re doing — can go. Those small acts can make a huge difference in helping someone feel at home and like they truly belong.”

Outside the classroom, Silva Lugo’s experiences stretch far beyond Buffalo. Growing up with Colombian roots and having traveled to 15 countries, he developed an early appreciation for cultural diversity. That interest deepened at UB, where he was struck by the wide range of languages and cultures represented across campus.

His global curiosity led him to earn the prestigious Boren Scholarship, a nationally competitive award that funds U.S. students studying languages critical to national security while preparing for careers in public service. With support from the scholarship, Silva Lugo is studying abroad in Taiwan, furthering his Mandarin skills and cross-cultural perspective.

Looking ahead, Silva Lugo’s ambitions are to work for organizations like the United Nations or the State Department, turning his passion into meaningful impact.

His journey hasn’t always been clear, but through an openness to new experiences, he’s found direction. If he could give advice to his younger self, it would be simple: Stay open, step outside your comfort zone and trust that the path will come together.