ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

• Hometown: Columbus, OH
• Class: 2024
• Majors: International Studies, Economics
• Minor: Latin American Studies
• Other Activities:
  • Honors Scholar
  • Sigma Iota Rho (President)
  • Women in Economics
  • Global Studies Scholars

Why ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?

After receiving acceptance letters from a few universities, I came to a Make It ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú event right before the start of Covid. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú had not been a top school for me, but I was absolutely blown away by the care and passion from every admin and faculty member that I spoke to. I came away from every conversation with more ideas of how I could get involved at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, from specific classes to long-term research projects. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú started to feel like home. I realized that I was not going to get these kinds of relationships and opportunities at most universities, and this was the main reason I chose to attend ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. (The scholarship money was also nice).

How did you choose your major?

I have been an International Studies major since the very beginning, but my double major has changed frequently throughout my college career. I originally wanted to be a Spanish double major, but ultimately decided to pursue Spanish in my own time. I continued to learn Spanish and used it in work environments, and I am now fluent. I was also temporarily in the Master's of Environmental Science program, but a study abroad semester in Costa Rica helped me figure out that this field was not my passion. Economics was one of my minors from Sophomore year, and I decided to declare an Econ double major halfway through my junior year. As a senior, I am now in the Master’s of Economics 3+1 program. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s flexibility allowed me to try out so many different disciplines, and faculty members were always willing to tell me their stories and show me how their major and coinciding skills could help me accomplish my goals.

Key Moment at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

Other Notable Experience

I am currently the President of Sigma Iota Rho, the national honor society for international studies. As college students, most of our time is spent taking in information and learning, but this organization was one big way that I could give back to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. It has been amazing to grow this organization along with my Exec team and see our members thrive because of the resources and opportunities we have presented them with. The community of this organization has been such a large part of my life for the past two years, and I have made so many friendships with people who share similar passions as me.

Advice to Prospective Students  

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has so many opportunities for every student here, and it is up to you to come and take advantage of them. I would tell any prospective student that they should take the time to look around and see what ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has to offer them throughout their years here. So many programs have specialized study abroad programs, independent studies, and research projects that students can get involved in. I especially think our 3+1 and 4+1 programs are a unique opportunity that gives students a competitive edge when entering the workforce.

What are your career goals?  

I will be working as a Research Analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In this role, I will work with economists on their research to stabilize the US economy. Our research directly impacts government policy and private business decisions.

Unique Experience with SUSI (Study of the U.S. Institutes)  

Over the past 3 years, I have had the opportunity to work with 52 students from Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. Every year, these exchange students inspire me more through the work they are doing in their communities and their aspirations for the future.

Through a contract with the US Department of State, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has hosted SUSI since 2018. The program is carried out entirely in Spanish and provides enriching opportunities with the overall themes of economic development and social entrepreneurship. The student participants in this program are hand-selected by their respective embassies and sent to represent their community and country in the United States. Each one of these students is already doing incredible work in their respective field, and their time in the U.S. is spent enhancing their skills and forming professional relationships with people who share similar development goals. As a student mentor, I worked with these students on their social projects, development classes, professional experiences, and future career goals. In the most recent summer program, I was able to create logistic plans as well as work with budgeting for a public program. My multicultural leadership skills have grown tremendously every year, and the SUSI team gave me the support and resources necessary to create opportunities that leave a positive impact on others.

SUSI has consistently grown my appreciation for my own country. These students love their countries, and they see great value in working with the U.S. for future development plans. I have seen outstanding work completed and international relationships formed due to this program, and I have great faith in the future of the Americas.

Admin and faculty from GIC (the Department of Global and Intercultural Studies) introduced me to this program and developed me as a multicultural professional every summer for 3 years. My personal development and career goals were greatly impacted by this program and every person involved in it.