Four years ago, I opened my acceptance letter from Flagler College feeling equal parts terrified and excited.
As an international student from Bolivia, I knew I was stepping into something completely new, but I had no idea what to expect. I was simply captivated by the beauty of the campus and its coastal setting. Then, in April 2022, I attended Admitted Student Day, and everything became clear. In that moment, something clicked. What once felt uncertain suddenly felt right, and I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be.
Flagler quickly became more than just a place where I could go to the beach after class or relax by the pool. It became a second home, far from home. It’s where I found my best friends, built connections with people from different states and countries, and, most importantly, discovered who I am.
There’s something special about being surrounded by people who are all finding their own paths while helping you shape yours. Academically, the small class sizes made a lasting impact. Classes felt personal. Professors knew your name, your voice, and your potential. They challenged you, supported you, and made sure you were never just another face in the room. I didn’t feel like one in a million; I felt seen.
During my freshman year, I joined Phi Alpha Omega, one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve made. It became so much more than a sorority. It became a true sisterhood, a support system, and a source of lifelong friendships.
Starting with core classes, I was introduced to perspectives that pushed me beyond what I thought I knew. Courses in ethics, science, statistics, and Flagship seminars didn’t just fill requirements. They shaped the way I think. They challenged me to question, to analyze, and to see the world through a broader, more thoughtful lens. Looking back, those moments of growth inside and outside the classroom defined my experience in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time.
Pursuing a minor in Digital Media Production and Journalism allowed me to lean into my creativity. I found joy in storytelling, in filming and editing, and in being hands-on within the communications field. Working with professional equipment and learning advanced editing techniques gave me both technical skills and confidence to bring ideas to life.
At the same time, majoring in Business Administration opened doors to a completely different side of growth. Through experiences like Business Week and a strong foundation in finance, math, and global perspectives, I learned how to think strategically, connect with others, and prepare for the professional world.
Adding Marketing as a second major brought everything together. It immersed me in consumer behavior, research, and analytics, blending creativity with data in a way that felt both challenging and exciting.
By my senior year, I had the honor of serving as president of the American Marketing Association, where I was able to apply everything I had learned over the past three years. Leading, organizing, and collaborating with others gave me a deeper understanding of teamwork and leadership. Being part of the Dean’s Advisory Board further strengthened that experience, allowing me to see how closely the academic world can mirror real professional environments.
And now, four years later, in April 2026, I opened another acceptance letter, this time for my first job. I paused for a second, holding it in my hands, realizing how far I’ve come. The feeling was familiar: that same mix of nerves and excitement, but this time it was different. I wasn’t stepping into the unknown unsure of myself. I was stepping forward ready.
Ready because of every late night, every class discussion, every leadership role, every friendship, and every moment that shaped me at Flagler. That first acceptance letter brought me to a place that changed my life. This one is taking me into the next chapter of it. And somehow, it all feels like it’s come full circle.
And wherever I go next, I know I’ll always look back and say it with pride: I will always be a Saint.
