Getting socially involved!

Besides needing a scholarship to complete my Associate's degree, like any other college student I wanted to get involved with my campus. In my second semester, one of my professor suggested I reach out to the Associate Director in Admissions, who kindly forward me to the person in charge for Student Ambassadors.

Reception dinner for COBA Spring 2020

Fall 2019 Open House

I began in August 2019 with a lot of enthusiam. I was chosen to be a face for the institution and I would love to also think I represented a Hispanic female demographic. To see my picture in pamphlets and on digital displays was intriguing, though that is not what is important.

This role allowed me to grow out of my shell more. I had to interact with fellow ambassadors, students, and the public. For example, I assisted and enjoyed Homecoming that October. It was a very long day but it was filled with connections with everyone I met. This event also allowed me to see someone I met in my first semester from a past French course.

Being an ambassador gave me an insight in what and how networking works. There was a luncheon, I had to attend and I admit that I was pretty terrified. Why? Because I was in my sophmore year still slightly unsure what I wanted to achieve.

"Hi, nice to meet you. My name is Ivanis. I am a sophomore.... I am soon to graduate and transfer next fall. I wish to complete an Interdicisplinary Studies degree.... I wish to travel and learn languages."

Those were some of the words I used to respond to important people invited to the event. Even though I was unknown of how my Bachelor's would be composed of, I replied to the best of my abilities with a dash of confidence. Mingling and network was very new to me, but I am glad I went through the opportunity of exposing and putting myself out there. I wish to practice that more. This is a skill I would relate to an entrepreneur.

Currently with COVID-19, this semester looks different and slightly difficult to get involved in oppurtunities like this. I live with my mother away from campus and I am not yet an owner of a vehicle. This semester is the second one I have been completely virtual. Therefore, finding a way to connect virtually, for me, is ironically harder than networking in person. For now, I have to engage and get involved in what I want to try next. I am planning to achieve a goal of mine: studying abroad.