Life as a ‘Cane

I graduated from the U in 2017 with a major in Marketing and a minor in Education. As an Assistant Director of Admission at the University of Miami, I had the pleasure of working with prospective students and showing them everything UM has to offer. I guess you could say my job was to market my own education, so my degree is definitely being put to use. 

My 4 years at UM were the best years of my life. I had the college experience that every student dreams of. I was able to be a part of several organizations that showed me how to be a leader. The University of Miami wants their students to grow outside of the classroom which I was able to do through participation in student government, Greek life, and, my personal favorite, The Federation of Cuban Students (fun fact: I am not even Cuban, but anything is possible in Miami and now I can’t live without cafecito). My professors were always present and easy to reach. Each class I was in was very engaging and had intellectual discussions. We consistently used examples from the “real world” to learn and better understand the material. This always made me feel that everything I was learning was relevant and thus enhancing my professional development for after I graduated. The city of Miami felt like studying abroad without going abroad. I made friends from all over the world and was able to learn about cultures that were completely different from my own.

I was a member of President’s 100: Student Ambassadors (also known as a tour guide). During a meeting my senior year, members of the admission office came to discuss full-time positions available. I saw the position of Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission as an opportunity I could not pass up. I loved the idea of my job centering around my favorite place in the world and my second home. I felt so lucky that I got to share my own experiences with students around the country. I was able to connect with students in a different way. When I spoke to students about housing, dining halls, classes, football games, etc. I was not just providing them with facts and statistics. I was able to give these students the perspective of a true Miami Hurricane because I lived it myself. I could discuss my personal experience of the college admission process and why I ultimately made the right decision to go to UM. Any person can do a presentation about UM’s programs, but I was able to tie in genuine emotions and the love of my alma mater. I always felt honored that I got to meet students that were excited about the opportunity of becoming a ‘Cane. It seems like just yesterday that I was in their shoes dreaming about Coral Gables. Being a ‘Cane has become an integral part of who I am. I will continue to show students my pride in the University of Miami, so they understand that it really is all about the U! Go ‘Canes!