As an international student, how did your life path lead to Calvin university?
Growing up in the capitol city of San Salvador, El Salvador, I attended a private American school. This ensured I would be equally fluent in English and Spanish. I always hoped I could attend university in the United States. A high school friend was going to Calvin University, so I applied. My family honored God, but I had never thought of going to a Christian college. There were several factors influencing my college decision including finances. Calvin’s response to my questions as I was deciding my college choice was like a sign that God wanted me to go there. I had visited the US to see family who lived in Florida and Texas, so I was generally aware of what life in America was like. I was not as familiar with the cultural differences, but I was confident I could adapt.
What were the greatest challenges you faced coming to Calvin?
The most obvious challenge and one that was a major adjustment may not be what one would think, but we do not have cold weather in San Salvador. The winter season in Michigan was a very big thing, and it was hard to get used to, but ultimately, I came to a truce with snow.
Another challenge was taking on the responsibility of becoming an RA (Resident Advisor). Sophomore and junior years were very important academically. I found it challenging to get everywhere on time, keep my grades, all while being a positive influence and keeping tabs on twenty 20-year-olds. You must be a role model, as a friend and a Christian. I became interested in the role because my own RA was such a good example. He was always there for us, and I wanted to do the same.
What were your goals or initial thoughts as you started as a freshman and how did they change during your experience?
I had a vague idea that I wanted to pursue economics but was not really sure. My professors played a big part in helping me find my way. Professor Marilyn Stansbury was such a mentor. She took the time to sit down with me when I was considering a business minor, and helped me step into a dual major, instead. With her advice and help, even though it was demanding, it proved to be a big advantage. Faculty support was a big part of my decision to stay for my masters.
How did you launch your career path and where do you see yourself going in the future?
My internship with an accounting firm was positive. My career path didn’t go how I planned, however. I was not planning to return to El Salvador. I had hoped to stay in the US and move to a bigger city. Covid changed everything. Many interviews were withdrawn because of the pandemic. The odds were not in my favor, and I couldn’t get the permission to stay.
Since I had never worked professionally at home, pursuing a position there seemed foreign, as weird as that sounds. But it all worked out for the better. Within just a couple weeks after returning, thanks to my high school contacts and my Calvin credentials, I was able to connect with my employer, EY. My parents are ecstatic to have me back home.
How was your faith background and inner faith affected at Calvin?
Growing up, I went to church because it was what my parents believed, it was just Sunday church to me. At Calvin, I felt like my faith became entwined across friendships and academics. Our professors challenged us to integrate what we believed into what we did in the world. I learned what it is to take charge of one’s faith, and it became personally real to me.
What was your biggest surprise during your time at Calvin?
Definitely the biggest surprise was the number and quality of relationships I formed. It did not matter to anyone that I came from a different background. I found deep and lasting connections. I recently flew from San Salvador to Nashville for a fun weekend where we planned a reunion of some Calvin friends. We felt the same like-minded, fun community connection as we did during school, it was as if no time had passed at all. Thanks to flexibility of my job, I can retain the personal relationships from my Calvin experience for life, while my academic experience brings me career success.