Leadership
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -Mahatma Gandhi
Leadership Philosophy
My leadership philosophy is to serve with a smile and be enthusiastic in my pursuits.
A leader should stay true to their beliefs even when put in a difficult situation. A leader should challenge other views and be open to change, recognizing when to step in and when to take a step back. To lead, one must first learn how to follow in the footsteps of others. Listening is also leading.
Most importantly, a leader is not born; a leader is made, and defined, through the obstacles overcome.
Boston University Commencement Student Speaker
As Student Body President for over 2,300 students in my college, I was asked to give words of advice to family and students in the Class of 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Communication commencement ceremony was virtual.
Tri-Alpha
First-Generation Honor Society
First-Generation Honor Society
“Being a first-generation college student means being courageous and lighting the way for those to follow. It means having a unique story.” ✨
In May 2021, I was inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), the National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students, which was established at Boston University that semester.
As Boston University President Brown mentioned in the ceremony, "first-generation students experience college in different ways.”
As a low-income, first-generation, transfer college student, my tumultuous journey has pushed me to be courageous and persist when faced with challenges like overcoming imposter syndrome or working diligently with the Financial Aid Office.
I used to think everyone in college “had it together” and being first-gen was a negative thing. During the time when my undergraduate journey wrapped up, I learned to embrace my unique story and path, even if it’s not always clear.
TEDxBoston University
Ideas worth sharing; a collaborative effort
TEDxBoston University 2019 was one of the highlights of my second semester at Boston University. I worked with a team of 5 other students who were motivated to make this an event to share and listen to ideas.
Title: Community Relations Coordinator
Tasks: Connected with Boston University's Dean of Students, community members, and students in the Boston area
San José City Hall Intern
Intern for Vice Mayor Magdalena Carrasco, District 5 (Summer 2018)
Some of my tasks included answering the phone and helping constituents, tabling at community events, designing flyers, compiling information on Microsoft Excel, doing research on policy, getting volunteers for our annual National Night Out event, writing for the monthly newsletter, collaborating with other interns, printing, emailing, and much more. I would say that there was never a normal day in the office. I remember my first day at the internship—I was given a stack of people to call, and it was very intimidating but by the end of the summer, I was able to answer phone calls and speak with no hesitation.
Student Government
"To lead is to listen... From Community College Student Body President to Boston University College Senator to my college's Student Body President once again!"
I've always had a passion for leading and serving others and I found that the best way to instill change in a college environment is through student government. I was elected to be a voice for the students, representing over 2,000 undergraduates as a College Senator.
Lessons Learned:
Delegate tasks! I can't do everything on my own and I need to learn to trust my fellow colleagues to assist me.
Don't be afraid to speak up and put what is best for the student population forward. They are the center of my attention
Ask questions, always!
