Where are you from and what were you doing before enrolling in graduate school?

I was born in Ensenada, Mexico, and raised in L.A. County’s San Fernando Valley. Before enrolling in graduate school, I gave myself time to explore what I was passionate about, from hobbies to career paths. In every job I held, from community organizing in the nonprofit sector to public relations in the healthcare industry, I found myself eager to learn how communications can help public service organizations move their mission forward. After learning that I thrived in communications, I knew that applying to graduate school was the perfect next career move to help propel me as a communications leader in the public sector.

How did you learn of the degree program and why did you choose USC Annenberg?

I learned about USC’s MA in public relations and advertising through a friend from college who took to her social media profiles to share all of the great opportunities the program afforded her, from internships to network events and extracurricular activities. I chose USC Annenberg from other schools because I saw myself represented in the program and knew that USC had the diversity and resources to help cultivate and position me as a Latinx communications leader, just like they had helped my friend. 

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program?

There is so much I love about USC Annenberg! But if I had to choose one thing that I have enjoyed the most about my program, it is how committed the faculty and staff are to ensuring that students feel seen and heard. In every class session, we are encouraged to show up as our most authentic selves, share our perspectives, and explore what we are passionate about through the lens of communications. The fruitful and energetic environment that this creates is priceless because it continuously teaches me so much about myself and my peers.