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I received my Bachelor's degree in International Studies at California State University East Bay. As a child I had always wanted to travel and to learn a new language. As an undergraduate I had the opportunity to study Chinese and study abroad in Taiwan. Upon completing my studies overseas I decided to minor in Chinese. With my experience abroad I worked as a student assistant for the Study Abroad office at CSU East Bay specifically in marketing and recruiting. This increased my wanderlust to travel even more. Without knowing what career path I wanted I enrolled as a volunteer for the Peace Corps as a Higher Education English Teacher in Ukraine. Living in a different country and learning a language gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and adapt to a new environment. A challenging yet rewarding experience that allowed me to use and enhance my skills for the greater good.

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During my service I noticed that being an English teacher was not my passion and I kept looking back and tried to see what I was passionate about. Remembering my time as a student assistant working in study abroad at CSU East Bay made me realize how much I enjoyed it. As a first generation to attend college I am most driven to give the same opportunities to underrepresented groups. Travel and Study Abroad is an eye opening experience and thus has led me to where I am now. Currently I am a candidate for the M.A. in International Education Management at Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California.

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During my free time I like to travel, draw, learn martial arts, and teach Mexican dances such as Cumbia, Duranguenze, and Salsa (though I am not the best dancer). During my travels I like to do things that I am uncomfortable with. Hiking is something I dread but have accomplished many times. One of my greatest accomplishments was when I visited Zacopane in Poland and did a 6 hour hike. I’ve hiked the tallest mountain in Ukraine, went ice climbing and saw the northern lights in Abisko, Sweden, zip-lined in South Korea, dressed as a geisha and rode camels in Egypt. Trying new things allows me to overcome my own uncertainties and enhances my knowledge of the world.