What If?

           As an upcoming graduate of North Carolina State University, I wondered what would have happened if I didn’t continue past my first-year of college? Looking back on the continued commitment to higher education, I’m proud of all that I’ve become. The keys to my success have been the willingness to continue and persevere. Throughout this reflection, I will highlight my most-proud academic curations, high-impact experiences, study abroad programs and lastly, my professional work. You will learn how they contribute to the formation of who I am: an opportunistic, growth-minded and humble individual. I hope to inspire others with this reflection and see that their college experience does not to be anything less than “simple”.

Exploration of Failure
           However, the person I was in the first year of college did not start out that way. I experienced challenges of imposter syndrome and struggles with adjusting to a new environment. Coming from a predominantly African-American high school (Southeast Raleigh Magnet High) and community where my peers would likely not have the same opportunity as me, I felt unsure. The weighing scales of either taking a break from college or completely dropping out, loomed over my mind. This led me to struggle in almost every aspect of college: community, academics and extracurriculars. 

           Eventually, it translated into my first (and only) failed class at NC State – Elements of Calculus (MA 121). Truly, the failure was not just the grade but being afraid to ask for help. I recall the feeling of pressured desire to be a ‘well-rounded’ and ‘honors’ student. I learned that same year that asking for assistance, utilizing resources and actively applying myself were the keys to my success. From there, a plan was made. I would attempt the course during the summer, for five weeks, assisted by a tutor after class and dedicating time at the library to learn concepts. Using the SMART goal format, this translated into a specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objective. 

“I will complete MA 121 with a C or higher in five weeks. In order to do this, I will attend class everyday, spend 1.5 hours with a tutor twice a week, complete daily homework assignments and score a 75 or higher on each exam”

           After re-attempting the course in a later semester, I completed it with a C. There were long days and moments where concepts felt out of reach to learn. Yet, this was an indication that my commitment to academic growth was taken into consideration. Without a doubt, my academic failure turned out to be a stepping stone of recognizing my strong-willed nature. A foundation of what was ahead of my academic journey.
 

           In the midst of preparing myself for a moment of failure, I leaned into an honors seminar called Race, Membership, and Eugenics (HON 300) taught by Dr. Carolyn Veale. It opened my eyes to the linkage between race and intelligence. As students, we were tasked with reading and reflecting on two thoughtfully-selected books, a presentation on any U.S. Eugenics Case and my favorite assignment, a group final project about a Historically Black College & University (HBCUs). The course description stated:
 

“There is no widely accepted formal definition of either race or intelligence in academia. Discussions connecting race and intelligence involves studies from multiple disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, biology, and sociology”
 

           For my group, we explored the history of the Shaw University (Raleigh, NC) campus and spoke virtually with students of the Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tennessee). There were conversations about the culture of their respective universities, modern racial division, personal higher education experience and more. The course challenged us to “Think and Do” by looking through a lens to capture the story of others. In many ways throughout the class, I felt seen and heard.  For that, I thank Dr. Carolyn Veale, for creating a course that educated students on racial injustice implications and a safe space. Undoubtedly, this was one of the projects that translated into my love for marketing. My degree requires analysis of business as equally as the way people may perceive the intent of your message. I was able to communicate a story without the message being lost.

The Impact of Disciplinary Breadth

           Studying business administration with a concentration in marketing has allowed me to gain the necessary skills to lead in environments where “products, markets, and technology are rapidly changing”. Two of my favorite courses within my concentration were Marketing Research (BUS 462) and Product Management (BUS 467). For instance, Marketing Research taught me how to properly conduct market research by defining a proposed business problem and research questions. This semester-long group project focused on our selected small business, Cup A Joe. Notably being my first research project done, it was a long process. There were three parts – broken into segments – that required constant dedication. Focus groups, surveys and in-person interviews were held to prepare a well-rounded solution to the problem we saw. Given this, our presentation for Cup A Joe was rated well by our professor.

           Product Management revealed to me the side of marketing I did not consider; thanks to Dr. Tom Byrnes. Marketing planning and implementation are heavily involved in product and brand management. I learned the development of specific strategies to support existing products and to help manage a portfolio of products and brands. This is demonstrated through my group’s case study presentation on Nike that focused on the ‘metaverse’. At the time, the rise of the metaverse allowed Nike to engage its consumers in new ways and continue developing its digital presence. The company’s primary focus on bringing customers together through storytelling has been pivotal to its success. Highlighting this on presentation day awarded my team first place. As a result of the class’ impact, my long-term career goal is to become a product manager. 

           The impact of having disciplinary breath to your degree forces exploration of a variety of academia. I have taken the advantage of completing two minors: Spanish and Data Science for Business – in addition to my major. Before taking my first college-level Spanish course, FLS 201 (Spanish for Business Professionals), I had last completed AP Spanish in high school – 2 years prior. Once in my second year of undergrad, taking FLS 201, evoked nervousness and sentimental emotion. The goal was to gain confidence in speaking in a business-setting and the Spanish language. An assignment of having a conversation with a business that has a Spanish-speaking employee surprisingly gave me a new connection. Formerly the Communications manager & Storyteller at LatinxEd, Carol Bono. She spoke about the work the organization does and how she uses her skills to visualize it into a story.
           

