Tatiyana Orrego ’29, flanked by her father, Alex, and grandmother Claudia, both of whom are longtime BC Dining employees. (Photos by Caitlin Cunningham)
A family affair
Now, a fourth is here—as a student.
First-year student Tatiyana Orrego didn’t have to look far for a familiar face when she moved onto the Boston College campus: Her father, Alex, and her grandmother, Claudia, both work in the University’s Dining Services.
Tatiyana recalls coming to campus often as a kid to visit her family at work. In addition to Alex, who has worked here for 15 years, and Claudia, a 24-year employee, her great-grandmother Yolanda also worked in BC Dining until 2023. As Tatiyana grew up, campus became a familiar place where she could see herself.
“I just loved the school spirit,” said Tatiyana. “I would go to BC games in high school and wanted to be part of the student section. I also heard about BC’s partnership with my elementary school, Saint Columbkille, and thought I could get involved with that.”
“Having gone to a Catholic elementary school and a Catholic high school, I also liked that I could continue going to Mass at BC. My grandmother, who is friends with some of the priests here, definitely influenced my choice to go to a Jesuit college,” added Orrego with a smile.
But beyond the academic and social fit on campus, Tatiyana also marked BC as a top choice because she would be able to stay close to her family, including her sisters, the youngest of whom is only two years old. When she was accepted, her father threw her a Boston College-themed party.
“My dad and grandmother were really excited for me,” said Tatiyana. “My dad immediately told everyone he works with. As a first-generation student, getting into BC was a big deal. When I got in, it felt validating, for myself and my family.”
Tatiyana Orrego holds a photo of her great-grandmother Yolanda, who also worked for BCDS until her retirement in 2023.
For Alex, Tatiyana’s BC acceptance was a meaningful moment.
“As a first-generation college student, Tatiyana being here represents so much more than just continuing our family’s connection to BC. It’s an important milestone for her and for all of us,” said Alex.
Now into her first semester, Orrego is majoring in psychology, motivated by her family and Catholic social teaching to understand the person as a whole. As she explores clubs, community service opportunities, and campus jobs, she says that the Jesuit spirit and motto of “Men and Women for Others” is clear on campus.
“I like that a lot of clubs include community service and have a goal to help people. Everyone just wants to welcome you.”
Among those eager to welcome her to campus are her father and grandmother. She’s already met up with Alex, who works as a receiver on the Chestnut Hill Campus, for lunch and coffee, and he helped her find the best routes to get to her classes during the first week of the semester. Claudia works at Legal Grounds on Newton Campus, and while Tatiyana hasn’t made it there yet, she said that friends have made sure to say “Hi” when they see her grandmother.
“Seeing their familiar faces on campus helps me feel like I belong and eased my transition to college,” said Orrego.
Alex and Claudia are enjoying every moment with Tatiyana as well.
“It’s been wonderful to share the campus with her, whether in passing moments during the day, getting coffee with her, or seeing her discover her own path here,” said Alex.
“For us, it feels like a continuation of tradition, but also something new and exciting as she makes BC her own. We’re incredibly proud of her and grateful that she’s part of this community.”