Mariana Vaca’s Post

Investing in training and growth during these quieter months can set the stage for a successful and smooth transition into the new school year. Check out our latest blog post for a comprehensive guide on essential professional development topics to cover this summer. https://lnkd.in/gDYWu3jf

What a great story highlighting UAs new "credit for prior learning" program. If you know anyone with years of industry experience, military service, previous coursework, or professional certifications...encourage them to explore degree completion through this new, innovative program. https://lnkd.in/getbfqBv #ExperienceCounts #LifelongLearning

As I wrap up my journey as a USC Marshall MBA Ambassador, I see how it has influenced my approach to life, giving back to the community. Joining the MBA Ambassador program came from my desire to share the Trojan family spirit—a value I experienced even before joining Marshall, thanks to Jin Heo's support during my application and Yifan(Anna) Ma's warm welcome during my campus tour. Serving as an ambassador allowed me to highlight USC MBA program's values to prospective students through various interactions, from coffee chats to Admit Day. It was an honor to represent Marshall and share my valuable experiences within the community. Concluding this chapter, I often revisit the question: WHY MARSHALL? The answer, for me, always comes back to the Trojan Family. Initially, I perceived it as a superficial slogan. However, the Trojan Family is real, especially significant for me as an international student arriving without friends or family for support. This community has become my foundation for life in the States. There's much more that makes Marshall special. If you're interested in USC MBA or have questions about the MBA journey, I'm here to share my insights. Fight on!

Being the first in my family to attend a US college was both exhilarating and daunting. I didn’t have the luxury of turning to my family for advice on navigating the college environment. Instead, I faced unique challenges when it came to choosing a college where I could truly thrive and feel at home. For me, the decision wasn’t just about academics; it was about ensuring a solid return on investment. Landing a job after graduation was a top priority, so I needed a college that could set me up for success in the real world. Balancing my studies with responsibilities like working at my family’s restaurant was no easy feat. It meant juggling multiple roles and often feeling the pressure to excel academically. Today, first-generation students represent 56% of college undergraduates in the US, a number that continues to rise. As someone who understands the challenges these students face, I know firsthand the importance of feeling supported and welcomed in the college environment. To university marketers out there: How are you ensuring that your messages resonate with first-generation students?

Numerous people have asked me, "Why didn't you participate in any of Clayton State's commencement ceremonies this past weekend since you are a 2023 graduate?" First, I want to congratulate all my peers who graduated this semester!! Despite my absence, my spirits and prayers were with you all. But for me, I know that my work isn't done. I've caught my second wind and am focused on what's in store for me next year. So, instead of celebrating, I'm still studying and preparing like I have four more years left. And I will do that every four years for the rest of my life. 😎 I've studied a lot of great athletes, entertainers, politicians, and academics, and they all have one thing in common; They are obsessed with learning from their losses and mistakes and enjoy utilizing their earned wisdom on new challenges while inspiring others. And how well they do that under pressure defines their character and leadership style to the masses. For me, receiving a college degree is just the result of being someone who wanted to spend 1,460 days working on their writing, communication, and time-management skills to prepare themselves for a new set of challenges that requires the addition of even more skills. I've shown people that I can spend 1,460 days achieving a goal against all odds while inspiring and communicating to others that they can do the same. The most beneficial thing I got from being a college student at Clayton State University was the opportunity to practice and receive valuable feedback on my efforts from excellent researchers and practitioners in their respective fields. When I started college, I didn't have an endgame. I had a game plan. That's the difference between me and most people, in and out of college. Besides, I'll be back in Spring 2024. #Dreamsmadereal #NoLimits

As we count down to graduation, take a moment to meet @CornellDysonSchool’s Josh Figueroa ‘24 🎓 Q: What is the most valuable thing you learned in your time at Cornell? A: The most valuable thing I learned at Cornell was to be curious. I found immense value in learning more about my professors' and peers’ backgrounds outside of an academic setting. Q: Doing the greatest good is a big part of being a #Cornellian. How will you carry this into your career and life after Cornell? A: As I transition to my career and life after Cornell, I will always exercise the act of service and keep in mind its relevance and positive impact on many people. The service of others, whether it was a professor extending their office hours or an upperclassman sharing their wisdom with me, has positively shaped my time at Cornell, and this is something that I will always be grateful for. I plan to provide service to others, whether sharing my wisdom and experiences with undergraduate students, engaging in alum programming events, or participating in any philanthropic efforts. Q: Tell us what made your Dyson experience so impactful. A: My Dyson experience has been tremendous because of the curriculum, faculty investment in the student's development and learning, and endless professional resources. Our students can pursue and learn about their desired career paths, whether it's in financial services, consulting, or any other pocket in the business world. Our dedicated professors and student and career services offices make this possible [...] to ensure that we're in the best possible position for life after Dyson. 📸 Photo provided by Josh Figueroa

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Today marks a monumental milestone in my life as I share with you all the joy of having graduated with my Associate Degree! 🎉 This journey has been anything but easy; it was filled with countless late nights, endless cups of coffee, and moments where I questioned my ability to push through. There were times when the balance between life's responsibilities and my studies seemed almost impossible to maintain. Yet, here I am, proof that perseverance and hard work truly pay off. Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the struggles that came with managing coursework, personal life, and often feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks ahead. But through each challenge, I found strength I didn't know I had, support from friends and family who never let me falter, and a determination that burned brighter with every hurdle. I am immensely proud of this achievement, not just as a testament to the knowledge I've gained, but as a symbol of my resilience, dedication, and the power of dreaming big. This degree is not just a piece of paper; it is a collection of hard-fought battles, lessons learned, and a stepping stone to future endeavors. As I look forward to the next chapter, I carry with me the lessons of this journey and the confidence that I can face whatever challenges come my way. Here's to new beginnings, to the endless possibilities that lie ahead, and to the continued pursuit of excellence in all we do.