           To highlight data science, it was an interest I had since completing a Marketing Analytics certification during high school. My college formally introduced the minor for business students, three semesters before graduation. Taking the opportunity to merge the prevalent intersection between data analytics and marketing, was important. For this reason, I took three Data Science Academy (DSA) courses that rapidly enhanced my knowledge. Then again, challenging myself through Introduction to R/Python for Data Science (DSA 201), Introduction to Data Visualization (DSC 202) and Data Communication (DSA 205) were tools to unlock my analytical abilities. Various projects and discussions were given to have students think and behave as data scientists. It was much more than just the long strings of code and uncleaned data points but, how one would approach a problem. So as to create a solution that can improve systems.

To be Global 
           Finding who I am started out as an educational experience and now, has slowly transformed into a culmination of all of my involvement. A part of me now manifests through my global appreciation. Formulated through the experience of studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina – my first international country visit. To the team (Rob, Katelyn, Graduate Assistants and Faculty) at the Office of Global Program within Poole College, I appreciate the work you do to ensure that every student has the opportunity to go beyond the classroom. 

           Studying abroad to experience my first marketing course in a global perspective, opened my mind. Learning the streets of downtown Buenos Aires to hearing from local entrepreneurs who turned their own adventure into a product. To add, independence was an artistry to how I found my side quests. I spent a weekend exploring the city with a friend (a Venezuelan now living in Argentina) I met during an internship. We traveled along the coast trying different coffees and teas, sharing stories of our lives and comparing societal differences. At the end of my adventure, in a span of four-weeks, I went back home with a travel bug; the desire to immerse myself in more cultural diversity.

           Merely two years later, an opportunity would arise to finish my minor for Spanish abroad, in Sevilla, Spain. A month in a Spanish-speaking country was the seal for encapsulating all that I’ve learned through my twelve years of Spanish. My Profe. (Professor) James McConnell was an impactful person on this study abroad. He taught us to make mistakes, learn from them and most importantly, have fun! Showing up for class and doing the assignments as given were essential but, making time for ourselves to again, explore the culture – is what mattered. In immersing myself within the society of Sevillanos, I learned about their history of technology and culture. With a partner, we presented (in Spanish) the technology of the ‘Setas of Sevilla’ or called the “Mushrooms of Sevilla”. The uniqueness of that city was different from other countries I’d visited before. 

Honors Isn’t Just Status
           Throughout my educational journey, the University Honors Program has aided me. From my first 300-level seminar course to providing me with scholarships to partake in immersive experiences. When asked about my experience with UHP, I take note of the faculty, staff, students and opportunities that I’ve encountered. They all have a part of shaping who I am. It emphasizes its mission of providing “a breadth and depth of unique educational experiences that engage academically-motivated students in transformative experiential learning throughout their college careers”. There is never a dull moment within the program.

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           One of many opportunities I had was participating in the 20-Hour Meta-Skill challenge. This was a challenge focused on the experience of learning something new and considering how you approach skill acquisition. The idea was to take an important higher-level skill and develop it by learning a concrete skill in everyday life. The skill I chose to do was working out (e.g. cardio, weight lifting). Focusing on the intrinsic value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By using the method of deep practice, I made mistakes and worked on improving my form and receiving feedback from fitness instructors during class sessions. 

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           Multiple times a week, I would create discipline by getting up at 7 a.m., having breakfast,  going to the gym and creating a stable semester routine. In the end, I saw improvement in not only my lifestyle but, my mood and eating habits. When it came to presentation day, I created a video that would communicate the positives and negatives of learning this skill. To my surprise, I earned a spot among the winners for displaying a deep commitment to maintaining my goal. In addition, a metaskill sweatshirt and monetary incentive.

           Moreover, I took my passion for going global to Puerto Rico. The University Honors Program offered a spring break study abroad program for the first time in that country. This was led and taught by Dr. Maru Gonzalez and Ken Johnson, Assistant Director of UHP. We were educated on the effects of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico. Examining the enduring political, social, and environmental impacts. Through interactive class discussions and experiential learning with local partners, we explored and analyzed concepts related to politics, agriculture, tourism, disaster preparedness, gentrification, resistance, and community engagement within the context of Puerto Rico’s colonial history.

           I will never forget visiting Vieques, a smaller portion of the archipelago of PR. We met with an all-Boricua (a person born in Puerto Rico or of descent) community group called “Alianza Mujeres Viequense”. They were will-driven and passionate about helping their community receive the proper resources. Many, still struggling with not only the effects of the hurricane but health-issues related to the U.S. government military bombings. After returning home, my class was tasked with creating a digital photography exhibit capturing our week-long journey. Towards the end of the semester, we presented in an intimate setting with friends, family and peers. After presenting, there were no dry eyes in the room where we presented our exhibit.

Not ‘The End’ of This Journey
           Ultimately, my journey was not linear. I am proud to not have given up. The path to success academically, personally and professionally will have its ups and downs. Freshman year taught how to work through failure by asking for help and setting a goal. Then, leaning into a class that made me feel seen and more inspired to pursue my degree even further. From there, concentrating upon my degree in Business Administration and engaging into additional disciplinary breadths such as Spanish and Data Science. Equally important, my global adventures of going beyond my home; becoming globally competent and wise. Lastly, recognizing the lasting impact the University Honors Program has had on me. I hope to be an inspiration to others. To let them know that their college experience does not to be anything less than “simple”.